Teething In Babies - Signs, Symptoms, Remedies, And Treatment
Teething In Babies - Signs, Symptoms, Remedies, And Treatment
When teeth start to erupt from the gums of the babies this process is called teething. It is medically termed Odontiasis. The baby's first teeth are known as Milk teeth, Baby teeth, Primary teeth, or Deciduous teeth. The process of teething occurs between 6 to 24 months of age. The first tooth of the baby appears around six months of age. The general range for the eruption of the first tooth is between the age of 3 months to 14 months. Most children have a complete set of 20 deciduous teeth by the age of 3. Teething may bring discomfort, pain, and even sleepless nights for some babies while others may have no problem with it. In rare cases, some babies are born with one or two teeth. The bottom two teeth are usually the first to emerge followed by the four upper teeth. Read this article to know all about the teething process.
Teething Symptoms in Babies
Teething symptoms in babies include:
- Teething Rash
- Swollen Gums
- Biting
- Drooling
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Crankiness
- Fussier and Crying
- Rubbing eyes and cheeks
- Bringing hands to the mouth
- Trying to bite, chew and suck everything
- Ear Pulling
- Less Appetite
- Sleep Deprivation
- A slightly raised temperature (less than 101°F)
(Also read: Home remedies to treat Diaper rashes in babies)
When to call the pediatrician?
The teething process can be painful but usually doesn't makes the baby sick. Call your child's pediatricians right away if you notice any of the following symptoms in your baby:- Diarrhea
- High Fever
- Cough
- Vomiting
- Runny Nose
- Congestion
- Rashes on the body
- Prolonged Fussiness
Order of Tooth Eruption In Babies
The order of teething in babies is:
| Primary Teeth | Age of Eruption |
|---|---|
| Central Incisors | 6 to 10 months |
| Lateral Incisors | 10 to 16 months |
| Canine Teeth | 17 to 23 months |
| First Molars | 13 to 19 months |
| Second Molars | 23 to 31 months |
How to soothe a teething baby?
Here are some tips to soothe a teething baby:
- Babies love to chew when they are teething. Let the baby chew as much as he/she wants. But make sure that the teething toys are safe and clean.
- Gently rub your baby's gums with your clean finger or moistened gauze pad.
- Gently massage your baby's gums with your clean finger.
- Teethers are specifically designed to soothe pain and discomfort caused due to teething. Use teethers that are made of solid rubber.
- Use cold plastic or rubber toys. Avoid using frozen solids as they can hurt or damage the baby's gums.
- Don't forget to clean the teething toys, washcloths, or other items.
- Avoid liquid-filled teething rings or plastic objects that can break. Use solid silicon-based teething rings for your baby.
- Cold objects also help to reduce pain or discomfort caused due to teething.
- Avoid using teething necklaces and bracelets as these objects can pose a choking hazard.
(Also read: Solid Food Chart for babies)
Teething Medication
- A small dose of pain killers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can provide some relief to the baby. But consult your pediatrician before giving any teething medication to your baby.
- Don't use homeopathic teething tablets. It is announced by the FDA (Food And Drug Administration) that they contain an inconsistent amount of belladonna in certain homeopathic teething tablets sometimes far beyond the amount claimed on the label. Belladonna, a toxic substance can pose a risk to infants and children.
- Don't give your baby over the counter teething gels and liquids that contain benzocaine. Benzocaine shouldn't be given to children younger than 2 years of age as it can cause serious side effects.
What causes a delay in teething?
If your baby's first tooth hasn't emerged by 18 months of age consult your child's pediatrician. Babies who born premature or had low birth weight can emerge their teeth late. In some cases, delay tooth eruption trait runs in family or can be inherited from either of the parents while in some rare cases a delay in teething can be a sign of other medical issues that may include:- Amelogenesis Imperfecta
- Malnutrition
- Vitamin Deficiency
- Hypoactive Thyroid
- Down's Syndrome
(Also read: Causes of Colic)
Clean your baby's teeth with a clean cloth or gauze wrapped around your finger.
Don't give any teething medication to your little one without consulting your baby's pediatrician. Consult your pediatrician if you're concerned about your baby's teething schedule.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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