Teething symptom pattern and activities to do – A Guide

When It starts:

Babies typically begin to develop teeth between 6 and 12 months of age. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower front teeth (central incisors), followed by the upper front teeth (central incisors). This is followed by the appearance of the upper and lower lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. However, there is a wide range of typical development, and some babies may start teething as early as 3 months or as late as 14 months. It’s also important to note that every baby is different and may experience teething differently.

Symptom :

Symptoms of teething in babies can vary, but some common signs to look out for include:

1. Drooling: As the baby’s teeth begin to emerge, they may produce more saliva than usual, which can cause increased drooling.
2. Chewing: As the teeth begin to push through the gums, babies may chew on toys, fingers, or other objects to alleviate the discomfort.
3. Irritability: Teething can cause discomfort and pain, which can make babies fussy and irritable.
4. Sleep disturbances: The discomfort of teething can make it difficult for babies to fall asleep or stay asleep.
5. Biting: As the teeth begin to push through the gums, babies may bite down on toys, fingers, or other objects to alleviate the discomfort.
6. Sore or swollen gums: As the teeth begin to emerge, the gums may become sore and swollen.
7. Loss of appetite: Some babies may lose their appetite due to the discomfort of teething.
8. Low-grade fever: Some babies may develop a low-grade fever due to the inflammation caused by teething.

It’s important to note that not all babies will experience all of these symptoms, and some may not experience any symptoms at all. Teething pain usually lasts for about 8-10 days for each tooth, and the symptoms may come and go.

Pattern

The pattern of teething in babies can vary, but there is a general sequence of when different teeth typically emerge. Here is the typical order of tooth eruption:

1. Lower central incisors: These are the first teeth to appear, usually between 6 and 10 months of age.
2. Upper central incisors: These teeth typically appear shortly after the lower central incisors, usually between 8 and 12 months of age.
3. Lateral incisors: The upper and lower lateral incisors typically appear next, usually between 9 and 16 months of age.
4. First molars: The first molars typically appear between 13 and 19 months of age.
5. Canines: The upper and lower canines typically appear between 16 and 23 months of age.
6. Second molars: The second molars typically appear between 23 and 31 months of age.

            It’s important to note that this is a general timeline and that every baby is different. Some babies may start teething as early as 3 months or as late as 14 months. Also, some babies may experience teething differently and may have different symptoms or levels of discomfort.

It’s also worth mentioning that not all babies will have all 20 baby teeth, some may have extra teeth or missing teeth. Also, some teeth may not appear in the order mentioned above, or may not appear at all. This is considered normal and your paediatric dentist will be able to guide you.

Activities to do:

Here are some activities you can try to help soothe a teething baby:

1. Offer a teething toy: Give your baby a clean, cold teething toy to chew on. These can be made of rubber, plastic or even silicone and can be chilled in the refrigerator to provide a cool sensation.
2. Use a clean finger: Gently rub your clean, cool finger over your baby’s gums to provide relief.
3. Give a cold fruit: Offer your baby a piece of cold, peeled cucumber or a cold, peeled and frozen banana to gnaw on.
4. Use a wet cloth: Gently rub a cold, damp cloth over your baby’s gums for a soothing effect.
5. Use a teething gel or cream: There are over-the-counter gels and creams that can provide temporary relief for sore gums. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and consult with your paediatrician before using.
6. Give a pacifier: A pacifier can help to soothe a fussy baby, but be mindful that overusing the pacifier can cause dental problems in the future.
7. Use a homeopathic remedy: Some parents find that homeopathic teething tablets or teething granules can be helpful in relieving discomfort.
8. Massage the gums: Gently massaging the baby’s gums with your finger can help to relieve discomfort and can be a comforting activity for your baby.

It’s worth noting that not all babies will respond to all of these methods, so you may need to try a few different things to see what works best for your baby. Also, it’s always a good idea to consult with your paediatrician or dentist before trying any new methods.

Precautions:

Here are some precautions you can take if your baby is teething:

1. Avoid choking hazards: Be sure to supervise your baby while they are chewing on toys or other objects to prevent choking.
2. Clean teething toys regularly: Clean your baby’s teething toys regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
3. Don’t use numbing gels: Avoid using gels or creams that contain lidocaine or benzocaine, as these can cause allergic reactions or other complications.
4. Don’t give honey: Do not give your baby honey or anything that contains honey, as it can cause botulism in babies under 12 months of age.
5. Don’t give cold items to young babies: Be careful when giving cold items to babies who are teething, as they may be at a higher risk for choking.
6. Don’t overuse pacifiers: While pacifiers can be helpful for soothing a fussy baby, overusing them can cause dental problems in the future.
7. Watch for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever, and seek medical attention if you suspect an infection.
8. Consult with your pediatrician: If your baby is experiencing severe discomfort or other symptoms, be sure to consult with your paediatrician or dentist for additional guidance.

It’s important to follow these precautions and to use common sense when trying to soothe a teething baby, as every baby is different and may have different needs. Always consult with your paediatrician or dentist before trying any new methods or products.