Congratulations! Your baby is entering a new phase of development: teething. While this milestone is exciting, it can also be a challenging time for both parents and babies.
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although some babies may start earlier or later. The first teeth to erupt are usually the two bottom front teeth, followed by the four upper front teeth. By the time your baby is 3 years old, they should have all 20 of their primary, or "baby," teeth.
Teething Symptoms
Teething can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
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Drooling: This is one of the first signs of teething and can start several weeks before the teeth actually erupt.
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Irritability: Teething babies may be more fussy than usual, especially when they are tired or hungry.
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Gum pain: The gums may be swollen and tender, making it uncomfortable for your baby to eat or suck.
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Chewing: Babies may chew on their fingers, toys, or anything else they can get their hands on to try to relieve the pain in their gums.
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Biting: Some babies may bite more than usual when they are teething.
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Facial rash: The constant drooling can irritate your baby's skin and cause a rash on their face and chin.
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Fever: A low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit) is common during teething. However, if your baby has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it's important to call your doctor.
Soothing Teething Pain
There are a number of things you can do to help soothe your teething baby's pain, including:
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Gum massage: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger or a wet washcloth. This can help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
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Cold compress: A cold washcloth or a teething ring placed on your baby's gums can also help to numb the pain.
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Teething toys: There are a variety of teething toys available, such as rubber rings and chewy necklaces. Choose a toy that is made of a safe material and is free of BPA.
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Over-the-counter pain relievers: If your baby is in a lot of pain, you can give them an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, it's important to talk to your doctor first, especially if your baby is under 6 months old.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, teething is a normal part of development and does not require medical attention. However, there are a few situations in which you should see a doctor, including:
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Your baby has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Your baby has diarrhea or vomiting.
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Your baby is drooling excessively and has difficulty swallowing.
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Your baby's gums are bleeding or swollen.
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Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight.
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Your baby is unusually fussy or irritable.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging time for both parents and babies. However, there are a number of things you can do to help soothe your baby's pain. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Dental Blog - Lakewood, CO • Northstar Dental The doctors at Northstar Dental have provided this informative dental blog to provide education and information for the Lakewood and great Denver Colorado community. Click to view the latest posts. Northstar Dental, 860 Tabor St, Ste 100, Lakewood, CO 80401 / (303) 481-3901 / northstardentalco.com / 4/20/2025 / Page Keywords: dentist Lakewood CO /
Congratulations! Your baby is entering a new phase of development: teething. While this milestone is exciting, it can also be a challenging time for both parents and babies.