Teething in a baby
For some parents the word "teething" raises anxiety. There are many myths surrounding this stage of a child's development, and contrary to popular opinion this period does not have to be as burdensome as many people think. In a large proportion of children - even one in three - teething goes without major problems, and for others it is usually easy to relieve the discomfort.
When does teething begin?
Many parents anticipate their baby's first tooth with particular impatience. Some are dedicated to tracking the signs of the arrival of this great day. Indeed, it is possible to see that the first tooth is coming. A sign that something is going on is certainly the abundant drooling of a baby and more frequent than usual insertion of hands and various objects into the mouth. Such behavior means that a baby is trying to get some relief, because his gums are itchy, become slightly swollen and softer than usual. When your baby behaves this way, you may soon see the little central incisor at the bottom - because this is the tooth that usually comes out first.
Do not worry if your child does not have any teeth yet, and your friends' children do. Each child develops at his or her own pace, and it is the norm for each stage to differ greatly. It is also good to know when you yourself underwent teething - this can be a clue as to whether your child will have a tendency to teethe quickly (even in the fourth or fifth month of life), or whether you will have to wait a little for the teeth to come out (even until one year of age). The teething process can begin even 4 months before the appearance of the first tooth above the gum line, for example, already at 2 months of age. But remember - the moment when the child starts teething, as well as the speed of appearance of subsequent teeth, is an individual matter. However, it is generally accepted as an average standard that the moment the first tooth appears is around the 6th month of a child's life.
How long does teething last?
Teething is a long process that can last even as long as 31 months. By default, however, it is thought that 20 little white baby teeth should appear in a child by its second birthday. However, it is not uncommon for the last baby teeth to appear before its 3rd birthday.
And how long does it take for one tooth to erupt? There is no single answer to this question. It is estimated that a tooth may need from 1 to 7 days to break through the gum. This does not mean, however, that the child will feel pain for a week - this lasts a maximum of 3-4 days. So if your baby is behaving differently than usual and this condition persists for more than a few days, it is possible that this is not teething and it is good to consult a doctor. However, these symptoms may also indicate eruption of several teeth at once, as this is an individual process.
Teething symptoms - common conditions of teething
Some parents associate teething with a real nightmare. That doesn't have to be the case - in fact, many babies go through the teething process without much discomfort. But there are a whole set of conditions that your baby may experience. Most of them are typical and you shouldn't worry about them too much; you just need to know how to neutralize them.
Certainly the most emotional for the parents occurs when the first tooth appears. It is also an experience for a baby, who is not yet prepared for such novelty. In the case of the first tooth, hyperactivity, problems with falling asleep or diarrhea may occur. With the next teeth it should be easier - a baby will be accustomed to the changes.
This does not mean, however, that some ailments will not return with the subsequent eruption of the teeth. Therefore, during this period the child should be observed particularly carefully, the symptoms of upcoming teething should be noted, and any disturbing symptoms should be consulted with a doctor. Be sure to check what the baby puts in the mouth and whether it is safe - whether the objects are the right size. The toddler may try to relieve itchy gums in this way. Many Kinderkraft products have accessories to help babies through this period. You'll find lots of safe teethers in our educational mats and bouncer-rockers.
Because of the discomfort, children may be a little more grouchy at the time of teething. An overproduction of saliva is also an almost sure sign that a new tooth is about to appear. So are swollen and red gums.
Fever (up to 38°C and lasting no more than 3 days), fussiness, crying, more frequent breastfeeding, trouble sleeping (or conversely, lethargy), decreased appetite, increased need for closeness, a mild rash around the mouth, rubbing cheeks, holding ears - all of these can occur during teething and are considered typical, but if you are worried about something, it is worth going to the pediatrician to have your baby examined.
Teething symptoms - unusual discomforts during teething
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, the teething process can also result in less typical complaints, which occur in babies much less frequently. Few parents would associate hoarseness, runny nose or cough, for example, with the process of teething. And it may be so. Increased nasal discharge, which is similar to a cold, can accompany teething and can also cause throat irritation.
Some babies may also develop a rash - and not just around the mouth, which is more sensitive to infection due to excessive drooling. Spots may also appear on the back or tummy. This is due to an enzyme in the saliva that your baby spreads with its busy little hands all over its body.
Other symptoms that may occur irritates the ear (indicating pain in this area), change in stool color, diarrhea or vomiting. Remember also that if a child has a fever of more than 38°C and lasts more than three days, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Teething calendar - the order in which teeth come out
First of all, teething is a very individual matter and genes can also have an influence on the time when teeth erupt. If parents’ teething happens later, it is possible that their child will also have to wait a little longer for its first tooth to erupt. Tolerance in the emergence of teeth is therefore high. So do not take this calendar for granted. It is only an approximation according to the standard suggested by specialists.
4-7 months of age
Around the half-year of age, you can expect your baby to start teething. The first teeth that usually appear in a baby’s mouth are the lower central incisors.
8-16 months of age
The next are the upper central incisors, which usually appear between 8 and 16 months of a baby's life. In addition, around the same time the upper and lower lateral incisors may start to emerge next. So after 16 months, some babies may already have as many as eight white little teeth.
13-23 months of age
Between 13 and 19 months of a child's life, in turn, the first molars erupt - both on top and bottom. Often this is a parallel process. Shortly thereafter, by 23 months, the canines usually appear - the standard is that this process begins around 16 months of a child's life.
23-31 months of age
The final stage of teething is the appearance of the back (or second) molars, which are slightly larger than the first molars that came in earlier. At 31 months, your baby should have a whole set of baby teeth - 20 tiny white pearls.
Teething preparations
When the course of teething is painful for your child, and the discomfort is significant, you can reach for special preparations that help to pass this stage of development relatively smoothly. In the pharmacy you will find many remedies that relieve pain, alleviate symptoms and bring relief to the child.
The most common form of pharmacological aid are teething gels, which are spread on the gums. They differ from each other. Some work as painkillers and others have an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to ingredients such as camomile, inkberry and rhubarb. Others are formulated with an antibacterial agent and have disinfectant properties. They work on the basis of cetylpyridinium chloride. On the market there are also gels containing sodium hyaluronate, which creates a protective layer on the gum, protecting the sore area from external irritants. The last group of gels are those with lidocaine, which have an anesthetic effect. They are often chosen by parents, but their effect is not long-lasting. In addition, the US FDA warns against the use of these preparations. Children tend to lick off the gel, which quickly stops working. This unfortunately pushes some parents to increase the amount of product applied until the maximum dose is exceeded.
When a child has a fever, it is worth reaching for paracetamol and ibuprofen. Paracetamol not only reduces the temperature but also has an analgesic effect. Ibuprofen additionally soothes inflammatory conditions. So the child does not have to have a fever for these medicines to bring relief. During teething local inflammation occurs, which can be alleviated with these products. Remember that paracetamol and ibuprofen must be dosed according to the instructions on the leaflets, i.e. according to the child's weight, or after doctor’s consultation. Both medicines are available in the form of syrup or suppositories. The latter may be easier to administer for smaller children and may also provide faster relief.
How to relieve a baby from teething? Accessories & Gadgets
You do not have to immediately reach for pharmaceuticals to relieve your child from the discomfort of teething. There are many gadgets on the market that will help you and your baby through this difficult time. It is also worth knowing that carrying, rocking and cuddling your baby have calming properties.
The most popular accessories to help children cope with pain are teethers. Manufacturers offer them in various forms - wooden, rubber, gel, filled with water, made of special foam. Many of our products - such as our SMARTSPLAY, 4SMART and SEALAND mats - also have different types of teethers, which are great when an ailment occurs.
Water-filled teethers are most effective for teething because they can be cooled in the refrigerator so that when your baby takes them in its mouth, they constrict the blood vessels properly, bringing relief. But remember not to freeze teethers! A gadget that is too cold can have an undesirable effect. Rubber or gel teethers with special insets are also useful, thanks to which children can give themselves a soothing massage. You can also massage baby's gums in yet another way -for example, with a special rubber or silicone brush.
Special blankets with plush animal heads have a similar function to teethers. Children not only cuddle them, but also bite and suck them. This also helps to relieve sore gums.
Teething also means excessive drooling, which, like itchy gums, can cause discomfort. There may even be so much saliva that you can't keep up with changing more blouses. To prevent this from happening and to keep your baby from getting chilled from wearing damp clothing, put a bib on it. Remember also to dry the skin around the mouth regularly and to give your baby frequent feedings of either milk or water. The baby loses a lot of fluid during this time, so don't let dehydration occur. It is also advisable to apply moisturizing creams to the irritated skin.
Also remember about closeness. During teething, your baby may have a greater than normal need for cuddles, which relieves irritability and anxiety. Rocking is also a great option, and if your baby still needs cuddling but your arms refuse to work after a day of carrying him or her around, you can use a baby carrier, such as our ergonomic HUGGY, which is perfect for six-month-olds beginning to teethe. Wrapping your baby in a sling or using rocking accessories - like our bouncers, rockers or a cot with a cradle function - are great options during this time, too.
Teething is a time of anticipation, anxiety, and discomfort - for both baby and parent. Remember, however, that a parent can do a lot to make any discomfort go away smoothly. You can distract children, entertain them, cuddle them, rock them, make them laugh - all this can do wonders! If the baby still doesn't feel well, you can reach for gadgets or special preparations. The most important thing, however, is not to lose your temper or get too excited - teething is a necessary step in development, which does not last forever.
