Baby Teething Guide

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Soreness and swelling may make some little ones fussier and more reluctant about eating.

Teething signs and symptoms

For most babies, teeth begin to appear between 6 and 10 months. By the age of 3 a child should have a full set of 20 baby teeth (10 in each jaw).

It is not uncommon for babies to experience some pain or discomfort when new teeth break through the gums. Symptoms that indicate your baby may be teething include: red swollen gums, flushed cheeks dribbling irritability or restlessness a slight fever pulling the ear on the same side as the erupting tooth sucking fingers and fists.

Mild teething problems may be eased by the baby chewing on hard objects such as a chilled teething ring, sugar-free rusk or sugar-free teething biscuits.

These are the basic facts about teething and some baby teething home remedies to make this stage of parenthood more comfortable.

 

Basic Facts About Teething

 

1. Know the typical schedule. You can usually expect to see baby teeth appear when they're about 3 to 6 months of age. Check with your doctor if the first teeth don't appear by their first birthday.
   
   

2. Expect different reactions to different teeth. The lower front teeth will usually appear first and the very first baby tooth may cause the most discomfort. Big molars or cutting several teeth at once may also be difficult.
   
   

3. Pay attention to more serious symptoms. Teething used to be regarded as dangerous mostly because it got blamed for other developments that babies are prone to at around the same age. Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you see symptoms of slight fever, congestion or diarrhoea. They may indicate a viral infection.
   
   

   

Remedies To Make Teething More Comfortable

 

1. Massage your baby's gums. Gently rubbing your child's gums gently for a couple of minutes with a clean finger. They may resist at first but they'll come around if it helps to provide some pain relief.

   If pain persists and causes sleepless nights seek further advice from your local pharmacist or doctor.
   
   

2. Buy a teething ring. Store-bought chew toys and teething rings will help your baby to relieve pressure on their gums and make them less likely to gnaw on other objects that could be toxic. Pick whatever style your baby prefers.
   
   

3. Make your own teething toys. A bottle filled with plain cold water may be all your baby needs. Washcloths or terrycloth toys dipped in water and chilled are also good options.
   
   

4. Take proper care of all teething rings. Clean all teething products after each use. Take frequent breaks to limit the amount of time a very cold object has direct contact with your baby's gums.
   
   

5. Serve your baby cold foods. Many babies may have trouble eating solid foods because sucking increases blood flow and sensitivity in the gums. Foods like popsicles and cold apple sauce can ease the pain by numbing the area. Older babies may also like chewy frozen foods like bagels.
   
   

6. Clean up drool promptly. Babies drool more when they're teething. Try using absorbent bed sheets. Wiping your baby's chin frequently with a clean cloth will also help to keep them dry and reduce the risk of rashes.
   
   

7. Use pain relievers designed for babies. Check the labels to be sure a pain reliever suitable for babies.
   
   

8. Talk with your doctor before using any oral gel. Some doctors advise against teething gels with ingredients like benzocaine because of the potential for toxic reactions. Your doctor or healthcare professional can help explain the risks.
   
   

9. Avoid alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful, so check medicine labels carefully.
   
   

10. Keep all teeth clean. Tooth care is important from when your baby's first tooth arrives. Primary teeth need to be kept clean to prevent tooth decay and any future dental problems. Wipe baby's teeth with a soft cloth until there are enough teeth to need a soft toothbrush. After a few teeth appear use a small, soft toothbrush with no toothpaste.
    
    

11. Schedule your child's first visit to the dentist. Plan on taking your child to the dentist about 6 months after their first tooth appears or before their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early checkups enable your dentist to spot irregularities and advise you about any special dental care your child needs.
    
    

Most children sail through teething with no symptoms at all and some simple home baby teething remedies will be all that's needed to ease most cases of fussiness or challenges with eating.

Remember Baby teeth are important, so take good care of your child's teeth.

As always, talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about your child's development and get your baby off to a good start with good oral health.

 

For more great baby care tips & hacks be sure to check the Attipas blog.