What to Do During Teething in Babies?
Teething in babies is a process that requires patience for both the baby and the parents. Since the baby’s restlessness and pain sensations may increase during this period, you should first meet his/her physical and emotional needs. Teethers coated with cold gel, warm massage and gentle gum wiping can be soothing.
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Supporting adequate fluid intake and maintaining feeding patterns will also improve the baby’s comfort.
When Teething Period Begins in Babies?
Usually, babies start to get their first teeth at 6-8 months of age, but in some babies this process can start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months. The lower front teeth (lower incisors) are the first teeth to erupt. Since every baby is different, the duration and age of onset may vary, so it is useful to consult a specialist in case of longer delays than expected.
“When the teething process begins, the baby may show symptoms such as restlessness, increased salivation and constantly putting his hands to his mouth.”
What Symptoms Are Seen in Teething Babies
- Increased salivation: Irritation of the gums leads to abundant saliva production.
- Don’t try to scratch the gums: Your baby tries to get relief by pressing their hands, toys or hard objects against their gums.
- Restlessness and crying attacks: Pressure and pain in the gums can cause the baby to cry or be cranky more than usual.
- Disturbed sleep patterns: The baby may have difficulty falling asleep at night or wake up frequently.
- Mild fever (≤ 37.5 °C): Sometimes the body temperature may rise slightly during teething.
- Loss of appetite: Especially hard foods may be refused and the sucking reflex may decrease.
- Touching the ear/jaw area: As a pain reflex, he/she may put his/her hand to his/her ear or chin.
- Swelling and tenderness of the gums: The tissue just above the erupting tooth becomes swollen and sensitive to touch.
How Many Months Does Teething in Babies Take
The total teething process takes about 6-8 months with the eruption of the upper and lower incisors by the age of one year. Then, with the completion of the lateral incisors, molars and canines, this process can last up to 2-3 years of age.
The eruption of the first teeth in particular is the most uncomfortable period; later teeth usually erupt more quickly and with less pain.
What is Good for Teething Pain in Babies
Chilled silicone teethers relieve pain when pressed against the gums. Gently massaging the gums with a warm, clean washcloth also relieves pressure and provides relief for the baby. If necessary, baby syrup containing low-dose paracetamol can also be used, but it is important to limit the use of medication with the doctor’s approval.
Which natural remedies can be used during teething
A light compress on the gums with a clean cloth soaked in St. John’s wort oil or chamomile tea can reduce inflammation. Frozen slices of fruit, carrot or cucumber also offer a scratching and nutritious alternative for the baby. Fruit-flavored soothing herbal tea pacifiers that do not contain peppermint oil can also be preferred.
When to go to the doctor during teething
If the baby shows signs of severe discomfort, such as a fever above 38 °C, severe vomiting, prolonged diarrhea or loss of appetite, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to see a doctor if teething pain lasts longer than 72 hours or if you observe excessive swelling or discoloration of the gums.
What to do if teething is delayed in infants
If at 12 months of age teething has not started, you should first consult a pediatric dentist or pediatric specialist. The delay may be due to hormonal imbalance, genetic factors or nutritional deficiencies. If necessary, your doctor will order a blood test to check iron, calcium or vitamin D levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the common questions asked by our patients and contact us
for all other questions you are curious about.
During teething, the baby may have a mild fever (up to 37.5 °C); this is usually a natural reaction of the body. However, a high fever above 38 °C requires a doctor’s check-up, as it may be a sign of another infection.
FDA-approved, BPA-free rubber or silicone teethers are generally safe and provide relief by applying gentle pressure to baby’s gums. It is important to check the teether regularly to make sure it is not hardened and cracked, and to replace a worn product with a new one.
No, the timing, duration and severity of teething symptoms differ for every baby, and genetic factors and diet influence this process. Some babies may experience mild discomfort, while others may show almost no symptoms at all.
During this period, soft, cold and nutritious foods such as yogurt, pureed fruit or chilled vegetable purees should be preferred. These foods provide nutritional value and have a soothing effect on the gums.
When a baby is teething, the reason for the biting and chewing reflex is to reduce pressure on the gums and relieve itching. At the same time, this behavior develops hand and mouth coordination and becomes part of the baby’s sensory exploration process.
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