Teething

Teething is a normal developmental process which sees baby teeth (also called deciduous, primary or milk teeth) move through the jaw bones and erupt through the gums into the mouth.

This process usually starts around 6 months of age although there are wide variations – some starting before 4 months, others much later e.g. more than 12 months of age.  Some babies are even born with a tooth already present! All the baby teeth will usually be in place in the mouth around 2.5 to 3 years of age. Around 6 years old baby teeth start to fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth which should last a lifetime.  NB. The first permanent tooth is often referred to as the ‘6 year molar’ and is easily missed or mistaken for a baby tooth. This is because it erupts behind all the baby molars and does not have a baby predecessor to fall out.

Teething babies may show signs of the following –

Pain, increased biting or chewing, drooling, rubbing gums and or ears, sucking, cheek rash, restless/disturbed sleep and generally irritable. You may notice the gums red and a little swollen and if pressed you may be able to feel the tooth under the gum.

There is a lot of advice about what to do with a teething baby. What will work for one may not work for another but some things that might help include –

Gently massaging the gum with a clean finger

Giving baby something to bite on, such as one of the teethers below. Make sure it is clean. Cooling in the fridge can also help.

Lots of cuddles and reassurance

Wiping away excess saliva will help prevent face rash

Over the counter paracetamol and/or ibuprofen suitable for babies 3 months or older if the above doesn’t help.

NB Seek medical advice if your little one becomes unwell, is very upset or has symptoms that seem prolonged.

Find out more about baby teeth and teething in our blog post here.

Source : NICE