Having a baby is the start of a beautiful journey, marked by several milestones. Every moment is different, and you learn something new with every step. You are new to motherhood, which makes it understandable that you worry about everything that bothers your child. Teething makes babies irritable and consequently worries mums.You may have a lot of people giving you advice on how to deal with your baby’s teething phase, but you may still be on the lookout for a dependable resource for practical advice on how to handle this phase.
Here’s a guide that you can rely upon. You will learn everything from what teething is to home remedies for it. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!
Your baby’s first tooth is one of the many joyous milestones in your journey as a mother. However, this is also one of the many times when the baby is going to be uncomfortable, and you will often need to soothe your child when he is disturbed and cranky.
Every child grows at a unique pace, and there is no definite age at which your child will definitely start teething.
Babies start getting their first teeth when they are between 4 and 7 months old. In very rare cases, a baby starts teething after it is over one-year-old. There have also been cases where the baby’s first tooth was visible at the time of the birth, but both these extremes are very rare.
Teething generally starts at four months, but your baby may start teething as early as three months too. A baby can even start teething at two months. Babies who start teething early are born with white bumps, known as pre-teeth, visible on their gums. If you see your baby teething at only two or three months of age, don’t fret. It is not abnormal at all.
It is important to note that teeth start developing when the baby is in the womb. In fact, the tooth buds form inside the gums at this point. After the teething process starts and the first tooth comes out, it takes a few months for all the teeth to be visible.
The first teeth that come out are the ones at the bottom. The two teeth along the lower side appear first.
Here’s the baby teething schedule that you should bear in mind so that you are prepared for the different stages-
By three years, your baby will have around 20 teeth. It is at the age of 4 that the jaw and facial bones grow, thus creating space for permanent teeth to come in.
As a mother, you can prepare yourself to notice certain signs of teething, as early as possible. This will allow you to help your baby in time. So, let’s take you through the following thirteen signs of teething that you will notice in your baby.
Teething tends to stimulate drooling in babies. This is your first sign. It can start off from when babies are ten weeks old. Help your drooling baby stay dry by putting on a bib. Damp clothes will further irritate a baby that is already facing discomfort from teething.
If you happen to observe red, inflamed gums, this could mean that your baby is teething.A gentle massage with your forefinger on the swollen area may provide some relief.
A faint white-ish mass below your baby’s gum is a good indicator that he is teething.
Yet another sign of teething in babies is sullenness. The emerging teeth tend to press along the gums, which can make them uncomfortable and cranky.
Yes, teething can keep your baby up all night! The discomfort of teething can keep your baby up all night!
When babies begin teething, they are ready to chew on anything they can lay their hands on.
The discomfort they experience during teething can make them refuse food too.
Many times tugging ears is a sign of ear-ache but it could also be due to teething in babies.
Teething can also cause rashes near the face. (Also known as dribble rashes)
The discomfort of teething is unbearable for kids and makes them cry frequently. If you observe that they are crying and cannot figure out the reason, check for other signs of teething to confirm.
Cheeks share the nerve paths to the teeth. These nerves may throb or be tender during the teething phase. This is why babies tend to rub their cheeks.
Some babies tend to cough mildly when they are teething.
Some babies tend to run a fever when they are teething. If it gets severe, you must check with a doctor.
As a mother, you must have read that there is a connection between teething and fever as well as an upset tummy, and may be wondering if teething is always accompanied by fever and diarrhoea. However, there is no concrete reason to believe that such a connection exists or happens to every teething baby. A lot of babies do experience fever when teething, but several little ones have an easy teething experience too. In the case of diarrhoea, it could be possible that the child is chewing or biting into something that is not clean, causing a gastric issue. It is always a good idea to consult the doctor if fever or diarrhoea persists.
There are several ways in which you can soothe your baby, and relieve the discomfort of teething. Let us help you with some handy tips.
There are some over-the-counter pain relief remedies for teething that you can consider giving your baby. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Advil can help your baby deal with the pain, Motrin for children can also help relieve the pain. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before you buy these medicines. Also, there are several home remedies for teething babies which can take some stress out of this phase.
You can even invest in natural solid wood toys for gnawing.
There are many reasons why some babies tend to teeth at a later stage. If your baby has not started teething by the time he/she is one-year-old, it could be either hereditary or the result of poor nutrition. Hyperthyroidism can also be a cause of late teething in babies. Visit a paediatrician to know the exact cause for late teething. It is not really a problem you need to be concerned about, but knowing why it is happening will help you deal with the delay.
Make tooth-care a regular part of your baby’s routine even before the teeth begin to emerge. Use a moistened washcloth or a piece of gauze to rub along your baby’s gums twice a day, specifically after feeding, and before laying him down to sleep.When the first tooth comes out, it is time to go shopping for a soft brush with a small head and handle, which will fit comfortably inside your baby’s mouth. Start using fluoride toothpaste only when the baby turns three.
It is always a good idea to visit the dentist once your baby turns 1 year old.
Teething is a major developmental stage for your child. Make sure you handle your baby’s discomfort with patience, and the journey is sure to be an easy one for both of you.
Read this article in Arabic: التسنين عند الأطفال