Teething is one of the first major milestones in your baby’s development—but it can also be one of the most challenging. As new teeth begin to push through the gums, your little one might become fussy, drooly, or just not quite themselves. While this phase is completely normal, it’s tough to watch your baby in discomfort. Fortunately, there are simple, safe ways you can ease teething pain and keep your baby feeling as happy and comfortable as possible at home.
Teething pain is a normal and common symptom that happens to babies when their new teeth come in. Babies are born with all their teeth underneath the gum line, which normally come in at different stages and ages.
The process of teeth pushing through the gums and erupting into the mouth takes time and causes gum tenderness, swelling, and pain. It’s normal for babies to be irritable and uncomfortable.
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, usually start to come in around six to 12 months. However, tooth eruptions vary from child to child, and some may get them earlier while others get them later.
Teeth erupt in a typical pattern, though, starting with the two bottom central incisors between six and 12 months. Once those come through, the two top central incisors are next, usually around eight to 12 months.
Between nine and 18 months, your baby will get their top and bottom lateral incisors and their first top and bottom molars. The rest will usually be in by two-and-a-half to three years.
Baby teething is an on-and-off process for roughly two to three years and causes uncomfortable symptoms during this time. You might notice your baby is:
Some babies also experience a slightly higher temperature during baby teething. However, anything above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius is a fever and not normal for teething. Your baby may be sick with something else, and it’s best to see your doctor.
The best plan for managing teething pain is to comfort your baby and keep your routine as normal as possible, especially nighttime routines. They may be more irritable than usual and need extra snuggles, care, and patience. A few home remedies and self-care practices can help.
A few remedies and techniques can help with soothing gums and pain.
Your baby’s gums may be swollen and irritated. Chewing on teething rings or chew toys may help soothe the gums and relieve irritation.
Look for firm, solid rubber chew toys and avoid anything with plastic, wood, amber, marble, silicone, or fluid-filled rings. These items can break apart and cause choking or poisoning.
Cold or cool items are also helpful or soothing gums. Soak a clean cloth in cold water, tie it in a knot, and put it in the fridge for a few minutes. Then, let your baby chew or suck on it to self-soothe. You can do this with clean teething rings or chew toys, too.
Massaging the gums may also feel soothing for your baby. You can wash your hands and massage the gum with your finger. Or try a textured rubber teether that fits over your first finger.
An over-the-counter pain reliever medicine may be helpful if your baby is very uncomfortable. The best and safest choice for children aged two months and older is infant acetaminophen, known as Tylenol. Avoid Advil or ibuprofen for babies under six months.
You might have seen a few products marketed for baby teething. Some of these are unsafe for babies or children and should be avoided.
Amber, wood, marble, or silicone necklaces are popular teething products. Companies claim these help stop drooling, lower swelling, and soothe pain. However, teething jewelry is a choking hazard because it can break apart into pieces your baby might swallow. They can also get stuck on clothing or other items and strangle your baby.
Avoid rubbing numbing or pain-relieving topical gels on your baby’s gums. These products contain benzocaine or lidocaine, which isn’t safe for children under two. Natural or homeopathic gels aren’t recommended either. Your baby drools so much during teething that these will wash off and have no real effect.
Additionally, avoid homeopathic teething tablets. The FDA issued a warning about these products, stating that testing found irregular amounts of a toxic plant called belladonna in tablets. Some products had more belladonna than was listed on the label.
Once your baby’s teeth pop through, it’s time to start regular brushing and flossing. Gently brush their new teeth twice daily using a brush with soft bristles and some fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a small pea.
Use a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad to clean the rest of their gums, especially after meals. Once they have two teeth together, start flossing between them.
Teething pain is normal and can often be managed at home. However, once the first tooth comes in, it’s time to start regular dentist check-ups. Our team at Hines Little Smiles will make your little one’s first appointment fun and stress-free. Book an appointment today.
Call 614-475-5439 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
