Teething is an exciting and memorable milestone for parents as their baby’s first teeth emerge through the gums. The process is a natural one, and it typically starts around six months of age, with the two front bottom teeth coming through first, followed by the top front teeth and the teeth on either side. The first molars come through at 12-14 months, followed by the canines, and then the rest of the molars. By the time a child is 2.5-3 years of age, they will have their full set of first teeth.
However, the teething process can be uncomfortable for babies, and it’s common for parents to be concerned about managing their child’s discomfort. The signs of teething can include excessive drooling, loss of appetite, irritability, and chewing. While some parents may attribute other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing to teething, these symptoms are often due to other causes and should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
While it’s tempting to try to alleviate your baby’s discomfort, some historical practices, such as lancing the gums or using animal extracts, can cause more harm than good. It’s important to remember that teething is a natural process, and most discomfort will resolve on its own. There are, however, some simple measures that you can take to help your baby during this time.
Chewing is a natural response to teething discomfort, so give your baby something hard to chew on like raw fruit or a carrot. Avoid giving them sugary items like rusk biscuits as constant chewing and sucking on sugary things can cause tooth decay, even if your baby has only one or two teeth. Stay close by in case of choking. Teething rings can give your baby something safe to chew on, which might help ease their discomfort and distract them from any pain. Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge before use to help soothe your baby’s gums. Do not put teething rings in the freezer as they can damage the gums if too hard or too cold. A clean, cold, wet towel can also be a useful tool for your baby to chew on.
While teething gels are available, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend them. If you do choose to use a teething gel, ensure that it is specifically designed for young children, and you will need to gently rub the gel on your baby’s gums with a clean finger. This process might be therapeutic in itself and can be done without the gel.
Teething is a natural process, and while it can be uncomfortable for your baby, most of the symptoms will resolve on their own. By providing your baby with safe items to chew on and providing distractions from any pain, you can help them through this exciting time.
