You think your child has begun teething. It\u2019s hard to know where to start! Here is everything you\u2019ll need to know from identifying the beginning stages of teething all the way through how to care for those first budding teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most babies start teething between the ages of six and eight months old and develop a full set by the age of three. Although, it is not unheard of for a baby to start teething as early as 2 months old or as late as 14 months old. While no teething until 14 months may seem like a long time, this is actually normal despite it not being very common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the flip side, some babies are born with teeth; this is rare and affects 1 in 2,000 babies. These teeth are known as natal teeth.<\/a> While this is usually diagnosed through an oral inspection done by your physician, it can be identified usually as weak-rooted, small, yellow or brown teeth present at birth. Once identified, your oral expert will be able to plan the best course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common signs the teething process has begun<\/a> are excessive drooling, inflamed gums, irritability, loss of appetite, disrupted sleep, a rash around the mouth, ear rubbing, increased biting, and gum rubbing. You\u2019ll likely notice a large shift in your baby’s overall temperament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a common misconception <\/a>that diarrhea and fevers are symptoms of teething. This is technically false. When your baby is teething their immune system overall is weakened, which leaves them more prone to sickness. While it may seem there is a direct correlation due to its frequent association, ailments such as diarrhea and fever are separate conditions and should be treated as such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it is much more common for babies to lose sleep, some parents have reported their kids do sleep more during particularly severe teething episodes. There are no formal studies that confirm this, but it is more likely tied to sleeping associated with the overall rapid growth your baby is going through. If your baby is sleeping excessively it is important to contact your pediatrician to rule out other more concerning causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the worst feelings in the world is feeling like you\u2019re unable to help your child. Luckily, there are a few ways you are able to help your teething baby<\/a>\u2014 from massaging their gums to over the counter medication. Here are some steps you can take to help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Massaging your baby\u2019s gums can help relieve some irritation and inflammation. This can be done with thoroughly clean hands by gently applying pressure along your baby\u2019s gums.Your baby can also use textured teething rings to create a massaging affect as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few different ways to help cool down the gums in order to decrease inflammation and pain associated with teething. Grab a clean washcloth, dampen the cloth in water, and put it in the fridge. Once the washcloth has had time to cool, fold it allowing your baby to chew on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using cold fruits or milk popsicles can also help soothe the gums without introducing any foreign toxicities to your baby. This is a nice option if your baby has already been exposed to solid foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, cooling down teething toys in the refrigerator can help numb some of the pain your baby is experiencing. It is important to stay away from teething toys filled with any kind of liquid or gel that can leak if punctured. When it comes to any of these methods it is important to be present, as any of these can be a choking hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The salivary glands go a bit crazy when your baby begins teething. These glands start gearing up to handle more difficult foods to digest compared to easy-to-digest milk and formula. Doing your best to keep your baby\u2019s mouth clear of excess saliva can help avoid the discomfort that comes with the rash around the mouth commonly associated with teething.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some babies have a more difficult time handling the pain linked to teething. If your baby is having a particularly hard time with the pain an over-the-counter pain medication may be an option to consider to help alleviate the discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) or ibuprofen are recommended over any kind of aleve, lidocaine or benzocaine medication<\/a>. Your pediatrician should be consulted in order to decide what dosage may be best for your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to helping your baby with the pain and discomfort it may take a few tries before you figure out what works for you! While it may seem like pain management is the main concern going into the teething stage it\u2019s important to remember that taking care of your baby\u2019s gums<\/p>\n\n\n\n is just as important in order to start forming a foundation for good dental habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginning at birth, cleaning a baby\u2019s mouth once per day can both prevent the build-up of bacteria left from formula or breastmilk and get your baby accustomed to the sensation of \u2018brushing\u2019 or cleaning the mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every baby is different when it comes to the teething process, but on average it takes about one to seven days per tooth to erupt fully from the gums. There are 20 primary teeth, so many factors come into play when it comes to the exact timing of the entire teething process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your child has their first tooth! Now what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting into the routine of brushing your baby\u2019s teeth<\/a> is easy! Choosing a non-abrasive toothbrush, using a rice-sized amount of toothpaste, and a little bit of patience is all it takes! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time to schedule your baby\u2019s first dental appointment<\/a> is when you notice the first tooth coming through. This is a great opportunity to ask your pediatric dentist for advice on the best ways to keep your child\u2019s growing teeth in the best shape!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pediatric Dentistry of Central Iowa has been \u201cCreating and Caring For Beautiful Little Smiles Since 1975\u201d at our Ankeny and West Des Moines locations. Contact<\/a> either of our offices today to schedule your first appointment! <\/p>\n\n\n\n We know the teething process can be difficult, but once you see the beginnings of that pearly white smile it\u2019ll all be worth it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"How to Know Your Baby is Teething<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are Diarrhea and Fever Common Teething Symptoms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do Babies Sleep More When They\u2019re Teething?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Help a Teething Baby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Massage the Gums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Help Cool Down the Gums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep Their Face Clear From Drool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Over the Counter Pain Medicine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hygiene Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Long Does Teething Last<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Take Care of My Baby\u2019s Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Start a Brushing Routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Schedule Your First Dental Appointment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n