What should I expect when my baby starts teething?

The eruption of your baby’s first tooth is an major milestone. From the early appearance of the first tiny tooth to caring for the new set, learn what to expect from your baby’s new arrivals so you can prepare yourself. Learn how to deal with your teething baby’s discomfort.

The Facts

1. Most infants have their first tooth erupt between 6 and 8 months of age.
2. Teeth usually come up in pairs.
3. Bottom front teeth (central incisors) typically emerge first, followed by the top ones. Then the molars and the canine teeth (the pointy ones) appear. Last come the back molars.
4. Although teething usually come with a few days of discomfort and swelling before and after a tooth erupts, tooth development actually begins in the womb. Primary or “baby” teeth begin to form under the gums during the fifth month of pregnancy and slowly emerge as your baby grows. But it’s not until the teeth start breaking through the gums that things get uncomfortable for baby.
5. Baby should have her full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. Her permanent teeth won’t begin to replace them until she’s 4 to 6 years old.

Dealing With Discomfort

The worst part of teething is seeing a child in pain. Not to mention dealing with all the fussiness. Techniques for teething discomfort include:

• A teething ring: Soft plastic or liquid-filled rings are the best kinds; some can be frozen for extra numbing comfort. But avoid the type with baubles floating inside, since a determined infant might be able to gnaw through it and swallow the little objects.
• A safe, firm, nontoxic object: Even something as simple as a wet washcloth that your baby can chew on will provide relief.
• Teething gel: In some cases, your child may need an over-the-counter infant teething gel, which will temporarily numb her gums.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: An age-appropriate dose of an infants’ liquid pain reducer can provide temporary relief. Ask your pediatrician for guidelines for teething use.

What to do when teething is no fun.

Some kids sprout their first teeth with hardly and fuss, but for other babies teething can be painful and distressing. Aside from pain, you’ll know your child is teething if he shows any of these symptoms: heavy drooling, red and swollen gums, flushed cheeks, also ear rubbing on the side of the erupting tooth. Teething can even make some babies fussier than usual, sometimes they are sleepless at night but hard to put down during the day.

Read on to learn more about teething and how to manage the discomforts that can go along with it.

Why so painful?

As teeth push through gums, the process can cause pain, swelling and irritation. This is why some babies don’t feel like sucking on the breast or the bottle when new teeth are pushing through. Sucking causes more blood to rush to the swollen gums — making them even more sensitive.

A note about fever and diarrhea.

Common knowledge is that teething results in high temperatures and loose bowels or diarrhea. Doctors warn this may happen, but the occurrence is never consistent. There is also no medically proven link between teething, fevers and diarrhea. They say it is always best to consult with your pediatrician and treat these as symptoms of other possible problems that need to be addressed.

Make sure that there isn’t something else causing the fever, diarrhea or fussiness. Ear infections are often mistaken for teething and definitely needs medical attention and antibiotics which can only be prescribed by a doctor. If you baby is inconsolable or has a fever don’t just chuck it off to teething. Seek medical attention.

Soothe those baby gums!

Before resorting to pain relief medicine (like paracetamol) or teething gels (like Orajel), try some kitchen-sourced remedies. Many babies — and their parents — have found relief in cold chewable and bite-able soothers. The cold helps numb the pain and also relieves swelling. Here’s what you can try:

• Fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables — cucumbers or frozen bananas can be used as a chewable soother.
• Frozen bread, such as bagels can also be offered as a cool chew.
• You can also rub a cold finger or spoon over your baby’s sore gums.
• Solid silicone teething rings are also recommended. Stay away from liquid-filled teething toys as these can leak and cannot be sterilized.
• Cold apple puree or cold yogurt can also help soothe sore gums.

If nothing above helps, your baby could use some extra cuddling to tide her over until the teeth come out and the discomfort stops. It may be uncomfortable for baby and distressing for you, but don’t worry it will pass!

Teething gels are an option, but note that they contain anesthetics and antiseptics. These are medications that cannot be used more than a few times a day. Read the package insert or ask your doctor for advice on exactly how to administer.

If you are breastfeeding, avoid using teething gel right before nursing. The gel can numb your baby’s tongue making it hard for her to suck well. It can also numb your areola and make nursing difficult for you as well.

When will it end?

There is no set date for when that first tooth will erupt and there is no set time for how long the first few teeth will sprout through your baby’s tender gums. Some babies are troubled for just a few days before a tooth emerges, while other babies will display all the symptoms of teething for weeks until the baby teeth finally peek through.  The good news is, for most babies, the first few teeth are the worst. Problems associated with teething tend to subside after the initial front teeth have fully erupted.