The grumpy, grand teething milestone begins in babies somewhere between the age of 3 and 12 months (or later). While the process of teething in Babies is simply ‘wow’ for few, most of the babies, as well as parents, feel uncomfortable and uneasy throughout the teething process.

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7 Stages of the Teething in Babies

The tiny tot’s first teeth is known as milk teeth, primary teeth, and also deciduous teeth. It may initiate, as early as 3 months in few infants, but some may encounter great issues, and are not able to show the signs even after 12 months. Early teething is absolutely fine for babies, until it is not causing them any problem, or affecting their feeding habits. The teething process can be segregated in different stages, as:

  1. Incisors (Bottom front teeth) – These are the first one to show out and come around four to six months.
  2. Incisors (Top front teeth) – After the bottom front teeth, the top front teeth are shown in babies at around six to eight months.
  3. Top Lateral Incisors – The babies can witness these teeth, on either of the top sides, at around nine to eleven months.
  4. Bottom Lateral Incisors – Just like above, the bottom incisors can occur on either of the sides, and can be witnessed in babies around ten to 12 months.
  5. Molars (Back teeth) – At around 12 to 16 months of age, the babies are blessed with back teeth.
  6. Canines (Back of the mouth) – Following molars, come the canines, that are shown in babies when they are around sixteen to twenty months.
  7. Second Molars – A baby between twenty to 30 months, witnesses second molars.

For most of the infants, all their milk teeth come out, by the time they are two and a half or three years old.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething in Babies

Parents get confused whether their baby is teething, or has fallen ill, especially, if it’s their very first child! The great news but is that, you can check for few symptoms and get aware that is your baby really teething or is it something else.

Teething symptoms begin right at the time of emergence of a new tooth, and can last for couple of days, or for couple of months. Few lucky babies, and hence, lucky parents, does not meet troubling noticeable signs of teething, but if you are not that lucky one, then check your baby for following symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Drooling
  • Bulging, swollen gums
  • Visible tooth below the gum
  • Baby constantly rubbing his face, or ears
  • Increased biting, sucking, and chewing on almost everything
  • Unwilling to consume proper amount of food
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Slight cough
  • Flushed Cheeks
  • Mild temperature
  • Mild diarrhea

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7 Tips to Soothe Your Teething Baby

There are multiple ways that can soothe the entire teething process for your baby. Every infant is different, and so depending upon your child, you have to check which way worked out the best.

  1. Teething Rings – Such rings help ease the discomfort and are great distractions for your baby from teething pain. You need to opt for high-quality teething rings that does not harm your baby, a great way is, for some time keep the ring in fridge and then give your baby the cooled ring. But beware of not keeping it in the freezer!
  2. Teething Gels – There are special, sugar-free teething gels available these days that you can rub around on your baby’s gums. Teething gels are not only great to ease discomfort, but are also supportive in preventing infection in sore gums or other areas of your baby’s mouth. You can always ask a pediatric, or a pharmacist to select the best teething gel for your tot.
  3. Healthy food giving – Boosted urge of chewing, ends up babies with attacking almost every approachable thing at home. If you intend chewing to be healthy for your baby, then you can give him raw fruits and vegetables like carrot and apple slices to chew. You but have to be ensure, that you give such things to your child, only when you are around, as they may choke. Avoid giving items that have high sugar level. Besides this, you can also rub honey on your baby’s swollen gums with help of your clean finger. It can be done, couple of times in a day.
  4. Cold food and drinks – For babies equal or above 6 months, giving cold food and cold water to drink can offer great relaxation to the sore gums. Blend peaches, bananas, applesauce, vegetable and fruit juice are some of items that you can consider giving to your baby.
  5. Bedtime Remedies – Teething in babies can be crankiest at the night time. Topical treatments and home-based tips are supportive, but your baby will sleep, only when he is fully eased out. Definitely, you have to surrender your sleeps and look forward to sleepless nights, during the teething time of your small tot.
  6. Medication – If you baby is in extreme pain then you can ask for his pediatric to advise you with some medication. But remember, giving medication is advisable, only when the baby is in severe pain and discomfort.
  7. Preventing Rashes – Few babies may dribble often than usually during teething. So, make sure that you regularly wipe your child’s chin, to prevent him developing any rash.

How can you care for Your Baby’s new teeth?

Oral hygiene needs to begin right from the onset of the teething process. It helps reducing the discomfort of teething process and also keeps child teeth free from cavities. Use of toothpaste, however, must begin in children equal or above 3 years of age. It is because, toothpaste contains fluoride, which if started using early, can cause permanent staining of teeth.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Home remedies can offer your child with great relief against symptoms, such as, drooling, irritability, and discomfort. But, you need to consult a doctor, if your baby is regularly showing severe signs of teething such as high fever, increased diarrhea, and rashes.

The process of teething in babies is not as simple as it may seem, but with your proper care and endless love, it can be made enjoyable and trouble-free to the baby. Gentle smiles at your baby, tender hugs, and infinite affection, are other ways that you may adopt during this crucial battle of your baby’s growing years!