From the sleepless nights caused by teething pain to worrying if their baby is getting enough nutrition, teething is a difficult time for parents and babies alike. But one of the most obvious signs that a baby is teething is the changes in their gums.
From swollen and red gums to white or yellow spots, there are several signs that indicate that your little one may be going through teething. As a parent, understanding these changes in your baby’s mouth can help you take action to relieve their discomfort and provide them with much-needed relief.
When a baby is teething, their gums may appear swollen and tender to the touch. The gums may also be red or even bleed when the baby is biting or gnawing on objects in an attempt to relieve discomfort.
During teething, babies will often drool more and may even have a decreased appetite. All of these symptoms are normal and a sign that the baby’s teeth are starting to come through the gums.
In this article, we’ll explore some common teething symptoms and provide tips and advice on how to soothe your little one from their first tooth through the whole teething phase.
What Are The First Signs Of Teething?
When it comes to the first signs of teething, many parents are eager to know what they should look out for. As your little one begins to grow and develop, you’ll likely notice some telltale signs that indicate teething is just around the corner. With some knowledge and preparedness, you’ll be ready to help your baby during this exciting milestone.
One of the most common symptoms of teething is swollen gums. Your baby may experience occasional pain or sensitivity in their gums, especially when touched or prodded. You may also notice them drooling more than usual as their body gets used to producing extra saliva. Additionally, your baby may become irritable and fussy as their gums become increasingly tender and sensitive from the pressure of incoming teeth.
It’s important to be aware of these signs as soon as possible so you can begin helping your baby through this process. Teething can be a difficult time for both babies and parents alike, but with a little patience and understanding it can be much easier on everyone involved. Be sure to watch for any other changes in behavior or health that could indicate teething is occurring so you can provide your baby with whatever comfort measures they need!
What Do Teething Gums Look Like?
The signs of teething can vary from child to child. Generally speaking, here are some things you may notice:
- Swollen and red gums
- Increased drool production
- Chewing and biting on objects more than usual
It’s also helpful to know that your baby may be a bit cranky for the first few weeks when these symptoms occur. They might not sleep as well or have difficulty eating. This is why it’s important for you to provide comfort and relief through various methods such as applying a cold washcloth or giving them something soft and soothing to chew on.
In addition, if you think your baby may be experiencing pain from teething, you can give them children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the instructions provided by your pediatrician or pharmacist.
By familiarizing yourself with the signs of teething, you can help make the process easier for both you and your little one! Just remember that every baby is unique and will experience teething in their own way – it’s all part of growing up!
How Long Does It Take For Baby Teeth To Break Gums?
When it comes to teething, one of the biggest questions parents have is: how long does it take for baby teeth to break through the gums? As a parent, it’s important to understand the timeline for when you can expect your little one’s first teeth to make their grand appearance.
On average, most babies start teething around 6 months old. This can vary from child to child and be earlier or later. Generally speaking, the front teeth tend to appear first followed by molars and other back teeth. The process of teething can last anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the individual baby.
Does Teething Get Better After The First Tooth?
Teething does not necessarily get better after the first tooth. Teething is a continuous process as each new tooth comes through, causing discomfort and pain for baby. It’s important to note that every baby is different and some may experience tender gums or other teething symptoms than others.
Once the first tooth emerges, you may find that your baby is less fussy and drools less, but teething discomfort can continue until all 20 primary teeth have come in, which typically occurs by the age of 2 to 3 years old.
You can offer a clean, cool, soft teething toy or a clean, damp washcloth to bite on, as well as gentle gum massage. Over-the-counter teething gels and pain relievers may also be used, but it is always best to consult with your pediatrician before giving any medication to your baby.
Can My Baby Be Teething At 3 Months?
Yes, it is possible for a 3-month-old baby to start teething. Teething can begin as early as 3 months of age, although usually babies start teething between 6 and 12 months of age. However, it’s important to remember that there are many other reasons why a young baby may show symptoms of teething, such as being fussy, having a decreased appetite and have excessive drooling, so teething may not always be the cause.
Other indications, like gum swelling and sensitivity, redness or a rash on baby’s neck and an increase in biting and chewing habits, might help you tell if your infant is teething. Look for the appearance of a white or elevated spot on your baby’s gums, (or feel for one with a clean finger) ear pulling behavior among the other common teething signs.
There may be other causes for your baby’s teething-like signs and symptoms than the actual sprouting of teeth, such as a small sickness, reaching a developmental milestone, an ear infection or even a change in food.
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms and you’re still unsure, make an appointment with a pediatric dentist to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
For the time being, try a teething ring or a cool, wet towel to chew on to relieve baby’s teething pain. A gentle massage of the gums with a clean finger may also help.
How Long Does Teething Pain Last?
Teething can be difficult for both baby and parent, often causing distress and pain. While this is a natural process for babies, it can be helpful to know what the teething timeline can look like.
Teething pain can vary from baby to baby, but generally, it can start as early as 3 months old and last until age 3. The intensity and duration of teething pain depend on your little one’s individual circumstances – if they’re teething more than one at once or having difficulty with certain teeth coming through.
Generally, when the first baby teeth begin to break through the gum line, parents can expect that their baby will experience discomfort for around two weeks after each new tooth appears. During this time your little one may become irritable or fussy; they may also drool excessively, chew on things to relieve the pressure in their gums and have trouble sleeping.
Fortunately, there are ways you can help ease your baby’s discomfort during teething. These include giving them something cool to chew on such as a piece of cold fruit or frozen cloth; massaging their gums gently using your fingertips; using numbing ointments or gels available over-the-counter; and giving them ibuprofen or acetaminophen if recommended by their doctor.
Ways To Help Your Baby Through Teething
You can offer teething babies chilled items such as teething rings or a cold, wet washcloth to chew on. These types of teething toys can help soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation from teething. Try massaging your baby’s gums with clean fingers before offering them something cool to chew on – this can help ease discomfort even further! Make sure your little one is getting plenty of rest and fluids, as these are both essential for reducing pain during this time.
If you’ve checked with your child’s pediatrician, you might also consider soothing teething symptoms with amber teething necklaces, teething tablets or homeopathic teething gels. Some of these products have been associated with an increased choking risk, so be sure that you trust the manufacturer and seller of these products – a little pain relief is not worth the risk of using unsafe products.
To help their little one through the teething process, many parents find success by gently rubbing baby’s gums with a soft bristled toothbrush after teeth start coming through. You can gently wipe back and forward even before the first tooth breaks through. Consider incorporating this in to your nighttime routine to help your teething baby fall asleep.
If your teething baby is drooling more than usual, using a bib or clean cloth to dry baby’s face and baby’s mouth can help minimize the chance a rash could develop. Any babies who are already eating solid foods may also appreciate beein offered cold food before and after each tooth erupts.
We’ve also got an article with 9 tips for handling teething signs and symptoms that include how to soothe baby’s gums, simple pain relievers and other ways to help your teething baby (and you!) get through the teething process of their first teeth and beyond!
Ann is a friendly person who loves to experiment, and she hopes that her experiences can help others personally and in their homes.
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