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Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. While it’s a common experience, understanding what to expect and how to provide comfort can make it easier.
In this article, we’ll explore the teething timeline, common signs, effective remedies, and when to seek professional advice.
Teething is a natural process that occurs when baby teeth start to break through the gums. Some babies are born with one visible tooth, while the rest are still developing under the gums.
Each tooth can erupt at different times, and the discomfort caused by erupting teeth usually lasts for 2 to 3 days. Teething only lasts until all of a child’s baby teeth have erupted, which can take up to 3 years.
Here’s an approximate timeline for teething:
The lower front teeth are usually the first to erupt and occur around 6 to 10 months of age. Next, the top front teeth, or the top incisors, erupt at 8 to 12 months.
These can overlap with the eruption of the bottom incisors. Then the top and bottom lateral incisors (the teeth next to the front teeth) usually erupt around 9 to 16 months.
The first molars, or the back teeth, come when your baby is 13 to 19 months old. The canine teeth between the lateral incisors and the molars erupt shortly after that around 16 to 23 months.
By the time your child is 2 years old, their second molars will start to erupt. At this point, the teething process is complete. Most children will have a full set of 20 teeth at 3 years old.
When your baby starts teething they can exhibit some noticeable signs like:
Fever, diarrhea, and rashes are not signs of teething. However, most parents mistakenly believe they are.
Although teething is a natural process, it can be uncomfortable, and your child may need to start biting on something. Here are a few things you can do to help them:
If your child seems to be experiencing intense discomfort, talk to your pediatrician about over-the-counter relief options. Pain medication is often unnecessary, so it should be a last resort.
Tylenol or Advil is safe for babies over 6 months old. However, parents should give this for 1 or 2 days only. Frequent use of pain medication can lead to liver or kidney damage in babies.
Lastly, teething toys should be made of solid rubber or hard plastic. Avoid giving ones that are filled with liquid. If a child has sensory stimulation needs, ask their primary healthcare provider for safer options.
Don’t freeze their teething rings or other objects. This can make them too hard and potentially damage your baby’s gums.
Avoid giving your child jewelry like necklaces or bracelets. These can lead to choking, strangulation, oral injury, or infection. Jewelry materials like metals, plastics, and wood aren’t safe for children either.
You should also avoid products like benzocaine or lidocaine. These products can cause methemoglobinemia, which is a potentially fatal condition in which the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen is significantly reduced.
Benzocaine and lidocaine are active ingredients in several over-the-counter (OTC) products like Anbesol, Baby Orajel, hurricaine, Orabase, and Cepacol. Additionally, benzocaine products can wash out a baby’s mouth, and lidocaine products may cause severe reactions in children.
You should see a pediatric dentist once you see your child’s first tooth, but not later than the baby’s first birthday. A dentist can make sure the teething process goes smoothly and that they have healthy teeth.
If a baby has diarrhea, rashes, or a high fever, an underlying condition may be causing their discomfort. A pediatric dentist may also recommend seeing a pediatrician. Fevers can indicate infections in the ear or urinary tract.
Teething is a normal part of a child’s development, but it can be uncomfortable. By understanding the process, you can help your baby feel more at ease during this time. If you have any concerns, we recommend consulting with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist for personalized guidance.
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