As parents, we eagerly await every milestone our little ones reach. From their first smile to their first solid meal; their first steps to their first words (or syllables!). One of the most anticipated milestones during those early years is baby teething; the arrival of those tiny pearly whites.
Whilst an exciting time in your baby’s development, it can also be a difficult and sleep-deprived time for little ones and grown-ups alike. You may have questions like:
- When do babies start teething?
- In what order should they arrive?
- How can you soothe a teething baby?
Whilst the waters of baby teething may appear daunting to navigate, there is plenty parents can do to stay afloat during this developmental phase. Let’s dive in.
When do babies start teething?
One of the most common questions we hear is, ‘What age do babies start teething?’. Much like all developmental milestones, there is no hard-and-fast timeframe for their tiny teeth to arrive. Every baby is different and their development will reflect this. Generally, baby teething will occur between the ages of 4 to 7 months.
Some little ones may experience the eruption of their first tooth as young as 3 months, while others may have an adorably gummy grin until their first birthday. The timing of your baby’s teeth order can be impacted by various factors, such as genetics and individual development.
A helpful way to prepare for this developmental milestone is by referring to a baby teething chart, which we’ve included below.
Baby teething chart
Remember, while it’s helpful to be aware of the typical age range for baby teething to help parents prepare - be sure not to worry if your tot’s teeth don’t pop up in this exact order!
Common baby teething symptoms
Another question we often receive at our Green Door Dental practice is how to tell if a baby is teething. There are a number of signs of teething babies, which - much like your baby’s teeth timing - can vary from child to child.
Sleeplessness
Arguably the most troublesome baby teething symptom for parents is a change in your baby’s sleeping patterns, with increased night waking and restlessness.
Excess Saliva and Face Rash
One of the most common and noticeable signs a baby is teething is excessive drooling, which might cause redness or skin irritation around the mouth and chin. In certain cases, infants may develop a mild facial rash as well.
Sensitive Gums
Your little one may also present red or blistering gums or have difficulty eating or appear to be in pain during certain meals.
Chewing Objects
Another common sign is an increase in biting and chewing on harder objects, including fingers, toys… corners of tables, you name it. This helps to relieve the pressure from their gums.
Thankfully, there are ways you can soothe your little one during these trying times.
How to soothe a teething baby at night (and during the day)
There’s nothing more distressing for parents than seeing your baby in pain, and unfortunately teething can cause them a significant amount of discomfort.
Thankfully, there are a number of products and at-home remedies that can provide relief and help to ease their pain.
- A popular method is offering your little one a cold teething ring or a clean, wet washcloth for them to gently chew on to help ease the pressure.
- Gently massaging their teeth and/or gums with a clean finger can also be very soothing.
- Other products like sugar-free teething rusks and teething gels can be effective, as can baby-friendly pain relief medication such as Panadol.
- You may also find distraction techniques such as playtime or singing lullabies are useful to redirect your little one’s attention. And, as always, some extra cuddles and love will be beneficial for both baby and parents.
You may also find distraction techniques such as playtime or singing lullabies are useful to redirect your little one’s attention. And, as always, some extra cuddles and love will be beneficial for both baby and parents.
How to care for baby teeth
Wondering if or when to brush a baby’s teeth, and when to book them in for their first dental visit? Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play a pivotal role in your little one’s long-term oral health and overall development. Establishing a strong dental care routine - both at home and professionally - will set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The first thing you can do is gently clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth before their first teeth begin to emerge. Once those tiny pearlers begin to pop up, introduce a baby-friendly toothbrush (it will be small and soft-bristled) with a tiny smear of low fluoride toothpaste.
As your baby grows into a child, set them up for dental success by encouraging them to brush their own teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste under your supervision. Brushing technique is important here; use gentle circular motions that cover all tooth surfaces - without aggravating the gums. And don’t forget to clear the tongue! This sponge can also harbour bacteria.
When your child’s teeth grow big enough to touch, introduce gentle flossing under your supervision.
Just like adults, diet plays a big part in overall oral health. So, where possible, limit sugary snacks and drinks and encourage your little one to drink water after every meal.
When should you take your baby to the dentist?
You should book your little one in for their first dental visit by 12 months at the latest to ensure everything is growing healthily and correctly. These visits are an important opportunity to establish a positive association with the dentist, remove the fear factor and create healthy habits. It’s also an essential step to prevent child tooth decay from occurring as they get older, which can cause a host of health problems if left unchecked.
Your child may even be eligible to free visits under the Child Dental Benefit Scheme.
