introduce
Getting your baby's first tooth can be a very touching moment, but it's not always easy for a child! Pain, tantrums, and diaper rash... teething brings a lot of little troubles, making your baby's life more complicated. The first tooth usually comes in around 6 months, but some babies get their first tooth as early as 4 months, and a very small number are even born with teeth. On the other hand, some babies still don't have teeth even after 12 months, which doesn't necessarily mean developmental problems (as long as there are no other abnormalities). Please be patient. When your baby starts biting toys vigorously, sucking their fingers frequently, and drooling a lot, it means their first tooth is about to erupt!
Teething Schedule
Teeth don't all come in the same order for all babies, but they usually come in as follows:
- 6 to 10 months: Lower central incisors
- 8 to 12 months: Upper central incisors
- 9 to 13 months: Upper and lower lateral incisors
- 10 to 16 months: First molar
- 16 to 20 months: Canines
- 20 to 30 months: Second molar
Therefore, children should have all 20 baby teeth by the time they are about 2.5 to 3 years old, and they should remain in this position until they are about 6 years old, at which point their cute little baby teeth will begin to fall out to make room for permanent teeth.
Minor problems that come with teething
When teeth begin to erupt, the gums may experience some pain and inflammation. Teething can also be accompanied by a series of minor issues that, while not serious, can make the baby uncomfortable:
- Swollen and sensitive gums
- excessive drooling
- cheeks red and hot
- Bad temper: More irritable and prone to crying than usual.
- Red and swollen buttocks
- Stimulation around the mouth
- Mild fever (below 38°C)
- Increased intestinal motility makes stool more irritating
- Increased frequency of waking up at night
- Increased susceptibility to viruses and bacteria may lead to colds, otitis media, or eye irritation.
- Temporary loss of appetite
However, please note that you should not attribute all symptoms to teething: these discomforts usually subside within 48 hours. If you experience a high fever, actual diarrhea, vomiting, or paleness, do not assume it is caused by teething and seek medical attention immediately.
How to relieve baby's discomfort
Give your baby a teething toy to chew on anytime. Some teething toys can be refrigerated, as the cooling sensation has a mild numbing effect. Your dentist may prescribe a soothing balm to massage the gums, or even homeopathic medications. If the pain is severe, you can give your baby acetaminophen, making sure the dosage is appropriate for their weight.
Diaper rash can also make babies uncomfortable. To alleviate it, try to keep the skin ventilated, avoid wearing diapers for extended periods, and change diapers frequently: gently clean with an appropriate product, pat dry, and then apply a special repair cream.
Finally, forget any "grandmother's remedies": never cut your baby's gums, and never rub the gums with sugar to help teeth grow.
