Teething
What is teething?
Teething is the term used when your baby’s teeth first begin to erupt from their gums. Teething usually starts anywhere between four and 10 months of age.
Babies first begin to develop teeth at 5 weeks gestation when small buds of primary teeth appear in their jaw. By the time they are born, babies have a full set of 20 primary teeth which lie below the gum line (also known as baby teeth or milk teeth) — 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. However, it can be two or three years before all of them erupt, or ‘come in’.
Types of teeth
There are different types of teeth with all of them playing different roles. They are:
Incisors — these are the front teeth in the upper and lower jaws which act like scissors to cut food
Canines (cuspids) — found on either side of the incisors, canines are used to tear food
First molar — their flat surfaces are ideal for crushing food
Second molars — these are the larger teeth found at the back of the mouth which are used to grind food.
When do babies get their teeth?
There is no ‘normal’ when it comes to the timing of teething. Some babies get their teeth earlier than others. However, the order they get their teeth is more important than the time in which they appear. A general guide to when baby teeth appear is as follows:
Central incisors — 6-10 months (lower teeth); 8-12 months (upper teeth)
Lateral incisors — 10 – 16 months (lower teeth); 9-13 months (upper teeth)
Canines — 17-23 months (lower teeth); 16-22 months (upper teeth)
First molars — 14-18 months (lower teeth); 13-19 months (upper teeth)
Second molars — 23 – 31 months (lower teeth); 25-33 months (upper teeth)
What are the signs baby is teething?
Teething can be quite uncomfortable for many babies, although some may not experience too much trouble at all. Babies may experience one, or a combination of the following teething symptoms:
swollen, red gums
flushed cheeks
increased saliva and drooling
crying more than usual
restlessness or irritability
pulling on the ears
not feeding as well as usual
increased sucking of fingers, fists or toys
a slight increase in temperature, but no fever
more dirty nappies
How can you manage teething?
Pain and irritability are quite normal when it comes to teething. Usually, teething can be managed by:
gentle massage on your baby’s gums
chilled (not frozen) teething rings, dummies, wet facecloth or plastic spoons
chewing on unsweetened teething rusks or sugar-free teething biscuits , or raw fruits and vegetables, under direct supervision
drying saliva around the mouth to prevent skin irritation
giving older babies soft foods that don’t require chewing
over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relieving medications — speak to your Pharmacist first
teething gels , although you should check with your Pharmacist to see if these are suitable for your child
If your baby is teething, you should avoid8:
amber teething beads, as these are a choking hazard
homeopathic teething tablets, as they have been linked to baby deaths
How to care for your baby’s teeth and gums
Dental care for baby teeth can begin around three months, before the first tooth erupts, as this will help your baby get ready for brushing when their first tooth arrives. At this stage, simply wipe your baby’s gums with a damp, clean face washer or gauze twice a day.
Once teeth appear, use a soft toothbrush designed for infants under two years, to gently clean the teeth. There is no need to use toothpaste until your baby is around 18 months unless advised by a dentist or other health professional.
When should you see your doctor?
Most of the time, there is no need to see a doctor if your baby is teething. However, you should visit your doctor if your baby is unwell, has a temperature, or continues to be unsettled, as these symptoms may be a sign of illness not related to teething.
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health and that of your family. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your baby’s symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for them, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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