Teething is different for each baby, from the symptoms to the length of time it takes for a tooth to appear. Although many infants make it through the teething process without much difficulty, occasionally the pain and discomfort can be uncomfortable for the child- and the parent! Teething is when your child’s baby teeth begin to erupt or emerge through their gums and into their mouth. The typical time frame for teething to begin is usually between six and nine months although in some cases, your baby’s first teeth may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months.

What are the symptoms of teething?

Recognizing the signs is important when it comes to helping to comfort your child. Your little one may experience the following symptoms around four days before the tooth has erupted through the gums, and up to three days after the tooth has appeared:

• Irritability
• Biting and gnawing
• Drooling
• Chin rash (caused by excessive salivation)
• Swollen gums
• Ear rubbing
• Decreased appetite
• Disrupted sleep patterns

How can parents help their child remain comfortable while teething?

Your child’s pain is best eased by the application of coldness, and/or putting pressure on the affected area. For example:

• Chilled teething rings
• Cold, wet washcloths
• Chilled pacifiers
• Massaging baby’s gums with clean fingers

If you resort to teething jewelry for your child, we go into details about what you should know about the dangers of teething jewelry here. Remember, teething is temporary, and soon your child will have those beautiful pearly whites to help them transition to new and exciting foods that will keep them healthy and aid in growth. This is an exciting time for you and your little one. Do what you can to ease the pain, and know that you’re doing a great job as a parent! And most importantly, don’t forget that your child should see a pediatric dentist by the age of 1 year old.