When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs & Remedies for Baby Teething

As your baby is experiencing the teething stage for the first time, you will witness a mixed range of reactions and emotions. Being a parent, this stage can be daunting at first, which is why this guide will walk you through the facts, remedies, and preventative measures to help your child through teething in a healthy manner.

When does teething begin for infants?

Teething normally begins at four to eight months of age with the lower front teeth and continues until the last set of molars arrives at 30-36 months of age. Irritability, disturbed sleep, swelling or inflammation of the gums, drooling, loss of appetite, rash around the mouth, moderate fever, diarrhea, increased biting and gum-rubbing, and even ear-rubbing are all signs of teething.

Some newborns may wail for hours to convey their sadness, depending on the severity of the agony. For several weeks, the child’s irritation and pain may persist. It also has a negative impact on sleep. The infant may wake up and cry in the middle of the night.

During the early stages of tooth eruption, the little one may exhibit indications of low-grade fever, sometimes known as infant teething fever. If a child’s body temperature rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, parents should contact a physician. Even after the first tooth begins to erupt, the aforesaid sensations and pain will persist. Teething babies may also experience a decrease in appetite and may skip a few feedings. The symptom might be overlooked and dismissed as usual until the infant refuses to feed. During this time, children begin chewing on a variety of objects to ease stress.

When should I start to brush my baby’s teeth?

The most frequent chronic condition in children is tooth decay, which may be avoided. Begin brushing with a soft child’s toothbrush as soon as you notice teeth. Apply a pea-sized amount of non-toxic natural toothpaste to your baby’s teeth and be gentle with the brushing while using a soft bristle infant toothbrush.

How do I support my baby through teething?

You’re well aware that your toddler is irritable and uneasy. You’re undoubtedly aware that the sensation of a tooth cutting through the gums is unpleasant. So, what can you do to help your kid while also minimizing the pain?

• Obtain a washcloth and give your baby a cloth that has been soaked in ice-cold water to suck and gnaw on. For many newborns, the combination of cold, rag texture, and wetness appears to be a winner. You can also store the washcloths in your freezer
• Gums should be massaged as teething infants like the sensation of pressure on their gums. It helps to alleviate the discomfort of teething. Rub your baby‘s gums with clean fingertips, and let your fingers rest on his or her gums and mouth.
• Cuddle more frequently as teething is a painful process for newborns. Holding or rocking your child can sometimes help calm them down and make them more tolerant of the discomfort.
• Use a teether that has been chilled. Many teething rings are made to be chilled. Put them in the fridge and take them out when your baby is fussy or unhappy. A cool teething ring reduces gum irritation while also providing a safe chewing surface for your baby.
• If nothing seems to be working, then you can call your pediatrician. They will guide you through the facts and help you set a proper routine for the above-mentioned tips.

Teething remedies to avoid for your baby

Not all teething products offered for babies are safe or effective, no matter how widely it is circulated and marketed.

• Topical anesthetics: Although you might be tempted to apply a numbing gel or lotion on your baby‘s gums, you should avoid it. Benzocaine-containing products can cause methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening illness in which the quantity of oxygen in the blood becomes dangerously low. Furthermore, topical drugs don’t always stay where they’re applied. They can pass down the throat and mingle with saliva, causing the gag reflex to relax and choking to occur.
• Rubbing gels on your baby‘s gums is not a good idea. They’re ineffective because teething babies drool a lot, and the drool can wash the medicine away. It can also numb the back of a baby‘s throat, making it difficult for them to swallow.
• Teething medications should be avoided. The FDA has issued a warning about Hyland’s teething pills because they contain belladonna in an uncontrolled dosage. They discovered that they had 16 times the amount of belladonna than they should have in lab tests. A newborn can be harmed if they consume too much.

When should my baby see the dentist for the first time?

Around the age of one, you should consider a visit to the dentist. Parents will get the opportunity to ask questions and the dentist will educate them on appropriate dental hygiene. Brushing, bottles, juice, and fluoride should all be talked about. They will do a routine examination and introduce the youngster to the dentist. They attempt to make it a nice experience for the youngster so that he or she will want to return.

Therefore, teething will not persist forever, but it can be difficult, especially if numerous teeth are erupting at the same time. Consult your child’s doctor if your kid is really cranky and typical remedies aren’t working. To rule out concerns with your child’s teeth, you may require a referral to a pediatric dentist.