Some signs of teething include:
- Fussiness
- Drooling
- Chewing on firm solid things
- Sore/sensitive gums
Five Stages of Teething
Teething typically happens in 5 stages and lasts a long period of time. Understanding what to expect can help parents ease the discomfort of their baby/child and navigate the way through to toddlerhood.
Stage 1: 0-6 Months
At birth, babies have 20 primary teeth in their jawbones. These are known as milk teeth as a baby’s diet typically only consists of milk.
Stage 2: 6-8 Months
During this teething stage, the first teeth emerge. The lower and upper front teeth and then the incisors begin to erupt around this age. Prior to this occurring, the uneven edges of teeth may push against the gums. Putting pressure on the gums alleviates any pain for the child. Drooling also will occur now, which is a warning sign of this stage.
Stage 3: 10-14 Months
During this stage, the primary molars erupt in the back of the mouth in the lower and upper jaw. During this stage, it can be common for your baby to experience loss of appetite, fever or even digestive issues. Their sleep schedule may also become sporadic due to the discomfort and/or pain.
Stage 4: 16-22 Months
During this stage, the canines surface. Keeping your child comfortable is most important when it comes to teething at this time.
Stage 5: 25-33 Months
This can be the most painful stage of teeth as the large molars emerge. They are the large teeth, making the eruption process longer and more difficult. Giving your child something hard to chew on can help alleviate some of the pain.
Tips for Soothing Your Child While Teething
Here are some helpful hints for soothing a baby’s sensitive and/or sore gums.
- Massage the gums to reduce irritation
- Provide a teething ring
- Chill a washcloth that they can chew on to ease pain
- In severe cases, over-the-counter remedies may be used. Always ask a pediatrician what is safe before using them
For more information on teething and dental visits for young children, call us at Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry practices in Goodyear and Surprise at 623-535-7873.
