Teething

Most babies get their first baby tooth (milk tooth) at around six months, usually in the front and at the bottom.

 

However, all babies are different – mine have got their little teeth in topsy-turvy orders and not until they were past 11 months! (Betsy cut her first 9 in one go!)

 

Some babies are even born with a tooth already, and others have no teeth when they’re over 1 year old!

 

As a guideline most babies will have all their milk teeth by about 2 1/2 years old.

How many teeth?

There are 20 primary teeth: 10 in the top row and 10 at the bottom. The first permanent ‘second’ teeth grow at the back at around the age of 5/6 years old after the milk teeth ‘fall’ out (the gappy years make for such fab photos!)

 

Symptoms

 

  • Red cheeks

 

  • Runny nappies

 

  • Sore bottom

 

  • Dribbling

 

  • Everything goes into little-ones’ mouth (chewing lots)

 

  • Temperature

 

  • Disturbed sleep

Teething is a pain…

The majority of babies suffer with teething – usually during the night when the pain easily distracts them from sleep.

Some babies don’t suffer at all – but I’ve yet to meet a parent who’s little one didn’t suffer cutting at least one of their teeth.

Treatment

Don’t panic- teething pain is normal and there are lots of remedies available and things you can do to comfort your little one through the teething times!

  • Give your baby something hard to chew on, such as a teething toy, a breadstick, or even a peeled carrot. (Always supervise with food incase of choking.)
  • Avoid constant chewing and sucking on sugary things as this can cause tooth decay even if your baby has only one or two teeth.
  • For babies over four months old, you can rub teething powders on their little gums for a little relief.
  • If your littly is really suffering you can try some infant paracetamol, but always remember to follow the instructions on the bottle for your child’s age, and always check with you pharmacist that it’s suitable for your baby.

 

  • Buy a baby toothbrush and brush those new teeth as soon as they appear!

Unfortunately with teething, routines go out of the window so avoid any sleep training techniques and give lots of love, cuddles and TLC when needed.