Teething is the emergence of the first teeth from a baby’s gums. These are called milk teeth or deciduous teeth and they usually start growing between 4 to 7 months of age. However this can vary a great deal; parents should be aware that some babies may take up to a year to start teething and the process continues for many years until all 20 teeth develop. Teething is usually associated with symptoms like irritability, lack of interest in feedings, urges to chew on something (which is why some baby accessories like teethers come handy), excessive salivation, higher temperature, pain in the ears, and even rash. A good resource for finding out about many different experiences with baby teething can be a baby forum. Teething symptoms will usually start to rear their ugly head approximately six months into your baby’s development.
During this process, you’ll discover your baby loves to chew – on just about anything and everything they can get their little hands on! This can be dangerous if the baby is allowed to chew on objects which are small enough to be swallowed or which could break while being chewed, creating a choking risk. Teething rings and other toys are often designed with textures that massage a baby’s tender gums.
In cases where the infant is in obvious pain, some doctors recommend the use of anti-inflammatory or child-safe pain-relief treatments containing benzocaine, such as Baby Orajel. Some infants gain relief from chewing on cold objects such as a cool washcloth or a specially-designed teething ring that can be frozen. You might also want to massage baby’s gums with a clean finger. Your baby might find it uncomfortable initially, but will probably find it comforting after a few gentle rubs.
Pediatric dentists suggest brushing baby’s teeth as soon as they begin to appear, and not to wait for all teeth to come in before introducing an oral hygiene routine. However, the use of toothpaste during this process is generally discouraged.