Teething
Between four and seven months brace yourself for the ordeal known as teething. Some babies begin to sprout teeth as early as three months and others can take up to fourteen months but sooner or later their little chompers will start to come in and you need to prepare yourself for the pain they will feel and the grief it may cause you.
Basically, teething is the process during which an infant’s teeth start to sequentially grow in. Some babies may be born with one a tooth or two and others can take up to a year before the first pairs begin to grow. It can be several years before all twenty deciduous or baby teeth, fully come in.
Usually babies will start to grow their first teeth in pairs. Most babies will grow the middle two on the bottom followed by two above. Pediatricians agree that the basic baby teeth timeline goes: 6 months, lower central incisors; 8 months, upper central incisors; 10 months, lower and upper lateral incisors; 14 months, first molars; 18 months, canines; 24 months, second molars. This is a general guide and not all babies will follow it to the exact measure.
There are common signs that your baby is experiencing teething. The most recognizable symptoms include: a baby’s need to gnaw, swollen gums, excessive drooling, irritability and a sudden change in eating habits. While all of the signs can also indicate other problems including child fever and colds or just the natural habits of a baby when combined or in successive order there’s a good chance your baby is growing teeth.
As you can imagine this is not a pleasant experience for a baby and he will let you know just how painful it is by crying and trying to chew on anything and everything he can. It is recommended to use teething rings, specially designed toys with textures that will appeal to an infant, to satisfy his gnawing. Another option is to soothe his gums with a wet, frozen washcloth. This will temporarily numb the sore gums and give you time to prepare for the next wave of fussiness.
While doctors tend to steer clear of giving infants medications too early in their development there are several child-safe medicines that can be used if the pain becomes unbearable. Infant acetaminophen and ibuprofen present the fewest risks and you may also try other pain-relief medications that include benzocaine.
Many parents have also discovered the amazing power of distraction in treating a baby’s teething pain. Teething pain is likened to a headache pain in that it causes chronic, low grade discomfort which can be lessened with taking baby’s mind off the pain. Occupying your baby with a chew toy, teething ring or other play thing can often distract him enough where he forgets the pain. This is a hit and miss remedy and if it does not appear to be working then move on to other methods of pain reduction.
New teeth need to be cared for and dentists suggest brushing as soon as the teeth appear. Do not use fluoride toothpaste. Often a gentle brushing with warm water and a soft bristle tooth brush is enough to keep the teeth clean and free of bacteria and other germs.