Teething is the process when the first set of teeth erupts through the gums. Teeth develop while the baby is still in the womb, but the first teeth do not usually start to erupt until the age of around 6 months.
Teething stages
Most children start teething at the age of 6 months, but every child is different and teething can start much earlier or later than this. The first teeth to erupt are the bottom incisors (front teeth), followed by the top incisors and then by the canines and the molars, which usually do not start to erupt until the age of 12 months. Most children have all their baby teeth by the age of two years old.
Symptoms of teething
Teething affects babies in different ways and some will experience no symptoms, while others will struggle with teething. Common symptoms of teething include:
- Dribbling and drooling
- Flushed cheeks
- A slightly higher temperature than normal
- Disturbed sleep
- Becoming emotional, irritable and clingy
- Red gums
- Urge to chew on things, such as toys
- Loss of appetite
Treatments for teething
If your child has a high temperature, giving them over the counter pain relief, such as Calpol, will help to bring their temperature down. Make sure you read the labels carefully and stick to the recommended doses, as some medicines are not suitable for younger children. If you have any doubts check with a pharmacist or your GP, to see if the pain relief medication you have is suitable for your child. Teething gels can also be very effective, with many containing a very mild anaesthetic, which will help to reduce pain in the gums. Some teething gels also contain antiseptic, which can help to reduce the risk of infection once the skin is broken and the tooth has started to erupt.
Tips for parents
If your baby is teething, there are a number of things you can do to make your baby more comfortable, as well as the treatments listed above. Here are some tips:
- Give your baby a teething ring: this will enable them to bite down and chew on something that is cool and this will help to soothe the gums.
- Give your baby cool, sugar-free drinks: this will also help to soothe the gums.
- Comfort your baby: many parents find that their babies are more clingy and emotional when they are teething, so give them plenty of affection and try to play with them to distract them from any pain.
- Wipe your baby’s chin regularly to prevent them from getting a rash caused by dribbling.
- Give your baby raw carrots or apple segments to chew on: these are healthy snacks that babies can chew and bite on to ease their sore gums.
