How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is a natural stage in your baby's development, but it can be a long process for parents.

Teething usually begins when your baby is 4 to 7 months old and continues until all milk teeth are in, usually by age 3. The timing and length of teething varies from person to person, but most babies will have their first tooth by their first birthday.

While the teething process itself can last several years, an individual teething period - when teeth begin to come in - usually lasts a few days to a week. Today's blog is all about baby teething.

• What is teething?
• How long does teething last?
• When do babies start teething?
• Signs Of Baby Teething
• How to care for a baby's new teeth?
• How to treat teething pain and discomfort?
• Conclusion

What is teething?

Teething is the process by which your baby's teeth begin to push out of the gums and eventually become visible in the mouth. It's a normal part of your baby's growth process that begins when your baby's milk teeth (also called baby teeth) develop under the gums and slowly grow out. This process may cause discomfort or irritation as the gums adjust, but it is an important milestone in your baby's development, laying the foundation for chewing and talking.

How long does teething last?

Teething typically begins when your baby gets his first tooth (usually around 4 to 7 months old) and continues until all of his milk teeth come in (usually by age 3). This process is not static; teeth come in stages with intervals in between.

Each tooth takes a few days to a week to erupt. The entire time of teething is several years, and the most noticeable teething symptoms also tend to appear and disappear during this period.

When do babies start teething?

Babies usually start teething between 4 and 7 months of age, but some babies may start a little earlier or later.

The first teeth to come in are usually the lower incisors or middle incisors. Every baby is different, so the exact timing will vary. Some babies are born with teeth, while others may not start to grow teeth until closer to their first birthday. This is all normal development.

Signs Of Baby Teething

Here are some signs of baby teething:

Increased drooling

Babies who are teething often drool more than usual. This is because teething stimulates the salivary glands. Parents may notice wet spots on their baby's clothes or need to wipe their baby's face more often.

Chewing on objects

Teething babies tend to chew on anything they can get their hands on, such as toys, fingers, and even furniture. This pressure helps soothe their sore gums.

Irritability or irritability

During teething, babies may become more irritable or irritable, especially if the teeth are about to break through the gums. This discomfort can make it harder to soothe them.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Gums may look red or swollen. Some babies may resist touching their gums because they are sensitive.

Changes in eating habits

Teething can cause your baby to lose interest in eating because sucking may make the gums sore. Other babies may want to breastfeed more frequently for comfort.

Sleep disruption

The discomfort of teething can make it harder for your baby to fall or stay asleep, which can lead to more waking during the night.

Rubbing ears or cheeks

Babies may rub their ears or cheeks on the teething side. This is because pain from teething sometimes radiates to nearby areas.

Low Fever

Some babies may experience a slight increase in temperature during teething, but this is not a high fever. If the fever is over 100.4°F, it is important to see a doctor as it may be caused by something else.

More Cranky

A teething baby may be crankier or clingier than usual, which may be due to the discomfort they are experiencing.

Changes in stools

Some parents notice that their baby's stools become thinner during teething, which may be related to swallowing more saliva. However, severe diarrhea is not a typical symptom of teething and should be discussed with your doctor.

These signs can be different for each baby, and not all babies will experience all symptoms. It is best to consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about any of the symptoms.

How to care for a baby's new teeth?

Caring for your baby's new teeth is very simple, but very important to ensure healthy dental development. Parents can follow the steps below:

Start cleaning as early as possible.

Parents should start cleaning their baby's first teeth as soon as they come in. They can gently wipe the teeth and gums with a soft, damp cloth or silicone finger brush after feeding.

Use baby toothpaste.

Once the baby has a few teeth, parents can switch to using a small soft-bristled toothbrush and applying (about the size of a grain of rice) fluoride toothpaste.

Brush your baby's teeth twice a day.

Brushing your baby's teeth in the morning and at bedtime is important to remove milk or food debris and prevent tooth decay.

Avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle.

Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle can lead to cavities because the sugar in milk or formula stays on their teeth for a long time.

Schedule the first dental exam.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies have their first dental exam before their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth.

Encourage Healthy Habits.

Parents can help babies develop good habits early by encouraging them to drink water with meals and avoid sugary drinks or sugary snacks.

Watch out for signs of discomfort.

If teething causes discomfort, parents can use a clean teething ring or gently massage the baby's gums to ease the discomfort.

These small steps go a long way in keeping your baby's teeth healthy and growing.

How to treat teething pain and discomfort?

Tips for treating teething pain and discomfort:

Use Cold Teething Toys or Towels

Cold (not frozen) teething rings or clean, moist towels can help numb the gums and reduce inflammation. Parents should always be present to supervise when using teething toys.

Massage Gums

Gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger can relieve pain. Pressure helps soothe discomfort caused by squeezing teeth.

Offer hard, baby-safe foods.

If your baby is eating solids, it can be helpful to offer cold foods such as chilled cucumber sticks or soft fruit. These foods should be age-appropriate for your baby and offered with supervision to prevent choking.

Distraction

Sometimes engaging your baby with their favorite toy, a new activity, or extra cuddle time can take their attention away from the discomfort.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, parents can talk to their pediatrician about using infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important to follow the correct dosage and avoid using these medications regularly without a doctor's recommendation.

Avoid teething gels with benzocaine.

The FDA recommends against using teething gels or numbing medications that contain benzocaine because of the risks they pose to infants.

Keeping Your Baby Comfortable

A simple step, such as keeping your baby's face dry and avoiding excessive drooling, can prevent rashes or irritation. A soft bib and frequent wiping with a gentle rag can help.

Every baby reacts differently to teething, so parents may need to try a few of these strategies to see which works best for their child.

Conclusion

Teething is a gradual process that usually begins around 4 to 7 months of age and continues until your baby's milk teeth are completely out, usually by age 3. Although it spans several years, active periods of teething are spread out, with each episode typically lasting a few days to a week. Understanding the teething schedule and recognizing the signs of teething can help parents better support their baby through this phase. With proper care and calming techniques, teething can be managed, making it easier for both the baby and parents.