A baby's first teeth are an important, but often challenging, stage of development. In this article you will find information about teething symptoms, an approximate timeline, and safe ways to soothe your baby.
The first tooth is a real event for the family, but the road to it can be challenging for both the baby and the parents. The teething period is often accompanied by discomfort, pain, and changes in the baby's behavior. Understanding what is happening and knowing safe methods of assistance will allow you to get through this stage more calmly.
Typical teething timeline
It is important to remember that the teething schedule is individual for each child. Some may be born already with a tooth, while for others the first tooth may appear after a year. Average indicators are as follows:
- 6-10 months: Lower incisors (the two front teeth on the bottom).
- 8-12 months: Upper incisors.
- 9-13 months: Upper lateral incisors (teeth on both sides of the front ones).
- 10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors.
- 13-19 months: First upper molars (primary molars).
- 14-18 months: First lower molars.
- 16-22 months: Upper canines.
- 17-23 months: Lower canines.
- 23-31 months: Second lower molars.
- 25-33 months: Second upper molars.
By three years of age, a child usually has all 20 primary teeth. This period of active tooth emergence often coincides with other important developmental milestones, for example, with the first attempts at crawling, which can add additional nuances to the baby's behavior.
Teething symptoms: what to look for
Symptoms can appear several weeks before the tooth becomes visible. The most common signs include:
- Increased drooling: The baby starts to drool heavily, which can lead to a rash around the mouth and chin.
- Swollen and sore gums: The area where the tooth is erupting becomes red, swollen, and tender.
- Desire to chew or bite something: Pressing on the gums helps the baby reduce the pain.
- Irritability and fussiness: Pain and discomfort make the baby restless and cranky.
- Sleep disturbances: Discomfort can worsen at night, leading to frequent awakenings.
- Refusal to eat: Pain while sucking or chewing can cause the baby to turn away from food.
It is important to distinguish teething symptoms from signs of illness. Elevated temperature (above 38°C), diarrhea, or vomiting are not typical teething symptoms and may indicate an infection. In such cases, be sure to consult a pediatrician.
Safe ways to soothe your child
There are several simple and safe methods that can help relieve a baby's discomfort.
1. Chilled teething toys
Special teething toys that have been pre‑cooled in the refrigerator (not the freezer!) provide pleasant cooling and pressure
