Is your baby having crying fits or seemingly unexplained pain? Don’t worry just yet, they may be teething. To help your little one through the pain, our dentists in Montreal offer 5 solutions to relieve your baby’s teething.
What is baby teething?
For some children, the appearance of baby teeth goes almost unnoticed, while for others it is accompanied by discomfort or unease. The first teeth usually appear around the age of 6 months, but some babies may appear earlier. Some babies do not start teething until they are 14 months old.
The speed of teething varies greatly, but generally follows this order:
- Between 6 and 12 months: appearance of the two lower incisors, then the upper ones
- Between 9 and 13 months: appearance of the lateral incisors
- Between 13 and 19 months: appearance of the first molars
- Between 16 and 22 months: appearance of the canines
- Between 25 and 33 months: appearance of the second molars
How long does teething last?
Teething in babies lasts about 2 years, from 6 to 30 months of age. It ends around age 2 1/2 in most children.
How many teeth does a baby have?
Most children have 20 primary teeth by age 3. During this time, their 32 adult teeth are developing in their jaws. They will appear between the ages of 6 and 12. Wisdom teeth usually appear later, but some people don’t have any at all.
What are the signs of teething?
There are many symptoms related to teething in babies. Here are some signs that may indicate the arrival of one or more teeth in your little one:
- Heavy salivation
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of sleep
- Bad mood and more frequent crying
- Reddened face
- More frequent regurgitation
- Looser stools
- Moderate fever (above 39°C, seek medical attention)
These symptoms usually begin a few days before teething starts. They will gradually stop once the tooth has fully erupted through the gums.
5 tips to relieve teething in your baby
Unfortunately, there are no miracle solutions to make your baby’s dental pain go away. There are some tips that can help relieve it and here are a few!
1. Gently rub the gums
To help relieve your baby’s teething, you can gently massage the gums. To do this, wash your hands and wrap a small towel soaked in cold water around your finger. Then gently massage your baby’s gums with the towel.
2. Give cold food
Anything cold will help relieve your baby’s teething pain. Foods like frozen fruits and vegetables are great for this. Just keep in mind that the pieces should be large enough to avoid choking. Cold yogurt or frozen bananas can also ease your baby’s crying.
3. Apply dental gel
There are dental gels that you can buy to relieve your baby’s gum pain. These gels contain medications that help reduce the pain and swelling. You need to put some gel on your finger and then rub it gently on your baby’s gums.
4. Use a lemon solution
Using lemon can help reduce the gum inflammation and extra saliva that comes with your baby’s teething. To do this, prepare a solution of lemon water and wet a compress with it. Apply the compress to your little one’s sore area for a few minutes.
5. Buy teething toys
Many toys are designed to be chewed on by newborns. This helps their teeth grow in by easing the pain. Teething toys with chewable pads and soft parts are perfect for babies.
See a professional for baby’s teething pain
Teething is a time when babies’ and children’s teeth are growing. It can be difficult for them to eat certain foods, which is why it is recommended to give them fresh or cold foods to help relieve the pain.
It is not usually necessary to consult a doctor when teething. In fact, the symptoms are usually mild and disappear once the child’s teeth have grown in. You should see a doctor if your baby has a high fever (over 39°C) or if other symptoms such as vomiting or persistent diarrhea appear.
If you have any other questions about your child’s teeth or about yourself, contact the dentists at Clinique Dentaire 1935 in Montreal.