Is your baby drooling more than usual or acting a bit fussy? These could be early signs that your little one is starting to teethe. While your baby might not understand the discomfort of an itchy chin or achy gums, these symptoms could signal that those first baby teeth are on the way.
Predicting exactly when your baby’s first tooth will appear can be tricky, as teething timelines vary widely. Some parents are taken by surprise with a sudden bite, while others might finally have an explanation for the mysterious symptoms their baby has been experiencing. Understanding the teething process can help you better support your baby through this milestone.
Read on to learn about the typical timeline for teething, how to spot the signs, and the best ways to soothe your teething baby.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Teething can begin at different times for every baby. Most commonly, babies start teething between 6 and 12 months of age, but some might experience symptoms as early as 3 to 4 months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday, or even as late as age 2. By the time your child is 3 years old, they will likely have their full set of baby teeth.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Every baby’s teething journey is unique. While some babies sail through without much trouble, others might endure months of discomfort. Knowing what signs to look out for can help you recognize when your baby is teething and how to ease their discomfort.
1. Drooling:
Teething can trigger a lot of drooling, often starting between 10 weeks and 4 months. If your baby’s drooling seems excessive, a bib can help keep them dry, and frequent chin wipes can prevent irritation.
2. Teething Rash:
Constant drooling can cause chafing and redness around your baby’s mouth, chin, and neck. Protect their delicate skin with a moisture barrier, such as Vaseline or a gentle, unscented cream.
3. Coughing and Gagging:
Excessive drool can sometimes cause your baby to gag or cough. This is usually not a cause for concern unless other symptoms like a cold or allergies are present.
4. Biting:
To relieve the pressure of new teeth pushing through the gums, babies often bite or chew on anything they can get their hands on, including their fingers, toys, or even your fingers.
5. Crying or Whining:
Teething can be painful, especially when the first teeth or molars break through. Some babies express this discomfort through crying or whining, while others may be more resilient.
6. Irritability:
Teething can make your baby feel out of sorts. They may be irritable for a few hours or remain fussy for days or even weeks.
7. Refusing to Eat:
The suction of nursing or bottle-feeding can exacerbate a teething baby’s sore gums, leading to fussiness during feedings. Offer cold, soft foods like pureed fruits to soothe their discomfort.
8. Night Waking:
Teething pain can disrupt your baby’s sleep, even if they previously slept through the night.
9. Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing:
As teeth push through, your baby might tug at their ears or rub their cheeks. This can be a sign of teething, as the discomfort radiates along shared nerve pathways.
10. Gum Hematoma:
A bluish lump on your baby’s gums might be a gum hematoma, caused by blood trapped under the gums as a tooth erupts. While usually harmless, a cold compress can help ease the discomfort.
The Order of Baby Teeth Appearance
While the timing of teething varies, the order in which baby teeth appear is generally predictable. Here’s the usual pattern:
- Central incisors: These are the first teeth to appear, usually the bottom pair followed by the top pair.
- Lateral incisors: Located next to the central incisors.
- First molars: These appear closer to the back of your baby’s mouth.
- Canines: Found on either side of the lateral incisors.
- Second molars: The last to come in, these are located at the very back of the mouth.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby?
Teething can be uncomfortable for your little one, but there are several remedies that can help alleviate the pain:
1. Teething Toys:
Chewing on teething toys or a soft, wet toothbrush (without toothpaste) can provide soothing counter-pressure.
2. Cold Relief:
Cold temperatures can numb the gums and reduce pain. Offer refrigerated teething toys, cold drinks (for babies over 6 months), or cold foods like yogurt and pureed fruits.
3. Pain Relievers:
If teething is causing significant discomfort, especially at night, consult your pediatrician about using baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully.
Teething Remedies to Avoid
While it might be tempting to try anything to soothe your baby, some teething remedies are not safe:
- Numbing Agents: Avoid using rubbing alcohol, benzocaine, or lidocaine on your baby’s gums, as these can be dangerous.
- Over-the-Counter Teething Gels: The FDA advises against using OTC teething gels, as they may contain harmful ingredients like belladonna.
- Amber Teething Necklaces: These pose a choking and strangulation hazard and have no proven benefits.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby at Night
Teething can disrupt your baby’s sleep, leading to frequent night wakings. To help your baby get back to sleep:
- Give your baby a few minutes to self-soothe before offering comfort.
- If your baby is still restless, try gentle pats or offer one of the soothing remedies mentioned earlier.
- If necessary, consult your pediatrician about giving a dose of pain reliever before bedtime.
When to Call the Doctor About Teething
While many parents believe teething can cause fever and diarrhea, these symptoms are more likely linked to a virus or infection. If your baby develops a high fever (over 101°F) or experiences persistent diarrhea, it’s best to contact your pediatrician.
By understanding the signs of teething and how to manage your baby’s discomfort, you can help make this milestone a bit easier for both you and your little one.
