Navigating Teething: Signs, Symptoms, and Soothing Strategies for Your Baby
Doctor explains the teething timeline, common signs, and practical tips for managing your baby's discomfort. Learn how to soothe sore gums, choose the right teething rings, and when to seek medical advice.
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Topic Breakdown
Teething can be a challenging period for both you and your baby. Every baby is unique, and the teething timeline can vary widely. While some babies are born with their first teeth, others may start teething before they reach four months, and some might not begin until after their first year. Generally, most babies start teething around six months. In this post, we'll explore the common signs and symptoms of teething, the typical order in which teeth appear, and some top tips for managing your teething baby.
First, let's discuss the symptoms and signs of teething. You might notice that your baby's gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through. They may have a mild temperature of less than 38 degrees C, one flushed cheek, or even a rash on their face. Other signs include rubbing their ear, dribbling more than usual, gnawing or chewing on things, being more fretful than usual, or not sleeping well. While it can be unsettling to see your baby in discomfort, teething is a normal part of their development. However, you know your baby best, so it's always safest to seek medical advice if their symptoms cause you concern.
Now, let's look at the order in which babies' teeth usually emerge. Typically, the first teeth to come through are the bottom incisors, or the bottom front teeth, which usually appear around five to seven months. This is often followed by the top incisors, or the top front teeth, which tend to come through around six to eight months. The first molars, or back teeth, generally emerge around 12 to 16 months. However, there are no hard and fast rules, as every child is different. Most children will have all their milk teeth by the time they are two or three years old.
So, how can you help make this process more comfortable for both you and your baby? Here are some practical tips:
1. **Teething Rings**: Teething rings give your baby something safe to chew on, which can help ease their discomfort and distract them from the pain. Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge, which may help soothe your baby's gums. Always follow the instructions on how long to chill the ring, and never put it in the freezer, as this could damage your baby's gums if it gets frozen or cracks. Also, never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck, as this could be a choking hazard. There are many teething toys and rings available, so you might need to try a few to see which your baby prefers. If you have any personal suggestions for teething rings that your baby enjoyed, please share them in the comments section to help other parents and carers.
2. **Healthy Chewing Options**: If your baby is six months or older, consider giving them healthy things to chew on, such as raw fruit and vegetables. Soft fruit like melon can also soothe their gums. You could also try giving your baby a crust of bread but always watch them while they are eating to prevent choking. It's best to avoid rusks, as nearly all brands contain some sugar.
3. **Teething Gels**: While popular in the US, there is a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective. For this reason, I recommend trying non-medicated options like teething rings first. If you decide to use a gel, make sure it is specifically designed for young children, as general oral pain relief gels are not suitable for babies. Always consult your pharmacist before using teething gels.
4. **Pain Relief Medication**: If your baby is in pain, you might consider giving them simple painkilling medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged three months or older. Remember, children under 16 should never have aspirin. Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine, and if you're unsure, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
5. **Comfort and Distraction**: Comforting or playing with your baby can distract them from the pain in their gums. Gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger may also help. A useful tip is to soak a clean cloth in cold water, put it in the freezer for two minutes, and then let your baby chew on it. This can provide some relief.
6. **Managing Dribble**: If teething makes your baby dribble more than usual, gently wiping their face can help prevent a rash.
Once your baby's teeth start coming through, it's important to register them with a dentist. Begin brushing their teeth with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first milk tooth breaks through.
For more information, please check out the links in the description box of the video. Don't forget to share your tips to help other parents and carers who might be going through a similar situation. If you found this information helpful, consider booking a consultation to learn how to scale your medical brand on YouTube or sponsor our videos with your products. Thank you for reading, and until next time!
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