Subscribe Feed (RSS)Like any good parent, you’re probably very excited about each milestone your baby reaches. From his first steps to his first words, each of these special moments will occupy a space in your heart forever.
Sometimes growth and development is uncomfortable however, and one part of your child’s development that is likely to cause him some stress is teething.
Every child is different, but in general most babies begin teething at the age of six months. The teething process generally lasts until the child is three or four. The incisors come in first, followed by the first molars and the canines, and finally the second molars. Your baby’s teeth will stay there until it’s time for his adult teeth to come in, usually around age six.
How your child’s teeth come in also varies from child to child. For some children cutting teeth happens relatively quickly and involves little or no pain. Other children have a rougher experience with cutting teeth, and oftentimes get fevers or severe pains because of the process.
Heredity plays a big role in the process, so if you had a rough time cutting teeth, chances are that your child will too.
There are a number of symptoms that indicate when your baby is teething. For example, one of the predominant symptoms is irritability. If your child becomes fussy for no reason, check his mouth. If you see a lump or a rise in your child’s gum, chances are that he’s teething. Other telltale signs include: drooling, as the cutting of teeth stimulates saliva production; coughing, as the extra saliva occasionally gets in the wind pipe; diarrhea, as the extra saliva loosens the stool; ear pulling and cheek pulling, as pain will often travel to the cheeks and ears, particularly when the molars come in; and fever.
To help your baby deal with teething, there are a number of remedies. One of the more common means of helping to alleviate the pains of teething is a teething ring. A teething ring can help provide counterpressure that will help your child’s teething pains. Cold food such as yogurt and ice cream can also be helpful. There are also a variety of medicines that can relieve your baby’s symptoms such as infant Tylenol or Orajel. Before trying medication you should check with your pediatrician first.
As your baby’s teeth come in, it’ll be up to you to help take care of them. You’ll need to start brushing them, and you’ll also want to refrain from putting your baby to bed with a bottle once his teeth come in, as having milk sit in his mouth all night can cause tooth decay. By the time your baby turns one, you’ll need to make a first dentist’s appointment.
The teething process can be a trying time for you and your baby, but if you persevere, your baby will quickly cut all his teeth, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful smile every time you see your child.
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