Belinda Joyce
For some babies teething seems to be an almost painless process where a parent notices a tooth and there have been no symptoms of teething prior to this. But for many babies there is some pain associated with teeth cutting through the gum.
Most babies get their first teeth between 6-12 months of age although occasionally a baby is born with a tooth already or they begin erupting earlier. Some babies have no teeth until 12 months of age and all are very normal.
The central 2 bottom teeth or ‘central incisors’ are the most common first teeth shortly followed by the upper central teeth next. Although your baby can get them in any order, this is the most common pattern we see. Most children will have all 20 baby teeth by 3 years of age.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Teething:
- Drooling / dribble
- red cheeks
- red swollen gums
- biting his own fists
- biting your nipple or bottle teats
- biting and chewing on everything
- irritable
- pulling at his ears
- nappy rash
- refusing feeds, milk or solid foods
- not letting you look in their mouth
These symptoms can begin well before any teeth emerge. They can come and go for many months with no teeth erupting and this can disrupt your baby’s and your own sleep patterns in the process.
Strategies to help with teething:
- Rubbing your baby’s gums gently with a clean finger seems to help and they will often have a bite on your finger at the same time.
- Teething toys, often made from silicone or latex, some of which can be placed in the fridge to become cold and then given to your baby to chew on. Do not place toys with gel in them into the freezer as they can split open and leak.
- A wet face cloth placed in the fridge or freezer can also be relieving for your baby to chew on when their gums are inflamed.
- Cold food such as yoghurt, fruit purees and frozen fruits for older babies over 6 months of age, can relieve the discomfort.
- Teething rusks can be good for chewing on and provide some relief.
- Some parents find over the counter teething medications helpful as well as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If using medications, it is important to follow the directions carefully and these should not be used every day for long periods. Ibuprofen and Paracetamol alternating can be very effective as the ibuprofen anti-inflammatory effect can help more with inflamed swollen gums and lasts longer for overnight.
- Teething gels can help but remember they are still a drug so always follow the direction on the tube.
Amber beads:
Amber bead teething necklaces and anklets are not considered a safe option for teething due to the very real risk of choking or strangulation, which unfortunately have both occurred. There is no medical evidence that these beads take away teething pain and they are not recommended by health professionals or the ACCC. If a parent does choose to use these necklaces they should never be used when the baby or child is alone and unsupervised.
Should we see the doctor:
Although your baby is likely to be in some pain, they shouldn’t be inconsolable, and it is usually, only for 3-4 days at a time. Sometimes they can have a few teeth cutting at the same time or one after another, this will prolong the symptoms. If the symptoms are ongoing or severe see your family GP for a health check.
Some babies develop fever and illness when teething, this is not caused by the teething itself, but more from their immune system being lower due to the teething. Again, see your doctor if your baby appears very unwell.
Teething is another milestone for your baby and every baby must go through teething, after all we need strong healthy teeth for eating for the rest of our lives. As a parent of a teething baby, hang in there, this too shall pass. See your GP for a medical check if it is ongoing or severe. Just knowing what is normal can help you get through this phase in your baby’s life.
Hang in there, this too shall pass.
