When does the first tooth of the child show up?
Tags: Baby Care, Baby Teeth, Baby

The first tooth of your baby is a big event but it can be uncomfortable and painful. Teething is a process in which an infant’s first set of teeth start appearing. Most babies start teething when they are three months old. But some babies start teething much later. Even though teething might start by 3–4 months, your baby’s first tooth erupts at 6 months of his age.

Signs

There are some signs to know whether your baby has begun with the teething process. They are:

• They have tender and red, swollen gums

• You might witness much more fussiness and cry than before

• There is a lot of drool and sometimes babies tend to have a higher temperature or fever.

• Babies tend to chew more or gnaw on hard things

• Your baby might stay irritated for a longer period

• Restlessness and lack of proper sleep

• Babies might feed lesser comparatively, due to the pain

Teething is not associated with any illness. But if you see that your baby is suffering from high fever, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes, consult your pediatrician immediately.

Tips

Teething can be painful for your baby. But you can try out a few things to relieve your baby from the pain or at least distract him.

Rub your baby’s gums: Rub your baby’s gums with your fingers or moistened gauze pad. Apply slight pressure on the gums, as it will help to relieve your baby’s pain. Make sure you wash your fingers thoroughly before putting it in the baby’s mouth. You can also massage your baby’s gums gently in a circular motion.

Cool his gums: Take a clean soft washcloth and dip it in water and wring it thoroughly and place it in the fridge to cool it. Once cool place it in between your baby’s gums to bring relief. Don’t leave him unattended with the cloth in his mouth as your baby might choke on it. You need to do it with a lot of caution.

You can also use a metal spoon. Place it in the fridge to cool it and then rub gently on the back of the spoon on your baby’s gums.

Solid food: If your baby has started on solid food items then you can give them chilled fruits such as banana, apples, strawberries an cucumbers. Keep a check on them as they might choke on it. You can also mash the above-mentioned food items and cool it in the fridge and feed your baby.

Drool: During the process of teething babies tend to drool a lot. Make sure you keep your baby’s face and mouth clean and dry. The wet drool might cause irritation and sometimes even rash hence it is very necessary to wipe off the drool from your baby’s face with a clean cloth.

Teething toys: You might use teething toys as well. Something to chew on always helps in relieving pain. Do not use any toys made of plastic or toxic materials. Instead, you can use teething rings made of silicone or even a wooden teether.

You can also put the toys in the fridge to cool them down before giving them to your baby. Keep a close check on your baby while the toy in his mouth.

Environment: You can help your baby by creating a peaceful environment for him to rest. It’s very important for him to rest to gain his energy back. Excessive noise or lighting might irritate your baby further. Hence it is vital that a calm environment surrounds your baby.

Cuddles: Your baby is experiencing pain and discomfort and at this point, he needs you the most. Keep him close to your chest and cuddle him frequently and whisper sweet words to him. Let him know that you are with him in this painful journey. Skin-to-skin contact has proven to be the best pain reliever. Rock your baby gently to put him to sleep.

Pediatrician: If the baby’s pain continues and you are concerned about his discomfort then consult your pediatrician to prescribe some medications to relieve him from the pain.

Teething is a very normal part of your baby’s development but can be uncomfortable and painful. Just like everything this is also a phase of your baby’s life and will soon pass away. Once your baby’s teeth start erupting take extra care of his oral hygiene.