When do infants start teething?

Crawling, walking and talking are some of the significant milestones in the life of an infant. Teething is also one such milestone. However, this milestone in a baby's life is not one that most parents would enjoy. They would like it to be delayed as much as possible or at least want this period to end soon. Babies do look cute with those little white teeth showing when they smile, but it is a difficult process for both the parent and the baby.

Teeth help an infant start eating a proper diet. Without them, you cannot expect your child to eat anything except pureed food. Teething means biting fruits, chewing on beans, and even having bits of meat. All this leads to your baby gaining more weight and growing up.

Apart from just biting and chewing, teething helps an infant in the development of speech. Eating solids assist the baby's vocal muscles in exercising and bringing forth their language skills. Some sounds like 'th' and 'sh' are made using teeth.

When to expect to teethe?

The question that arises in most parents' minds is, when do infants start teething? Babies usually go through the process of teething from the ages of 4 to 6 months. However, most infants may start showing symptoms as early as three months or as late as eight months. The exact age of the baby depends on their family history.

Usually, the bottom two teeth appear first and then the upper four. Pediatric dentists say the order is not important. Your child must have their primary infant teeth by the time they turn three.

Teething symptoms

Some infants do not show any teething symptoms at all, while most of them do. The emergence of those tiny little pearls in a baby's mouth brings a lot of difficulties such as the ones below.

Drooling

Teething triggers drooling. Once the process of teething begins, you may start noticing your baby's shirt all soggy because of the saliva repeatedly flowing from their mouth. You may wonder where all this fluid is coming from. Fasten a bib around your baby's neck and continue wiping his chin to avoid a rash.

Teething rash

When your baby drools, the fluid may cause a rash on their chin. You need to take special care by applying some moisturizer or Vaseline on the area to provide a barrier. It will also help protect your baby's gentle and soft skin.

Coughing or choking

Too much fluid produced in the mouth may cause a baby to choke on it. It is natural to gag and cough a mouthful of spit. It is not something to worry unless your child has a fever or a persistent cough.

Biting

Infants feel very uncomfortable when their teeth begin to develop. The pressure of the teeth pushing their way through the gums may cause uneasiness. For soothing the discomfort, hand your child a teething ring or rattle.

Crying

Infants become very cranky as gums cause a lot of inflammation while teething. The first teeth as well as the molars are the most painful. Babies get used to teething over time and are not much irritated later. A pediatrician may also advise you what pain relief you can give to your baby.

Irritability

Teething cause babies to get irritated and cranky easily. During this painful process, infants continue to get bothered for days and even weeks.

Refusing to eat

Babies get very disturbed and continue to crave for something to soothe their inflammatory gums. They may refuse to drink milk as suction causes trouble for them. Infants eating solids also deny eating because they feel so uncomfortable. Hence, due to hunger plus discomfort, they keep on crying. You should consult a pediatrician if this continues for days.

Lack of sleep

Your baby's sleep is also disturbed by the process of teething. Sore gums and pain do not let your child sleep peacefully for long. Try soothing them by patting and singing lullabies. It would be best if they can settle down and go back to sleep.

Some babies quickly catch a fever, cold, or a cough during the process of teething. Parents think it is a symptom of teething, but specialists say that the opening in their gums causes them to catch infections so easily.

Every child has a different experience of teething. Some may go through the worst, some may not feel much discomfort, while others may not feel anything at all.

Teething remedies

These are some remedies that may help those parents who question how and when do infants start teething.

Chewing

Providing counter pressure such as giving your baby a teething rattle or ring, something to chew on or just your washed clean finger may help soothe your child's gums.

Cold food and drinks

You can always give your baby a chilled bottle of water if they are over six months old. You can also give them something cold to eat such as yogurt or frozen fruits. These cold foods will relief pain for a little while. Keep in mind that you should be with your baby all the time, looking after them in case they choke.

Pain relief

If the above remedies do not work for your little one, try asking a doctor for pain relief such as acetaminophen.

Comfort

Give your baby extra comfort, hugs, and kisses. Patience and love are what babies require the most.

Avoid numbing agents and teething necklaces

Pediatric doctors strictly disagree on using rubbing alcohol on your little one's gums for relief. It can lead to reduced levels of oxygen in the blood. Also, teething necklaces are dangerous for infants as they have a high risk of choking.

Teething brings along difficulties for babies and their parents. It requires a lot of patience but is worth it. This troublesome yet important milestone will make you smile when your baby gives you that adorable look with their white teeth showing.

Now that you know when do infants start teething, keep an eye on your kid for the symptoms.