The arrival of your baby’s first tooth is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a challenging time. Teething can cause discomfort, irritability, and even sleep disturbances for both babies and parents. Understanding baby teething symptoms can help you prepare for this phase and find effective ways to soothe your little one.
In this guide, we will discuss the most common baby teething symptoms, when to expect them, and how to provide relief. We’ll also cover when it might be necessary to consult a pediatrician to ensure your baby’s comfort and well-being.
What is Teething in Babies?
Teething is the process when a baby’s first teeth, the front teeth, emerge through the gums. It is also called as milk teeth due to the initial diet of babies, but some identify them as primary teeth. Usually, baby’s teeth begin to emerge at 6 months. However, it can still vary depending on the growth spurt of the baby. Some parents can see baby teeth grow between 4 to 7 months of age. By the age of three, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
While it is part of the development of an infant, teething can still be uncomfortable. At the same time, your baby’s pain tolerance is not that high, which means teething is not a great sensation for them. When a baby is teething, their gums will be swollen due to their hormones taking part of the process. It then allows the teeth to emerge thru the swollen gums until the baby’s primary teeth show. During this time, your baby will show symptoms of teething as a reaction to the painful process.
Stages of Teething
Stage 1: 0-6 months
- 20 primary teeth or milk teeth under the gums are not emerging yet
Stage 2: 6-8 months
- Your baby’s incisors at the lower and upper part of the gums begin to emerge.
- Baby begins to show baby teething symptoms as the incisors appear.
Stage 3: 10-14 months
- Baby’s canine teeth erupt from the gums
- Symptoms of teething continue, with noticeable loss of appetite.
Stage 4: 16-22 months
- The molars emerge
- The pain can still be subdued by pain relief options.
Stage 5: 25-33 months
- Severe pain can be experienced by your baby due to the emergence of the largest molar.
- Relief options may not work, so it may warrant a visit to a pediatrician for a dental check-up.
Read a related blog about baby’s developmental milestones.
Common Baby Teething Symptoms
Excessive Drooling
One of the earliest signs of baby teething is increased saliva production. You may notice your baby drool more than usual, which the extra saliva can sometimes lead to a mild rash on their chin and cheeks.
Irritability and Fussiness
Meanwhile, babies tend to be more irritable than usual, which is one of the most common symptoms of teething for babies. The pressure from teeth pushing through the gums can cause discomfort, making them cranky, especially at night.
Chewing on Objects
Babies naturally soothe their gums by chewing on objects such as toys, teething rings, and even their own fingers. Providing safe teething toys can help ease their discomfort.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Teething often causes sore gums, which usually becomes swollen, red, and tender. You may notice small white spots where the new teeth will emerge from.
Decreased Appetite
Some babies may refuse to eat or drink as sucking on a bottle or nursing can cause additional discomfort.
Sleep Disturbances
The discomfort from teething can disrupt your baby’s sleep. They may wake up more frequently at night due to gum pain.
Ear Pulling and Face Rubbing
Babies may pull their ears or rub their cheeks due to referred pain from their gums.
Mild Fever
A slight rise in body temperature can accompany teething, but if your baby has a high fever, consult a pediatrician as it could indicate an illness.
How to Provide Relief to a Teething Baby
Teething means your baby is bound to experience pain as the primary teeth begins to emerge. As a parent, your duty is to provide relief and help your baby get through with it. In that case, these teething baby tips can help:
1. Offer a Teething Toy
Safe, BPA-free teething rings and toys help massage the gums and provide relief. Refrigerated teething toys (not frozen) offer extra soothing effects. However, be careful on choosing the teething toy for your baby to avoid accidental swallowing of beads and other harmful materials.
2. Massage Your Baby’s Gums
Try gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or use a damp gauze pad to ease discomfort from your baby’s gums.
3. Use a Cold Washcloth
Chilled washcloths provide a safe and soothing option for babies to chew on.
4. Try Teething Biscuits
If your baby has started eating solids, unsweetened teething biscuits can offer teething relief. Always supervise them while they chew.
5. Provide Extra Cuddles and Comfort
Extra attention and cuddles can help distract and calm a fussy baby.
Read this related article about baby foods, especially during the teething stage.
When to See a Pediatrician
While teething symptoms are usually mild, some cases may require medical attention. It is possible that the symptoms may have been more difficult to handle, and the best way to address them is with a pediatrician’s help.
Visit a pediatrician if your baby experiences:
- A fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A persistent rash that worsens due to drooling
- Extreme irritability that doesn’t improve
- Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period
Consulting A Pediatrician Near Me
Expert care is necessary when it comes to your baby’s health. That’s why consultation with a pediatrician should happen. However, if you don’t have a doctor yet, it can be troublesome when situations arise that need the intervention of doctors.
Here’s how you can find a pediatrician:
- Access this link to view the list of pediatricians in the Philippines.
- Select the doctor you prefer by tapping the “Book Appointment” button.
- Fill up the form by providing the needed details to proceed with the booking process
- Wait for the doctor to accept your booking.
You can also book a pediatrician using the NowServing app. Download the app now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teething
How long does teething last?
Teething can last until around age three when all 20 primary teeth have emerged.
Can teething cause fever?
Teething may cause a mild temperature increase but should not result in a high fever. If your baby has a high fever, consult a doctor.
Is it safe to use teething gels?
Teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants due to potential side effects. Instead, use natural remedies like chilled teething toys.
How can I help my baby sleep while teething?
Stick to a calming bedtime routine, provide teething relief before bed, and offer extra comfort to help them settle.
How do I know if my 3-month old is teething?
The common stage for your baby to have an emerging tooth is at 6 months old. However, it can begin as early as 3 months old. Some signs that your baby is teething at 3 months old involve drooling and swollen gums. In that case, it’s best to monitor your baby’s behavior to help provide the relief they need during the teething process.
Conclusion
Teething is a natural developmental stage, but it can be uncomfortable for both babies and parents. Recognizing baby teething symptoms early and knowing how to soothe your little one can make this phase more manageable. If your baby experiences severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a pediatrician.
For more guidance and expert pediatric care, book an online consultation through NowServing. You can also visit a dentist for pediatrics here.
