Tooth eruption is the process by which baby teeth (primary teeth) emerge through the gums.
1. Pre-Eruption Phase: Before the visible signs of teething begin, changes are happening beneath the gums. The tooth's crown forms first, followed by the roots. As the teeth develop, they begin to move through the jaw towards the gum surface.
2. Eruption of the First Teeth: The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors, which typically appear between 6 to 10 months of age. However, it's not uncommon for some babies to show their first tooth as early as 3 months or as late as 14 months.
3. Emergence of Other Primary Teeth: After the first teeth, the upper central incisors are next, followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. By the age of 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
4. Signs of Eruption: As teeth push through the gums, babies may exhibit signs of discomfort, including drooling, gum rubbing, biting, irritability, and disrupted sleep patterns. Some babies may also have a slight elevation in body temperature, but true fever is not typically a sign of teething.
It's important to recognize that the timing of tooth eruption varies widely among infants. While there are general age ranges for the appearance of baby teeth, the actual timing can differ significantly from one child to another due to genetic factors, nutritional status, and overall health.
1. Early and Late Teethers: Some babies may be 'early teethers', showing their first teeth before the age of 4 months, while others may not have any teeth until after their first birthday. This variation is generally not a cause for concern unless it's accompanied by other developmental delays.
2. Influence of Genetics: Family history plays a role in determining the timing of teething. If parents were early or late teethers, it's likely that their children may follow a similar pattern.
3. Impact of Health and Nutrition: Overall health and nutrition can also influence the teething timeline. Malnutrition or certain health conditions may delay tooth eruption, whereas optimal health and nutrition might not necessarily speed up the process but support it to unfold within a typical timeframe.
4. Individual Variation: Each infant is unique, and so is their teething timeline. While peers may start teething around the same age, it's normal for some infants to deviate from these averages without any underlying problems.
Teething is a natural process that all infants go through, yet it can be a period of discomfort and sometimes anxiety for both the baby and the parents. Recognizing the common signs and symptoms of teething can help caregivers provide the right support and remedies to ease this phase.
1. Swollen, Tender Gums: One of the most immediate signs of teething is swelling or puffiness of the gums where a tooth is about to emerge. This swelling is due to the tooth moving beneath the surface, which can cause the gums to become tender and sensitive. Babies might show discomfort when eating or when anything touches their gums. A gentle rub with a clean finger can sometimes provide relief.
2. Appearance of Tooth Below the Gum Line: As a tooth gets ready to break through the gums, you may notice a small, whitish bump along the gumline. This is the top of the tooth starting to emerge. The area might look slightly different in color compared to the rest of the gums, often a bit whiter or more opaque.
3. Increased Drooling: Many babies start to drool more than usual during teething. This increase in saliva production can be attributed to the body's natural response to the teething process, although the exact reason why teething stimulates drooling remains unclear. Excessive drooling can sometimes lead to a drool rash around the mouth, chin, and even on the chest and neck. Keeping the area dry and applying a suitable barrier cream can help prevent or treat drool rash.
4. Chewing on Objects: The pressure from teeth pushing through the gums can cause discomfort, and babies naturally seek relief by applying counter-pressure. This often leads to a teething baby putting toys, fingers, and other objects into their mouth to chew on. Chewing provides a form of relief from the pressure they feel on their gums. Offering a teething ring or a clean, damp cloth kept in the fridge can be particularly soothing, as the cold can help numb the gums slightly.
Alongside the physical manifestations of teething, infants often exhibit distinct changes in behavior. These behavioral signs can sometimes be more challenging for parents and caregivers to manage, as they directly affect the baby's (and consequently the family's) daily routine and overall well-being.
1. Irritability or Fussiness: The discomfort and pain associated with teething can lead to increased irritability or fussiness in babies. This might be more pronounced during the day when the baby is more active and therefore more aware of the discomfort. Some babies might cry more often or have difficulty calming down, as the pain interrupts their usual sense of well-being.
2. Trouble Sleeping: The discomfort of teething often disrupts sleep patterns. Babies who were previously sleeping through the night may start waking up frequently due to the pain. This trouble sleeping can exacerbate daytime fussiness, creating a cycle of discomfort and restlessness.
3. Decreased Appetite: As chewing and sucking movements can aggravate the soreness in the gums, some babies might show a decreased interest in eating. Solid foods, especially if they are hard or crunchy, might also be refused by a teething baby.
4. Rubbing Face or Ears: Babies may rub their cheeks or pull on their ears due to the pain in their gums. The nerves in the gums and jaws are interconnected with the ears and cheeks, which can lead to referred pain and discomfort in these areas.
While teething can be uncomfortable for infants, causing a range of physical and behavioral signs, there are certain symptoms often mistakenly attributed to teething that are, in fact, not typically caused by this process.
1. High Fever: While a very slight increase in temperature might be observed in some teething infants, a high fever is not a symptom of teething. If a baby has a fever, especially if it's 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it could indicate an infection or other health condition requiring medical attention.
2. Diarrhea: The belief that teething causes diarrhea is a common misconception. However, there's no scientific evidence to support the idea that the teething process can cause diarrhea. If a baby experiences diarrhea, it's more likely due to an infection or another cause unrelated to teething.
3. Severe Rash: While a mild rash around the mouth and chin can occur due to drooling, a severe rash elsewhere on the body is not a symptom of teething and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
1. Chilled (Not Frozen) Teething Toys or Rings: Offering your baby a chilled teething toy or ring can provide significant relief from teething pain. The cold helps numb the gums, reducing discomfort. It's important to chill these items in the refrigerator rather than freezing them, as frozen items can be too hard and might cause more harm than good to your baby's sensitive gums.
2. Massaging the Gums with a Clean Finger: Gently massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger can also offer relief. The pressure from your finger can help ease the discomfort your baby feels from the emerging tooth. Ensure your hands are thoroughly washed before doing so to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
3. Chilled Washcloths for Chewing: A clean washcloth moistened with water and chilled in the refrigerator can be a great remedy for teething pain. The rough texture of the cloth helps massage the gums, and the cold temperature provides a numbing effect. Always supervise your baby while using this method to prevent any choking hazards.
4. Safe Over-the-Counter Remedies, with Pediatrician Advice: There are various over-the-counter (OTC) teething gels and pain relief medications that can help soothe your baby's teething discomfort. Some products, especially teething gels containing benzocaine, are not recommended for young children due to potential side effects. Your pediatrician can recommend safe options and advise on the appropriate dosage.
1. Teething Necklaces (Due to Choking Risk) : Teething necklaces, bracelets, and beads, often marketed as natural teething remedies, pose significant choking and strangulation risks to babies. The small beads can come loose and be ingested, leading to choking, while wearing them around the neck can result in strangulation. Health professionals strongly advise against their use.
2. Products with Benzocaine or Belladonna: Avoid using teething gels or creams that contain benzocaine or belladonna. The FDA has issued warnings about these substances due to potential side effects. Benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood is reduced. Belladonna, a toxic substance, has been associated with unpredictable and harmful effects in children.
3. Frozen Objects That May Cause Gum Damage: While cold objects can provide relief to teething babies, frozen objects should be avoided. Extremely cold temperatures can cause harm to your baby’s gums and mouth. Instead, use items that have been chilled in the refrigerator, as they will be less harsh but still provide the desired numbing effect.
• High Fever: If your baby has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, it's important to consult a doctor. A high fever is not typically a symptom of teething and may indicate an infection or other health issues.
• Persistent Discomfort or Pain: While teething can cause discomfort, if your baby seems to be in persistent pain or if the discomfort does not improve with safe home remedies, it’s time to see a doctor.
• Signs of Dehydration: If your baby is drooling excessively but drinking less than usual, or if there are fewer wet diapers, these could be signs of dehydration, requiring medical attention.
• It's always a good idea to discuss your baby’s teething symptoms and potential remedies with your pediatrician. This is particularly important before using any over-the-counter teething products.
• Your pediatrician can provide advice on safe remedies and may offer additional strategies for managing teething discomfort.
• If you have concerns about your baby's growth, development, or behavior during the teething phase, your pediatrician can offer guidance and support.