Is your baby drooling a bit or listless? And around 6 to 10 months old? Then your baby may be cutting his or her first teeth! But how to be sure that your baby is cutting his or her teeth? What are the first signs and what should you look out for? Read all about it in this article.
When do babies have their first teeth?
Most babies get their first teeth when they are between 6 and 10 months old. Some may, of course, start a bit sooner. One in 2,000 babies is even born with one or more teeth! It is also not uncommon at all if your child only starts teething after his or her first birthday. In most cases, the teeth come through in the following order:
- First, the two central incisors in the lower jaw come out.
- Then, the two teeth in the upper jaw.
- The the four teeth to the left and right of the central incisors appear.
- After your baby’s first birthday, the first molars break through; these are the front molars.
- Then the other teeth follow, and when your baby is about 3 years old, its set of milk teeth is complete with 20 molars and front teeth.
Signs that your baby is teething
Does your baby appear to be suffering from some discomfort, and do you suspect that this discomfort is caused by teething? That could well be true! Cutting teeth can put quite a lot of pressure on the gums and cause your baby to suffer from the following:
- Heavy drooling
- Swollen gums and possibly even already a palpable lump in the gums
- A tendency to cry
- Desire toe bite, suck and chew on everything it can lay its hands on
- Rubbing its cheeks or pulling its ears
- Restless sleep
- Reduced intake of food.
These complaints frequently disappear when a tooth has come through. If that is not the case, you child may simply be sick. Remember that when children start putting things in their mouth, germs can spread more easily. Then go and see your doctor to have your baby’s symptoms checked.
What can you do to alleviate your baby’s discomfort?
Of course, it’s disconcerting to see your baby all upset. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain, such as:
- Buying a teething ring, for your baby to bite on. There are also teethers that you have to put in the fridge. A cold teething ring provides extra relief during teething.
- Massage your baby’s gums, for example with your finger or with the convex side of a teaspoon.
- Shower extra love and comfort on your baby! Your baby will certainly enjoy an additional bit of cuddling right now!
- There is also medication that can help if things get really bad, such as paracetamol or certain ointments for the gums. Always consult your doctor before using such medications on your baby.
Every baby goes through this phase. Every parent has to cope with it in his or her own way. Learn from other parents and share your own tips and experience on the forum in our app!
