That first tiny tooth that pops up from your baby’s gums is exciting and looks so cute. But the teething symptoms that usually precede this eruption are anything but! In fact, they may signal that your baby is in real pain.
Signs of teething vary from baby to baby. Some little ones will start staying up late into the night due to discomfort from sore gums. Others show virtually no symptoms at all. “There’s no single set of indicators that applies to all babies,” explains Dr. Marya Rosado, a pediatrician at HealthCare Partners in Torrance, Calif. As with many areas of your baby’s development, a good deal of patience is required to get through the teething process.
“The average age range for teething symptoms to appear is around 4 to 6 months, although some babies are born with teeth and others don’t get a first tooth until after 1 year of age,” says Dr. Kimberly Giuliano, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Hospital. For a few babies, the teething process can begin as early as 3 months and may last as long as 18 months.
“One-third of babies display no teething symptoms at all,” shares Giuliano. But if your baby is in the other two-thirds, watch for the following teething symptoms:
- Fussiness
Get ready for tears! Because your baby is feeling some discomfort or pain, she’ll probably get a little fussy when her teeth get ready to cut through the gums. She might seem disgruntled or unhappy, and she might cry more easily.
- Decreased Appetite
A sore mouth can put anyone off their regular eating schedule and your baby is no exception. If you find she’s less willing to suckle at the breast or gum her usual meal, teething could be to blame.
- Swollen Gums
Red puffy gums are another signal your baby is teething. The erupting teeth cause the swelling and redness.
- Chewing on Everything
To ease the pain or help the teeth cut through, you may notice your baby trying to gnaw on her hands, her clothes or other objects. She may even bite your breast or shoulder to get some relief
- Excess Drool
Teething can stimulate your baby’s drool reflex so it’s best to keep a cloth diaper or teething rag handy.
- Low-Grade Fever
“Infants who are teething may also run a low-grade fever and rub or pull their cheeks or ears to try to alleviate the ache,” Rosado points out.
Teething can hurt, but you can help your baby feel better. Teething toys put pressure on the gums, which temporarily helps with the discomfort. Provide your baby with a variety of teethers and see which ones she prefers. Massage gums with your washed fingers or offer a firm rubber teething ring or cold, damp washcloth. “But don’t put the teether in the freezer as it can get too cold and may damage the baby’s gums or lips,” warns Giuliano. You can also take your baby’s mind off of teething symptoms by offering a toy, taking a walk outside, singing a song or reading a story. Switch off with your partner if crying is overwhelming or becoming hard to take.
If the crying seems nonstop and teethers aren’t providing enough relief, ask your doctor about oral pain medication. Depending on your baby’s age, a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen may work well. But resist the idea of a topical medication for baby’s gums. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using numbing agents because they can put children under the age of 2 at risk for reduced oxygen in the blood,” reports Rosado. The FDA also doesn’t recommend herbal or homeopathic teething medications because some may contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness and side effects such as heart problems.
While teething may be hard on all of you, it’s comforting to know it’s usually short-lived. You and your baby will soon be on to the next exciting phase of life.
Want some teething remedies? Check out these 8 Natural Teething Remedies for Babies.
Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in parenting, health and child development. She’s a frequent contributor to care.com and the mom of two teen girls.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
