Finding relief for your teething baby

Your teething baby might feel uncomfortable anywhere from 1 week to 4 months. Most babies start to show teething signs between 4 and 12 months. More than half of these babies feel pain at least once each day.

Teething follows a clear pattern. The symptoms usually show up in an 8-day window. This includes 4 days before the tooth comes out, the day it breaks through, and 3 days after. Each baby's timing is different. Some babies get their first teeth at 3 months, while others might not show any signs until they're 12 months old.

Your baby's restless sleep and swollen gums are common teething signs. You're not alone in this phase. Your child will have all 20 baby teeth by age 3, with 10 teeth in the top jaw and 10 in the bottom. Here's what you can do to make this challenging time easier for your baby.

Understanding the Teething Process

Image Source: Paediatric Dentistry of Alaska


A baby's first teeth break through their gums during teething. Most babies start teething between 6 and 10 months of age [1]. Some babies show signs as early as 3 months, while others might not start until after their first birthday [2].

Babies are born with 20 primary teeth hidden beneath their gums [3]. These teeth emerge in a predictable pattern that starts with the bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) [4]. The upper front teeth appear next, and the side teeth follow.

The general order of tooth appearance is:

Lower central incisors (6-10 months)
Upper central incisors (8-12 months)
Upper lateral incisors (9-13 months)
Lower lateral incisors (10-16 months)
Upper first molars (13-19 months)
Lower first molars (14-18 months)
Upper canines (16-22 months)
Lower canines (17-23 months)
Lower second molars (23-31 months)
Upper second molars (25-33 months) [5]


Teeth appear in pairs—one on each side of the jaw. Babies get about four teeth every six months [6]. The lower teeth often come before their upper matches [6]. A full set of primary teeth appears between 2½ and 3 years of age [7].

Each tooth's teething period lasts about 8 days. This includes 4 days before the tooth emerges, the breakthrough day, and 3 days after [8]. Teething causes discomfort only during this brief period [8].

The first few pairs of teeth cause babies the most discomfort [1]. The final sets of molars (23-33 months) bring more intense symptoms because of their larger size [1][9].

Recognising Signs of Teething

Your baby's teething signs can help you give them relief when they need it most. Each baby experiences teething in their own way, but some symptoms are quite common.

Babies often show clear signs when teeth break through. The gums might become red, sore and swollen where the tooth pushes through. You might notice one flushed cheek, usually on the same side as the emerging tooth. Your baby might also rub their ear on the side where the tooth is coming in.

More than half of all teething babies drool a lot [10]. This extra saliva can lead to facial rashes or make your baby cough when they gag on the fluid.

Your baby will likely chew on toys, fingers, or anything they can get their hands on. This pressure helps ease the discomfort under their gums. About two-thirds of babies become fussy and irritable during teething [10].

Sleep patterns often change, and many babies wake up more often. They might lose interest in solid foods for a while but should keep drinking their usual amount of breast milk or formula.

Note that teething may raise your baby's temperature slightly (below 38°C), but it won't cause high fevers [7][10][11]. The American Academy of Paediatrics states there's no proven connection between teething and temperatures above 38°C [11].

In stark comparison to this, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, severe coughing, major rashes beyond the face, and excessive crying aren't linked to teething [7][10][12]. If these symptoms show up during teething, your baby likely has something else.

Call your doctor if your baby gets a high fever, seems very unwell, or has symptoms that last several days without a tooth appearing [10]. Note that teething discomfort usually lasts about a day as the tooth breaks through the gum [13].

Effective Relief Methods for Teething Pain

Your baby's teething discomfort needs quick relief once you spot the signs. You'll be glad to know there are several proven ways to help your little one feel better.

Cold therapy works really well. Chilled teething rings or our Boobcube Tray & Pop Packs quickly ease the pain and cool your baby's mouth [14]. Pick solid teething rings made of firm rubber instead of gel-filled ones. Keep them in the refrigerator but never in the freezer because very cold items can harm your baby's delicate gums [14][15].

A frozen washcloth can do amazing things for a teething baby. You can soak a clean washcloth in water and put it in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Let your baby chew on it after that [14]. This method cools sore gums and gives your little one something safe to bite [14].

Light pressure on the gums often brings surprising relief. Make sure your hands are clean and gently massage your baby's gums with your finger [14]. This simple action gets more blood flowing to the area and helps release natural painkillers [16].

Babies who eat solid foods might enjoy cold fruits as a helpful distraction. Chilled bananas or applesauce can ease teething pain [5]. Our Boobcube Trays allow you to perfectly portion breastmilk, yogurt, purees, fruit and vegetables, and freeze them before popping them in our Boobcube Pop for instant soothing relief. If your baby is over 12 months old, they might like berries or soft fruits in small mesh teethers [17].

When it comes to pain relief medications, doctors say paracetamol is safe for babies over 2 months old [18]. Babies need to be at least 6 months old for ibuprofen [19]. Of course, check with your doctor first about the right dose [14].

Stay away from teething tablets and topical numbing gels since healthcare professionals don't recommend them [14][18]. The same goes for amber teething necklaces - they lack scientific proof and could be choking hazards [18].

Whatever methods you try, staying calm helps a lot. Babies usually get fussy when their gums hurt. Just know that teething is natural and this phase will pass [5].

 

Conclusion

Teething is one of the most important milestones in your baby's development, though it comes with its share of challenges. Your baby's first bottom teeth typically appear around 6 months, and the final molars emerge near age 3. This timeline helps you prepare for each stage of this experience.

Your baby may display several teething signs. These include extra drooling, fussiness, and changes in sleep patterns. Note that mild symptoms lasting a few days are normal. However, high fevers or severe distress need immediate medical attention.

The quickest way to provide relief during this phase is through safe methods. Cold therapy works well with refrigerated teething rings or frozen washcloths. A gentle gum massage can also provide natural pain relief. You can get instant relief for your teething baby by shopping at Boobcube now.

Knowledge about normal teething patterns and proven relief strategies will help your little one get through this challenging phase with more comfort. Your baby's teething phase is temporary, and each new tooth brings that complete smile closer.

 

References

[1] - https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/how-long-does-teething-last
[2] - https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/teething
[3] - https://www.orajelkids.com/en/resources/teething-chart-see-when-your-babys-teeth-will-come-in
[4] - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/teething.html
[5] - https://www.sproutpediatricdentistry.com/blog/paediatric-dentistry/soothing-teething-baby/
[6] - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11179-teething-teething-syndrome
[7] - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/
[8] - https://bellamysorganic.com.au/blogs/childhood-nutrition/how-long-does-teething-last?srsltid=AfmBOoqgAz4Gk-__Yszqgl3xzc-HpthxCg1TJVk5oqleFWZ8nDTFzvIP
[9] - https://childrenshappyteeth.com/blog/the-5-stages-of-teething/
[10] - https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-teething-sick
[11] - https://home.kinsahealth.com/post/is-my-baby-sick-or-teething
[12] - https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/teething-symptoms-remedies
[13] - https://www.littleones.co/blogs/our-blog/is-my-baby-sick-or-teething-how-can-i-tell?srsltid=AfmBOorQB2IABgH6MrLXC9fgk1C7QJVyp0P0qMUYUgWWRuk7gHJf2_eD
[14] - https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/how-to-soothe-a-teething-baby-at-night
[15] - https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-soothing-teething-pain-infants-and-children
[16] - https://nurturechildrenshealth.com/natural-teething-remedies-for-babies/
[17] - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378
[18] - https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/tylenol-for-teething
[19] - https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/tips-teething-pain-whats-safe-and-whats-not