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As parents, we heartily celebrate each of our child's milestones. The first smile that lights up their face, the first giggly laugh that fills the room with joy, or the first time they manage to roll over on their own. However, there is one such milestone that might not be as sweet, at least for your little one - teething.
Teething is a natural growth phase but can bring discomfort, tears (from both you and your baby), and some sleepless nights too! You might wonder when will your baby start teething and what signs you should look out for. Or perhaps you're curious about what happens if your baby starts teething early or late. This post aims to answer all your questions about your baby's teething, providing an in-depth look at the teething age chart and sharing invaluable tips on how to make this phase a little easier for both you and your child.
Signs Your Baby Might Be Teething
While some babies may sprout their first tooth without much fuss, others may experience discomfort during this phase. Here are some common signs of teething in infants:
Drooling: Increased salivation is one of the earliest signs of teething. You might notice your baby's shirts are perpetually wet or that they have a rash on their face from excessive drooling.
Chewing On Objects: Your baby might start biting on toys, their fingers or anything they can get their hands on as applying pressure can help alleviate the discomfort.
Irritability and Crying: Teething can cause your little one to be more fussy and irritable than usual. They might also cry more due to the pain.
Loss of Appetite: Your baby might be less interested in eating or drinking due to gum pain.
Biting During Nursing: Babies might bite while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to relieve teething discomfort.
Swollen Gums: Gums may appear red, swollen, and tender.
Rash: Excess drooling can cause a rash around the mouth, chin, or neck.
Is Fever a Sign of Teething?
You may have heard that fever is a sign of teething in babies. However, while your baby might have an elevated temperature of around 99°F (37.2°C), a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher may indicate an infection and not teething. Diarrhea and vomiting are other symptoms that are not usually associated with teething. If your baby experiences these symptoms, it's best to seek medical advice from their pediatrician.
Breastfeeding Babies and Teething
Breastfeeding when your baby is teething can present its own set of challenges. You might notice changes like your baby latching on differently due to gum discomfort or biting down on your breasts because breastfeeding soothes them during this time. Remember, these changes occur before the tooth breaks through the gumline so don’t panic if you don't see any signs of a tooth yet!
Baby Teething Chart
Most babies sprout their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old. However, this age bracket is only an average estimate; it is completely normal if your baby starts teething a little earlier or later than this timeframe.
Development Timeline: Understanding the Infant Teeth Chart
While exact timelines may vary, here's an approximate infant teeth chart to help you understand what to expect:
Birth to 6 Months: No teeth, but development is happening below the gums.
6 to 10 Months: The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) typically appear first.
8 to 12 Months: The upper central incisors (top front teeth) usually come in next.
9 to 13 Months: Upper lateral incisors (teeth on either side of the top front teeth) begin to emerge.
10 to 16 Months: Lower lateral incisors (teeth on either side of the bottom front teeth) come in.
13 to 19 Months: The first molars (large teeth towards the back of the mouth) start to appear on both the top and bottom.
16 to 22 Months: Canines (pointed teeth between the incisors and molars) begin to emerge on the top and bottom.
23 to 31 Months: The second molars (backmost teeth) come in on the bottom.
25 to 33 Months: The second molars appear on the top, completing the set of baby teeth.
Generally, the lower two teeth are the first to appear, followed by the upper four teeth. However, this pattern can vary for every individual baby, along with other factors like if your baby was born early or had a low birth weight which can also influence their teething timeline.
Early Teethers and Late Teethers: Is There Cause for Concern?
Every child develops at their own pace and this applies to teething as well. Some babies might start showing signs of teething around 2 or 3 months old – these are the early teethers. On the other hand, if your baby is a late teether and hasn’t cut a tooth by 9 months old, there’s no need for undue worry. If you have any concerns though, it's best to consult with their pediatrician during their next checkup.
How to Soothe A Teething Baby
When your little one is going through the discomfort of teething, here are some safe home remedies you can try:
Teething Rings: Provide a clean, safe teething ring. Chilling it in the refrigerator can offer extra relief, but avoid freezing it, as this can be too hard on their gums.
Cold Washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, chill it in the refrigerator, and let your baby chew on it. The cold helps numb the gums and the texture can be soothing.
Massage Gums: Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby’s gums. The pressure can alleviate some of the discomfort.
Teething Toys: Offer solid, BPA-free teething toys for your baby to chew on. Some toys are designed to be chilled, providing additional relief.
Frozen Fruits: For babies already on solids, provide frozen fruit in a mesh feeder. This is soothing and adds a bit of nutrition. Do remember that frozen objects can be too hard on your baby's gums so make sure anything you offer is just cold and not frozen solid!
What To Avoid When Comforting Your Teething Baby
While it might be tempting to use over-the-counter medicated gels or teething tablets to help your baby, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against using these products due to the potential risks associated with their ingredients. Similarly, avoid teething necklaces or bracelets made of amber, wood, or silicone as they can pose a choking risk.
When Should You Consult a Pediatrician?
High Fever: If your baby develops a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C), consult a pediatrician. While mild fever can be normal during teething, high fever may indicate an infection.
Severe Irritability: If your baby is extremely fussy and cannot be comforted, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out other causes of discomfort.
Unusual Symptoms: Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash that spreads beyond the face should be checked by a doctor, as these are not typically related to teething.
Poor Feeding: If your baby refuses to eat or drink for an extended period, it could lead to dehydration and should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Sleep Disturbances: Persistent sleep problems that don’t improve with soothing techniques may require a pediatrician’s input.
Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing: While these can be teething signs, they can also indicate an ear infection. If these behaviors are accompanied by fever or persistent crying, consult a pediatrician.
Bleeding Gums: If you notice significant bleeding from the gums or if a tooth seems to be emerging incorrectly, seek professional advice.
Concerns About Development: If teeth do not appear by 18 months, consult a pediatrician or pediatric dentist to ensure there are no underlying issues.
Persistent Drooling: While drooling is common during teething, excessive drooling can cause skin irritation and should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Conclusion
Teething is a significant milestone for your baby. As parents, the teething phase might seem challenging but remember - every tooth that appears is a sign of your little one's progress in their developmental journey! While teething age charts are helpful guides, they are not set in stone as every child grows at their own pace.
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