All About Teething in Babies
What You Need to Know When Your Infant Starts Cutting Teeth
The process of teething can be a difficult time for both the baby and his or her parents. When new teeth rise or erupt from the gums, discomfort, pain and fussiness can result. Teething can begin as early as two months of age, but usually occurs at around six to seven months of age.
Here's what you need to know about teething.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Teething?
There are many signs and symptoms of teething, including the following:
- increased drooling
- restless or decreased sleeping
- refusal of food
- irritability or fussiness
- biting, chewing or sucking hands or fingers
- rubbing of cheeks and/or pulling on ears
- a mild rash around the mouth area (due to excess saliva).
How Many Baby Teeth Are There?
Twenty primary (first) teeth will emerge – 12 fewer than the full set of 32 permanent adult teeth that will come in later.
Which Baby Teeth Come in First?
Lower teeth generally come in before upper teeth. The first tooth to come through is usually one of the front teeth. As the tooth begins to erupt through the gums, the area may become sensitive and inflamed, and the gums may appear slightly red or swollen over the tooth.
What to Do to Ease the Pain and Discomfort of Teething?
There are several things that can be done to ease the pain of teething. A damp or frozen washcloth or a cold teething ring filled with water can help to numb the area and relieve discomfort. In addition, counter pressure or gentle rubbing of the gums with a clean finger or damp cloth may help.
Cold food can sometimes help to numb the gums as well. If your child has begun to eat solids, try giving him or her some chilled applesauce or other puree.
Should Baby Teeth be Brushed?
The American Dental Association recommends that parents use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of water to brush new teeth and to prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste should not be used on children under two years old. In addition, after the first tooth appears – but no later than his or her first birthday – the ADA suggests that children begin to receive regular dental checkups.
Teething can last until your child is about three years old; however, not every tooth eruption will bring with it pain and discomfort. When your little one is feeling discomfort from teething, try different methods of relief to see which one works the best. If you are concerned about your baby’s teething, be sure to speak to your pediatrician.
Baby's First Teeth
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