When you have a new addition to your family, there are so many uncertainties and exciting surprises. Also, every child is different, so it can be difficult to know what to expect, even if you have older children. One question that is often asked is when one can expect their baby to begin teething. Continue reading to learn which signs to look out for and a possible timeline.
When Will My Baby Start Teething
Teeth can begin as early as three months. However, it’s more like that you will see your child’s first tooth start pushing through their gumline at between four and seven months of age. Most of the time, the first teeth to appear are the bottom front teeth, called the “central incisors.” It is recommended that you schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth erupts or when they turn one year old – whichever one happens first. Then, they can continue to monitor their development to set their smile up for success.
What Are the Signs of Teething?
- Drooling: When the teeth first erupt, this can stimulate lots of drooling.
- Teething Rash: The constant drool that teething babies experience can result in chafing, chapping, redness, and rashes around the mouth.
- Coughing or Gagging: Lots of saliva can make babies gag and cough. As long as they aren’t showing other signs of a cold, flu, or allergies, this isn’t something to worry about.
- Biting: Babies quickly discover that their teething pain can be relieved by counter pressure. This means that you will have the urge to bite and chew on things.
- Crying: Some babies don’t express much complaint, but others respond to the discomfort with crying and irritability.
- Eating Reluctancy: The suction of nursing may make your baby’s gums even more sore. This can cause babies to become reluctant and fussy during feeding times.
How to Sooth a Teething Baby
- Teething Toys: Teething babies like to chew, so there is a whole market of safe teething toys. This counteracts some of the pressure they feel from beneath the gums.
- Cold Temperatures: By applying something cold to your baby’s gums, you can numb some of the discomfort. Try to refrigerate their teething toys or give them cold foods, like refrigerated applesauce.
- Pain Relievers: If the tips above aren’t doing the trick, talk to your child’s pediatrician or dentist. They might recommend giving them a pain reliever to help manage their discomfort.
Every child is different, so teething times can vary. By keeping an eye out for symptoms and bringing them to a pediatric dentist, you can help to manage discomfort during this exciting milestone!
About the Practice
At Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Sage Yoo and Dr. Justin Chan work together to serve patients in the Frisco community. If your child is starting to show signs of teething, or their first birthday is coming up, they would be happy to monitor the growth and health of their smile. To learn more about pediatric dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit their website or call (972) 987-0787.
