Your Baby’s First Teeth: What’s Important To Know

There’s no universal manual – every baby’s teeth will erupt in their own way. But advice from doctors and experienced mothers can help you with

Timing of teething

Usually, a child’s teeth start to emerge at six to eight months of age. Then by one year of age your baby will have eight teeth – four incisors on top and four on the bottom. By age two, the first molars and canines start to emerge, and the second molars follow about six months later. All in all, a child will have twenty baby teeth, ten on each jaw. The complete set is usually ready by the age of three [1].

Some mums worry that the teeth are ‘late’. Says Anna:

“My daughter had her first tooth at five months. After my son was born, I set myself up for the same period. We celebrated six months – no teeth. I looked into the baby’s mouth ten times a day, until the pediatrician advised me to calm down. As a result, my son got his first tooth at 7 months of age. But his older sister still teases him about toothlessness.

Others are immediately optimistic, like Elena: “We are almost 9 months old, our first tooth came out just recently. I was not at all worried about it, I knew that we won’t remain without teeth. And so it turned out – the second and third are on their way.

Follow the example of Elena and think positively! You may follow a teething schedule, but don’t forget that everything is different.

Teething symptoms

Precursors of teething may include inflamed gums, burning cheeks and excessive salivation. The temperature often rises, but usually it should not exceed 38 degrees. The child may be naughty, sleep badly and even refuse to eat [2].

The teething process is as different and unpredictable as when it starts. Compare Asya’s and Agatha’s stories:

“My daughter is just now teething her upper canines. I know what moodiness, lack of appetite, and sleep disturbances are.

“I don’t have much to say, teeth are not my strong suit. With my daughter they come out without symptoms, I don’t even always notice the process. They just get bigger.

Teething can be different even for twin babies! Xenia says: “So we have had some teething problems. My daughter’s first teeth came out without any problem, and my son has been having occasional fever for three days. I called the doctor just in case.

If there is a fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should call the doctor. These symptoms may not only indicate teething, but also an infection.

Tips and advice

There are several types of medication available to make your baby feel and feel better during the teething period – but these should only be used if prescribed by your doctor. Or choose one of the following safe methods.

Teething rings

Teething rings and teethers with fluted surfaces allow your baby to massage his or her gums, stimulate circulation and reduce pain. They should be kept in the fridge before use.

Hard food

Small pieces of apple, pear or carrot chewed by your baby helps the gum break through more quickly and makes teething easier.

Gum massage

This is done by applying gentle pressure. The hand massage should be completely sterile and a gauze swab or a silicone toothbrush should be used [3].

Breastfeeding

Some babies need to be breastfed more often than usual during the teething period. This process works both as a gum massage and as a soothing remedy. This is what Daria, a mum of three, says about it:

“We never used medication, we managed somehow with other methods. The older one was always chewing on apples or dried fruit, the younger one had a fancy silicone teething ring. My daughter and I had to do breastfeeding and babbling. The best thing you can give your baby in this period is a mother’s love and care.

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Author: Cheryl Gorman

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