Babies are born without their little teeth. However, considering the pain and discomfort that teething causes, the opposite would be really convenient. Instead, from about 6 months, you will have to learn to recognize the symptoms that tell you that your child is about to start getting their first baby teeth. Redness, fever and swollen gums… let's make a list together.
SUMMARY :
- The 6 symptoms that definitely indicate teething
- At what age do children's first teeth grow?
- Relieving baby's teething pain: our tips and tricks
The 6 symptoms that definitely indicate teething
Teething occurs whenever a new tooth appears in your child's mouth and pushes through the gum. An oral revolution whose most common symptoms are as follows.
- Excessive salivation : When baby drools so much that his clothes are wet and he makes bubbles, a tooth is not far away!
- Red cheeks : “Oh, he/she has red cheeks” is a phrase that speaks for itself in every mother’s mouth. When teething, both cheeks may be red or just one, on the side where the tooth is coming out.
- Swollen gums : swollen, red and sensitive with a white spot soon, this is how you can spot the gum ready to break through.
- Nibbling : Very often, babies who are teething, chew, chew on their fingers and put objects in their mouth to relieve the pain. Teething rings work wonders during these times. The pacifier, too, can relieve the inflamed gums before, very often, paying the price for the brand new baby teeth.
- Irritability : Because he is in varying degrees of pain and is bothered by other symptoms of teething, a teething baby is often grumpy, cranky and restless.
- Disturbed sleep : Due to teething pain, baby may have trouble falling asleep and wake up more often than usual at night.
- Crying : more or less frequent and intense, a baby's crying is a sign to be combined with others to detect the arrival of a new tooth.
Other Common Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Depending on the baby and the teeth - molars, for example, sometimes come out less easily - other symptoms may appear, although less frequent.
- Less appetite .
- Looser stools accompanied by diaper rash .
- A moderate fever , less than 38°C.
- A mild flu-like condition similar to a cold .
- A baby rubbing his ears or face to relieve pain, like massaging his temples when he has a migraine.
🩷 Teething is often a challenge for little ones who are sometimes just recovering from infant colic . Fortunately, some babies cut their teeth very easily, with a smile and without too much pain.
At what age do children's first teeth grow?
The "dental calendar" can be very different from one child to another. While the first baby teeth usually come in at 6 months , your child may not have had theirs until 9 or 10 months, or on the contrary very early, as early as 4 months. There is no rule. The order of erupting is always the same:
- The 8 lateral and central incisors emerge first between 6 and 16 months,
- the 4 premolars arrive next, between 13 and 24 months,
- the 4 canines follow closely, between 16 and 23 months,
- finally the 4 molars come out between 23 and 33 months.
Teething occurs between approximately 6 months and 3 years, with a full set of 20 baby teeth with enamel that is thinner than that of permanent teeth and is therefore particularly susceptible to cavities.
👉 Also read: Dental gap: adopt the physiological pacifier for prevention
Which teeth are the most painful to come out?
Again, it all depends on the baby and the timing, but often the molars are the most painful teeth , especially because they are wide and because four of them come through more or less at the same time.
How long does teething last?
You and your baby will have to be patient. For each of the 20 teeth to come out, count on about 8 days of teething and a breakthrough (relief!) on the 5th day.
Brushing baby teeth? When to start and how to do it?
Who says teeth says brushing and even for babies, oral hygiene doesn't wait.
By the way, have you ever heard of baby bottle syndrome ? It occurs when a child systematically or almost systematically falls asleep with a sweetened baby bottle filled with, for example, chocolate milk or fruit juice. A bad habit that drastically increases the risk of cavities .
Twice a day , brush your child's teeth yourself, first using a soft silicone brush that fits over your finger, then, around the age of one, with a small toothbrush with extra soft bristles and a toothpaste suitable for babies.
From the age of two , let your child brush their teeth "all by themselves like a big boy", but always under your supervision, until the age of 6 or 7. When their baby teeth start to fall out to make way for their permanent teeth, the time for independence will come.
🍼 Upstream, from birth, you can take care of baby's gums by rinsing them with a clean, damp cloth after each bottle.
Relieving baby's teething pain: our tips and tricks
Teething is not a disease. It is an integral part of your child's growth and therefore does not require treatment. That said, do not hesitate to cuddle your little one more than usual , be patient and accompany him for each new tooth, some of which will be more painful than others.
- Massage his gums by applying light pressure with your finger. There are also very effective soothing gels.
- Give him silicone teething rings . Designed to be chewed, some models can also be placed in the refrigerator for an even more pleasant sensation. His toys, fingers, toothbrush or the cap of his Élhée bottle can also be chewed without restraint.
- Cold or soft foods are also welcome to soothe the pain.
- Your pediatrician will finally be able to prescribe the dosage of Doliprane adapted to the age and weight of your baby, or the great classics for teething, Dolodent gel and certain homeopathic solutions such as Camilia pods.
🥰 In addition, apply a small amount of moisturizing cream or liniment several times a day to baby's dry cheeks, which, between redness and drooling, can quickly become damaged.
When to see your doctor?
Always pay attention to changes in your child's behavior. During teething periods, but not only, go to your pediatrician if your child shows signs of gum infection (intense redness, swelling or pus), in case of fever higher than 38°C, persistent or severe diarrhea, refusal to eat or drink or ongoing mood or sleep disturbances.
THREE POINTS TO REMEMBER
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Teething is a natural and harmless part of a baby's growth.
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There are simple solutions to relieve it and support your baby during this period: massages, teething rings, cold foods, homeopathy or painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
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If you have any doubts or worrying symptoms (high fever, diarrhea, deterioration in your child's general condition, etc.), consult a doctor immediately to obtain personalized medical advice.
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