Teething
What is teething?A baby's first tooth usually appears between the ages of 5 and
7 months. Some babies get their first tooth a little earlier and others a
little later. Often, the two middle bottom teeth come through the gums
first, followed by the middle four upper teeth. By the time children are
30 months (2 and 1/2 years) of age, all 20 baby teeth are usually present.
Teething is the process of teeth moving and breaking through the gums.
This is a normal developmental stage for your baby.
What are the symptoms of teething?The following are the most common symptoms of teething.
However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
- drooling more than usual - drooling may start as early as 3 or 4
months of age, but is not always a sign of teething
- constantly putting fingers or fists in the mouth - babies like to
chew on things whether or not they are teething
- swollen, or puffy area on gum
- fussiness or crankiness
Teething does not cause colds, diarrhea, or high fever, but it can make
a baby uncomfortable. If your baby becomes sick around the same time teeth
are coming in, it is important to evaluate the symptoms of that illness
independently of the teething. Call your child's physician for advice if
your baby is sick.
How can you help your child with the discomforts of
teething?If your baby is cranky with teething, try giving him/her hard
rubber toys, teething rings, or cold teething toys to chew on. Do not
freeze teething toys or rings as these can hurt your baby's gums. You can
also rub your baby's gum with your finger. Teething gels (i.e., Anbesol®,
Orajel®) are not needed or helpful as they are quickly washed off with
drooling. Something cold on the gums usually soothes and numbs the gums
better. Ask your baby's physician about pain relieving medications for
teething.
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