One morning, you’re wiping sweet potato off your baby’s chin. The next morning, you’re staring into their open mouth wondering, Is that a little white dot on the gum? It probably is. And welcome to teething.
At Children’s Dental Specialties in Worcester, MA, we talk with local parents about teething all the time. The sleepless nights. The drool that seems to soak through three bibs an hour. The sudden clinginess from a baby who was perfectly happy yesterday.
We offer pediatric dental services and advice for parents as their child grows. If your child has begun teething, here’s what you need to know, and what you can safely do to help.
When Does Teething Actually Start?
Every baby is different, but most get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months. Those bottom front teeth, the central incisors, usually show up first. Then the top front ones come a few months later.
By age 3, most kids have all 20 baby teeth. That sounds like a long road, but the toughest teething is usually the first eight teeth. After that, most parents say things get easier.
Signs Your Baby Is Teething (And What Looks Like Teething But Isn’t)
Real teething signs include:
- Extra drool (sometimes causing a rash on the chin or chest)
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or anything they can reach
- Mild fussiness, especially at night
- Slightly swollen, tender gums
- Pulling at their own ear (same nerve pathway as the jaw)
Here’s what teething does not cause: high fever, diarrhea, or a truly sick-acting baby. If your child has a fever over 101°F or seems really unwell, call your pediatrician. That’s not teething. That’s something else.
The Teething Timeline
Here is a general timeline for when baby teeth typically appear. Remember, every child is different, so do not worry if your baby is ahead or behind this schedule.
- 4 to 7 months: The first teeth appear. These are usually the two bottom front teeth.
- 8 to 12 months: The top front teeth come in.
- 9 to 16 months: The teeth next to the top front teeth appear.
- 13 to 19 months: The first molars, or back teeth, come in.
- 16 to 23 months: The canine teeth, or pointed teeth, appear.
- 23 to 33 months: The second molars come in. By age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth.
This timeline is a helpful guide, but don’t stress out if your child’s teeth come in at a different pace.
Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
Not every teething remedy is safe. In fact, some popular ones can be dangerous. Stick with these methods that pediatric dentists and doctors agree on:
- Cold, not frozen. A wet washcloth twisted and chilled in the fridge works great. Frozen teething rings can be too hard on tender gums. Cold is soothing. Frozen can bruise.
- Solid teething rings. Choose one-piece, solid silicone rings. Avoid liquid-filled ones or those with small parts that could break off.
- Gentle gum massage. Wash your hands well, then use a clean finger to rub your baby’s gums in small circles. This often helps more than you’d expect.
- A clean, cold spoon. Chill a spoon in the fridge (not the freezer) and let your baby gently chew on the back of it. Stay with them the whole time.
Teething and Feeding Challenges
Teething can make feeding difficult. Your baby may pull away from the bottle or breast. They may refuse solid foods they usually love. The pressure of sucking or chewing can make their sore gums feel worse.
This can be stressful for parents. You worry about whether your baby is getting enough to eat. But this phase usually does not last long.
Try offering cool, soft foods like yogurt or applesauce. The cold can soothe their gums. Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Stick to smooth textures until they feel better.
If your baby is breastfeeding, try nursing in a different position. Sometimes a new angle takes pressure off the sore spots. For bottle-fed babies, try a different nipple shape or size.
If your baby refuses to eat for more than a day or two, or if they show signs of dehydration, call your pediatrician.
What to Avoid Completely
Teething gels with benzocaine (like Orajel) are not recommended for babies. They can cause a rare but serious condition that affects how blood carries oxygen.
Teething tablets or jewelry are also risky. The tablets sometimes contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna, and teething necklaces pose choking and strangulation dangers.
When to Call Us
Most teething discomfort can be managed at home. But if your baby has been teething and still seems miserable, or if you see bluish bumps on the gums, give us a call. These are normal teething blisters, but they can worry parents.
Also, once that first tooth appears, it is time to schedule their first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a checkup by age 1 or within six months of that first tooth.
If you are looking for a dentist Worcester MA parents trust, Dr. Moheban is here to help. He is board certified and a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He has extensive training in pediatric dental care.
You’ve Got This
Teething is hard. There is no way around it. But it does not last forever. Our team at Children’s Dental Specialties is right here in Worcester when you need us, whether you have a quick question or it is time for that first official visit.
Call us at (508) 625-5534. We’ve been helping local families since 1968, and we’d love to help yours too.