Welcoming a new bundle of joy into your life is an extraordinary experience filled with precious moments and countless milestones. Teething is one such natural and joyous moment for any parent. It is a milestone when your baby’s first teeth begin to arrive. Teething brings a lot of physical and habitual changes in your baby, but understanding when it is happening and what symptoms to look out for can help ease the process.
Along with other significant & memorable experiences, the arrival of your baby’s first teeth is also essential to their overall growth & development. It marks the beginning of your little one’s journey toward a healthy smile and sets the stage for proper chewing, speech development, and the growth of permanent teeth in the future. Considering the importance of teething in your baby’s life, you should be knowledgeable to provide the right care and attention to your little one during this transformative time.
In this article, we will explore when babies start teething & discuss common teething symptoms to help you navigate & enjoy this exciting stage of your baby’s development.
When Does Teething In Little Babies Typically Start?
Teething usually begins around 4 to 7 months of age, but every baby is different, and some may start earlier or later. In some cases, babies may start teething as early as 3 months, while others may not show signs until they are a year old or older. Every child grows at their own pace, so it’s essential to remember that these time frames are just general guidelines. It would be better to look for teething signs in your little child to provide the appropriate comfort and care during this milestone phase.
The first baby teeth usually come out are the two bottom front teeth, commonly known as central incisors. After about 4 to 8 weeks, the four upper front teeth usually appear. Then, about a month later, the two teeth next to the bottom front teeth (lateral incisors) will come in.
Further, the first molars, the back teeth used for grinding food, will come through, followed by the canine teeth, the pointy teeth in the upper jaw. Most children have all 20 of their baby teeth by the time they turn three years old. If your baby has a slower rate of tooth growth, you should consult with the best pediatric dental clinic in Dubai.
In the rarest cases, some babies are born with one or two teeth or may have a tooth come in within the first few weeks of life. Unless these teeth cause feeding issues or other concerns, there’s usually nothing to worry about.
What Are The Common Teething Symptoms In Babies?
1. Increased Drooling:
You may notice that your baby’s mouth produces more saliva than usual. Excessive drooling is a common symptom of teething and may make your baby’s chin and neck a little wet. You should gently wipe the drool with a soft cloth to make your baby comfortable & avoid skin irritation.
2. Biting & Chewing:
Teething babies often try to bite, chew, or put everything within their reach in their mouths. They may also try to keep biting down on their fingers, toys, or even your fingers to soothe their gums. You can provide safe teething toys, soft brushes, or chilled (not frozen) objects for them to chew on. These will help your baby get a bit of comfort with soreness in the gums.
3. Irritability & Fussiness:
In some cases, teething can lead to a certain level of discomfort for babies, leading to irritability and fussiness. It will help if you keep checking your child’s behavior to find signs of teething. Your little one might get restless, cry more often, or have trouble sleeping. You should try to take their minds off of it & provide extra comfort and cuddles to help your baby achieve more soothing in the gums.
4. Swollen Or Sensitive Gums:
The gums around the erupting teeth may appear red, swollen, or tender. You might notice your baby rubbing their gums or avoiding putting pressure on them while eating or drinking. It would be best to gently massage their gums with a clean finger or a soft or wet cloth to offer instant relief from soreness.
5. Changes In Eating & Sleeping Patterns:
Teething can affect a baby’s appetite and sleep routine. Some children may experience a decreased appetite due to the discomfort in their gums. It would be best if you can keep an eye on the changes in their sleeping patterns during teething in your baby. Your child may have trouble falling asleep or waking up more frequently at night.
5. Ear Pulling & Cheek Rubbing:
Teething pain can sometimes radiate to the ears, leading to your baby pulling or tugging on their ears. They may also rub their cheeks or chin in an attempt to reduce the discomfort. While this can be a genuine sign of teething, you should also check for other causes of ear infections or problems by consulting with a Pediatrician in Dubai.
6. Rise In Body Temperature
Sometimes parents believe that teething causes fever in babies, but that’s not true. If your baby has a fever, you should pay attention to it and contact your child’s pediatrician. While teething can make your child’s body temperature slightly higher than normal, it usually doesn’t go high enough to be considered a fever.
Conclusion
Teething is a natural and important phase in a baby’s development, but it can be challenging for both infants and parents. Understanding when babies typically start teething and recognizing the common symptoms can help you in providing comfort and support to your little one. Always be patient and offer soothing measures such as teething toys, gentle massages, and extra cuddles to help your baby through this milestone. For more information or symptoms that seem severe, consult your trusted Pediatrician for guidance and reassurance.
myPediaclinic – Best Pediatric Dental Clinic In Dubai
Our skilled and award-winning doctors at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City are here to make teething easier for your babies. We are a trusted and child-friendly newborn care in Dubai that cares about the health and well-being of your children. Reach out to us today and get the quality treatment and advice your child deserves.
