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| Sample of Teething Toys Teethers by Nuby |
We've created this guide to help you recognize what happens throughout the various stages of teething and have made some suggestions on how to deal with it for both your baby's comfort and for your own comfort.
Nuby has some great teething toys and soothers that will help you get through this time. Teething toys won't take all of the pain away but they do help. In addition it takes patience, time and understanding of what your baby is going through as well to make the process a little bit easier. There will be a few painful moments along the way but it is a lot easier on all when you know what is happening and why. We have put together this information to hopefully help you enjoy and comfort your baby through this time. Just remember, like everything else, it is a stage and it too will have an ending.
TEETHING GUIDE
What You Need to Know About Teething
What Happens First? Lower Teeth. Watch for the front bottom two teeth (lower central incisors) to emerge first. When you see the following behaviors, it will be time to start checking for teething.
Your Baby’s Behavior: Signs and symptoms of teething include irritability or fussiness, drooling, chewing on firm solid objects, and sore or sensitive gums. Parents also commonly conclude that teething causes diarrhea and fever, but research has shown this to be untrue. Teething does produce signs and symptoms in the gums and mouth but not generally in other body parts.
Second Place Teeth Erupt? Top Teeth. Watch for the front top two teeth (upper central incisors) to start to cut through the gums.
Will It Hurt My Baby? Sadly, all parents have to go through this temporary process. You can try to make it easier by using teething toys to help, but you will need plenty of drool bibs as well. Teething can be a painful and difficult process for both babies and parents, as infants may become especially fussy or cranky while their new teeth emerge.
Below Pictured Are the 5 Stages of Teething In Children
If you are armed with enough information, like the information we are providing here, the process may not be less painful for you and your baby, but at least you will not panic because you will know what is happening and will know what to expect.
Teething happens in 5 stages and the process will take place over a period of about 3 years. It can be very tough for both parents and babies to endure.
HERE IS A MONTHLY DIAGRAM SHOWING YOU THE TIME PERIODS SO YOU KNOW WHAT TEETH TO WATCH FOR.
Stage 1: (0-6 months) At birth, babies have a full set of 20 primary teeth in the jawbones beneath their gums. These are frequently referred to as “milk teeth,” because during this stage a baby’s diet usually consists of milk only.
Stage 2: (6-8 months) During this stage, the first teeth emerge. The lower and upper front teeth, the incisors, begin to erupt around 6 months, but signs and symptoms of pain or discomfort may become evident before 6 months. Prior to eruption, the uneven edges of the teeth may push against the gums, and the baby will typically start chewing on toys, hands, or other solid objects. Putting pressure on the gums alleviates pain and provides a distraction for babies, so make sure to give them appropriate chew items to ease their discomfort. There will likely be an obvious increase in drool during this times period, so keeping a small bib on the baby can make it easier to keep his/her chin dry. This will help keep a rash from forming around the baby’s mouth and chin, which can add to the discomfort.
Stage 3: (10-14 months) During this stage, the primary molars begin erupting. These teeth come in the back of the mouth in the lower and upper jaws. This stage is much like stage 2, but parents will notice an even more evident increase in drool, crankiness, and the need to chew on solid objects. During this time period, it is also common for babies to experience a bit of a loss of appetite, fever, and diarrhea. During stage 3, a baby’s sleep schedule may become more sporadic or get “off.” Unfortunately, it is typical for both babies and parents to lose sleep at night during this period of teething. If a baby’s pain seems to become overly severe or the baby seems to experience inordinate discomfort, consult the pediatrician for advised overthe-counter pain remedies.
Stage 4: (16-22 months) During this stage, the canine teeth (between the top and bottom molars and incisors) will surface. The same recommendations for stage 2 and 3 can be implemented during this period to keep the baby as comfortable as possible.
Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective. Try different methods to soothe the toddler until something helps. Many parents find it beneficial to give the toddler a hard vegetable to chew on, and this is also healthy. If implementing this method, make sure to keep a close eye on the child at all times to make sure he/she does not choke!
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Helpful Hints For Soothing A Teething Baby
Some helpful hints for soothing a baby’s sensitive and sore gums include:
• Massaging a baby’s gums with a clean finger, damp washcloth, or clean dampened gauze pad. Providing this pressure to the gums can alleviate the baby’s pain.
• Providing a teething ring made of hard rubber. The liquid filled kind can break as the baby chews.
• Filling a bottle with water and allowing the baby to suck. Do not fill a bottle with milk or juice specifically to sooth teething. Extended contact with sugary liquids leads to tooth decay.
• Chilling a washcloth or teething ring for a baby to then chew on can also be very soothing. Do not freeze these items, however. Contact with objects that are too cold can cause harm to the gums and teeth.
• Giving the baby hard foods that are safe to chew on, if the baby is old enough to eat solid foods as part of his/her diet. Solid vegetables like a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot can be helpful, but watch the baby closely, as pieces may break off and potentially become choking hazards.
• Drying the drool to keep the skin from becoming too irritated or a rash from forming. Keeping a clean dry bib or cloth under the baby’s chin can be helpful.
• Giving the baby over-the-counter remedies may alleviate pain as well. Before giving the baby any medicines, however, ask the pediatrician what is safe and appropriate for the child.
Article Information Gathered from a variety of sources and written by Unique Kids Boutique.
Credits for dental information go to:
Kids Dental:
Dr. Jeffrey Holt Kids Dental Carrollton TX
Dr. Marianne Chingbingyong
Dr. Sarita Shah John
