The arrival of your baby's first teeth is a milestone, but it can also be a challenging time. Teething can be quite uncomfortable and even painful for your little one. In this article, you will learn all about the symptoms, when teeth start coming in, and how to relieve your baby’s pain.
When Do the First Teeth Appear?
Most children get their first baby tooth around six months of age, although this varies from child to child. Some babies get their first tooth as early as four months, while others don’t see their first tooth until after eight months. The first tooth is usually one of the lower front teeth. After the first front teeth, the other incisors (8-12 months), the first molars on the top and bottom (12-16 months), the canines (16-20 months), and the remaining molars (20-30 months) follow.
What Is a Natal Tooth?
In some rare cases, a baby is born with a baby tooth, called a natal tooth. This is uncommon but generally harmless. If your baby is not bothered by it, there is no need to visit a doctor or pediatrician.
How Can You Tell When Teeth Are Coming In?
Teething can be painful for your baby because the tooth pushes through the gum. This causes a dull ache, which often subsides once the tooth has partially emerged. Some babies become clingy and develop a slight fever without any other obvious cause. You can often feel a small bump under the gum when gently touching the area.
Common Symptoms of Teething:
- Excessive drooling
- Fussiness and restlessness
- Flushed cheeks
- Mild fever or increased temperature
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Increased desire for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
- Putting everything in the mouth and biting on objects
- Frequent ear pulling
Drooling is a very common symptom, so using a bib can help keep your baby’s clothes dry. If you’re unsure whether your baby is sick or simply teething, consult a doctor if the fever lasts longer than two days or if unusual symptoms occur.
Tips for Relieving the Pain
Although you can’t stop your baby’s teeth from coming in, there are ways to ease the discomfort:
- Gum massage:Gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger or cotton swab to help relieve pain.
- Cooling:Offer a chilled teething ring for extra cooling and pain relief.
Extra fluids: If your baby wants to drink more, let them. Cold water or milk can have a soothing effect. - Love and comfort:Be extra patient, understanding, and affectionate. Your baby feels unwell and needs your reassurance.
- Teething gel:There are special teething gels available that can be applied to sore gums. Always read the instructions before use.
- Paracetamol: If your baby is in a lot of pain, a paracetamol suppository can help ease the discomfort.
Brushing the First Tooth
As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s important to start brushing. Use a soft baby toothbrush and toothpaste specially formulated for children. Brush once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Teething is a temporary but sometimes uncomfortable phase for babies. Some babies experience a lot of pain, while others hardly seem bothered. It's important to keep an eye on the symptoms and provide your baby with extra comfort and care. Fortunately, once the teeth have come through, the pain disappears—and your little one can smile brightly again!
