It is a question that will no doubt pop into a new parent’s head, when do babies begin teething? That is a genuine concern to have; after all, even new parents are aware that this crucial time in their newborn’s precious life could be a challenge. So, they want to have some idea of when the baby teeth start coming in. The only problem is there is no direct answer to this question. Turns out there is no definitive answer to this question because no two babies are alike. So, the teething process will vary from baby to baby. There are even rare reports of babies being born with a few teeth already visible. However, medical experts have determined that the process of teething begins when the newborn is 3 months to a year old.
Common Symptoms of Teething
As stated above one of the main reasons a parent wants to know when babies begin teething, is to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. The teething process can be difficult for not only the infant but their parents as well. After all, the child could experience discomfort during this time. So, it is important for a parent to know what symptoms a baby may experience before and during the teething process.
There are some things to keep in mind though about teething. First of all, the symptoms will start to appear at least a month before the baby’s teeth start to come in. Second, some babies may not have any symptoms at all, but it is still important to know what symptoms accompany teething.
Excessive Drooling: It may seem like no big deal that a baby is drooling. This is something they tend to do, but during teething, the drooling can get out of control. A parent could find that their child’s clothes and bibs could become soaking wet due to drooling. This can lead to other problems such as chapping of the skin and even a chafing rash.
A good suggestion on how to deal with this is to use a type of unscented lotion or cream such as Vaseline to create a barrier to protect the skin. Another issue a child could face due to drooling is coughing but in this case, see if the child is displaying other symptoms of a virus such as cold or flu such as a runny nose or fever.
Chewing
A teething baby will have the desire to chew on things more so than usual, mainly because of the fact that the teeth are pressing down on the gums. So, it is a good idea to have non-toxic teething rings and teething toys on hand.
Crying & Irritability
In some cases, the teething process will cause the baby to experience pain in the mouth. The only way a newborn has to tell us something is wrong is by being irritable and crying. The discomfort can be dealt with by using teething toys, especially the ones that are cold from being in the freezer. However, if the baby is still having issues where it is even affecting how they eat or sleep, it may be necessary to see their pediatrician as to what baby-safe pain killer they recommend.
Pulling on Ear
The first thought, when a baby pulls on its ear, is that it could have an ear infection. However, this is also a sign of teething as well. Think about when we ourselves have a toothache there are times the ear is involved because the gums and ears share the same nerves. So, the best course of action, when this symptom is present, is to again see the baby’s pediatrician to know exactly what is going on.
Which Teeth Appear First
This could be something else a parent may be curious about when the baby teeth start to come in which ones commonly appear first? Well on average the bottom front two teeth tend to come in first. Once these come in then the two top front teeth come in. The process continues over the course of time with the molars usually being the last teeth to come in. The entire process will take months to even over a year, but instead of dreading the process think of it as one of the key moments in your baby’s development.
Take your baby to a dentist
Taking babies to a reputed dental clinic during the teething phase can indeed be beneficial for their overall oral health and well-being. It’s recommended that a child’s first dental visit occurs within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This early introduction to dental care sets a positive foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene practices.
Dental visits during teething serve several important purposes. Firstly, they allow the dentist to closely monitor the child’s oral development. This monitoring helps ensure that teeth are emerging correctly, gums are healthy, and any potential issues are detected early.
Secondly, these visits provide an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on proper oral hygiene practices for their babies. Additionally, early dental visits help acclimate children to the dental environment, reducing anxiety about future visits. A positive initial experience with the dentist can shape a child’s perception of dental care, making them more comfortable with regular check-ups as they grow.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, baby teething is a natural developmental milestone that marks the emergence of a child’s first set of teeth. While it can be a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable time for both babies and parents, understanding the teething process and its associated symptoms can help caregivers provide appropriate care and support. Gently soothing the baby’s discomfort through safe teething remedies, maintaining good oral hygiene, and scheduling regular dental visits are essential for promoting optimal oral health during this critical stage.