My son just got his first two teeth and let me tell you, I was NOT prepared. So here are all of the questions I had (trust me, I had them all), and all the answers I wish I had.

What Age Does Teething Start?

There is a wide range of variability of when a first tooth may appear. Your baby’s first tooth may appear as early as three months, or as late as a year – but the average age is around six months.

* Keep in mind that if your baby was born premature, their teeth will likely take longer to start coming through. Use their corrected age as a guideline.

Why Are A Baby Teeth Called Milk Teeth?

For a long time, it was believed that baby teeth only grew after the mother’s milk has washed over the gums, hence the name. Another reason for the name may be their milky color.

Baby teeth are also called temporary teeth, primary teeth, and deciduous teeth, since they fall out.

Are Some Babies Born With Teeth?

Yes, these teeth are called natal teeth, but it’s extremely rare and only occurs in about one in every 3000 babies.

Natal teeth (present at birth) and neonatal teeth (which show up during the first month) may be unusual but they aren’t usually cause for concern. It’s likely just caused by a genetic blip that occurs in about one of every 1000 to 3000 babies.

A natal tooth’s structure is underdeveloped, so it is usually loose and can easily be removed if it’s causing ulcers on the baby’s tongue or problems with breastfeeding. In general, they are left to fall out on their own.

Nonetheless, if your baby is born with any teeth, it is important to visit a pediatric dentist, who may recommend smoothing sharp edges. You wouldn’t want to remove them unless absolutely necessary since they are typically the child’s primary teeth, not an extra set.

The exception? If a tooth is excessively loose because the root hasn’t fully formed, the dentist may suggest extracting it to prevent your baby from choking if it falls out on its own.

What Is An Epstein Pearl?

Epstein pearls are small, round, white cysts that form on the gums or the roof of the mouth. They appear in as many as four out of five newborns.

Epstein pearls are actually harmless pockets of skin cells and you should leave them alone. They will either dissolve on their own from friction while your baby is feeding, or incoming primary teeth will push them out within a few weeks.

They are no cause for concern, and are too small to be a choking hazard.

What Order Will My Baby’s Teeth Come In?

Teeth usually erupt in pairs and follow a routine according to the age of the child.

The two lower middle teeth (central incisors) are normally the first to appear, followed a couple of months later by the upper middle teeth. These are followed by the surrounding teeth (upper and lower lateral incisors) about two months later.

The first back teeth (molars) typically appear at 12 to 14 months; these are the largest teeth in the mouth and can cause the most discomfort when they erupt. These are followed by the four canine teeth at around 18 months, and the second molars around 2 years of age.

Keep in mind that this is not always the case; these are just rough guidelines. Every child is different, so if you find that a younger child already has teeth that your child doesn’t, don’t worry. It’s totally normal.

When Will My Baby Have All Their Teeth?

Your baby was born with all 20 primary teeth below the gumline. On average, it only takes about two to two-and-a-half years for all their baby teeth to grow in. Meaning, your little one should have a full set of teeth – and a full smile – by the time they are three.

My Baby Doesn’t Have Teeth Yet, Should I Be Concerned?

Six to twelve months is considered the typical age for the first tooth to arrive but as many as one third of children will get teeth earlier or later. Most likely, the delay is just a genetic quirk; it’s very likely that you or your partner were late to get teeth too.

Teeth or no teeth, your child should still have a one year check-up with a pediatric dentist. And you don’t need to delay starting solid food either, just cut everything into small pieces and keep it on the soft side. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to mash their food between your index finger and thumb.

Any child who is without teeth by two years should be seen by a pediatrician, who may recommend a dental visit with x-rays. Although very rare, there are a few medical conditions where the body fails to form teeth.

Until then, there is no need to worry. Just enjoy their gummy smile while you can.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething only causes irritation around the time your baby’s tooth is about the break through the gum – which typically takes 1-7 days. However, this statement can be very misleading.

For one thing, their teeth won’t come up at the exact same time. So even if a tooth were to only make your baby uncomfortable for one week, the next tooth could only start to emerge after, meaning 2 weeks straight of your babe’s teeth coming through.

But that’s if you’re lucky.

Your baby’s teeth are likely to move up and down quite a bit before finally breaking through their gums. Even once their teeth cut through, their gums may swell, possibly to the point that it covers their teeth again.

So, unfortunately, there isn’t an exact answer for this question.

Is Teething Painful?

Apparently, there is no real evidence connecting teething to the symptoms we often associate with it; including congestion, irritability, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, rashes, and fever.

Instead, research points out that the first teeth grow in over a period of about two years. This averages out to about one tooth appearing each month. So, the likelihood of being exposed to a number of illnesses during that time is high.

Some researchers conclude that, at most, teething may cause some discomfort or itchy gums. But if you talk to any parents that have gone through teething with a child, I’m positive they’ll give you a different answer.

Why? Because it all depends on the child; their age and their sensitivity to pain. Younger babies appear to suffer more because they’re not yet used to dealing with discomfort.

Nonetheless, I pass on the caution to parents whose children have a fever, diarrhea, or significant changes in behavior, please speak to their doctor before you just blame teething.

My Baby Is Drooling A Lot, Does This Mean They Are Teething?

At around three months of age, babies will begin exploring the world with their mouth. This includes putting their hands in their mouth, and, of course, causes an increase in saliva. Many parents question if this means that their baby is teething.

The answer? Not necessarily.

What Are The Symptoms Of Teething?

Excessive drooling and putting fingers in their mouths are normally the first signs of teething that parents notice. As stated above, this doesn’t necessarily mean your baby is teething, but it could.

To know for sure, keep an eye out for these common teething symptoms…

• sulky and irritable behavior
• red, swollen, or bulging gums
• redness on the cheeks or chin
• increase in biting, chewing, and sucking behavior
• rejecting food
• trouble sleeping
• face rubbing or ear pulling

if your child has a few of these symptoms together, it’s likely to due teething.

However, there are some symptoms that are often blamed on teething, but are not normal and could be cause for concern. Such as…

• fever*
• diarrhea*
• rash*

if your baby has any of these symptoms while teething and continues to be excessively cranky and uncomfortable, call your pediatrician.

* read more below before you start to worry

Can Teething Cause A Fever?

Teething fever is a surprisingly controversial topic. Some experts believe that fever and teething occurring together is incidental. Others believe that fever cannot be attributed to teething, but instead, to the decreased immunity that the stress of teething brings along. But most experts agree that a mild fever can be attributed to teething – to a degree (haha, degree).

Recent research seems to confirm that a fever of up to 101° F or 38° C is associated with teething. However, it is important to note that there was no association with high fevers (those greater than 102° F).

Any temperature above 101° is likely from an infection rather than teething. If an infant has a temperature, accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, a cough, a rash, or their irritability is excessive, you should contact their pediatrician.

So yes, all the parents saying it’s normal for them to have a temperature while teething are correct – heck, they probably know it firsthand. But remember that a true fever (102° F) is not associated with teething and is actually a sign of illness that may require treatment.

Do Babies Get Diarrhea While Teething?

On whether babies get loose motions during teething, the opinions of experts are divided – yes, again.

Some experts believe that the excess production of saliva causes the baby’s stool to loosen up. This set of experts believe that these loose motions causing a mild diaper rash is also quite common during teething.

Another set of experts believe that loose stool is not caused by teething but, instead, is the byproduct of the fact that babies tend to put everything in their mouths. Some of these things may not be clean, and are likely to carry bacteria; therefore, loose motions could be observed in an infant who is teething, but they cannot be attributed to it.

They agree that the stress caused due to teething can make the baby more vulnerable to infection. AND (this is the important one), they all stress that loose stool is not the same as diarrhea.

If your child is passing loose stool, and the frequency is normal, you don’t need to worry as the condition will clear up on its own. However, if your baby is having diarrhea, it should be treated as an illness and appropriate actions should be taken.

Can Teething Cause A Skin Rash?

We know that babies tend to drool more during teething. When this happens, their lips and skin are likely to be in constant contact with saliva, and/or have excessive rubbing of the skin by a rough cloth. Both of these things can cause a painful rash around their mouth.

This rash goes by the names drool rash, spit-up rash, and, most commonly, teething rash.

Not to worry, there are things you can do to help. First, do not rub the saliva off of the chin; instead, use a soft cloth to gently pat dry. This will help you avoid a worsening rash caused by friction.

You can also apply vaseline (white petroleum jelly) to the chin. * This will reduce the contact of the saliva with the tender skin, as well as keep the skin soft.

* I know when I was told about this, I thought it must be so dangerous to have vaseline so close to my baby’s mouth, and I was worried about what would happen if he were to ingest it. But there is actually no reason to fear, because vaseline is minimally toxic.

I know that still doesn’t sound great, but that’s the term. And, lucky for us, it means that the worst it will do is cause loose stool.

Can Teething Cause A Runny Nose?

Again, the views are divided on this one. Most agree that a runny nose with a mild fever and minimal cough could be caused due to teething. But some experts believe that these symptoms are actually due to a common cold.

If your child seems to have serious congestion or is regularly coughing, be sure to seek the opinion of your doctor. Either way, you should be making sure your child stays warm and comfortable and is not exposed to extreme temperature variations.

Do Teething Babies Eat Less?

While some babies may want to eat more often to feel the counter-pressure on their gums, others may find eating uncomfortable when their gums are swollen.

When nursing, suction can place undue pressure on the gums and the ear canals, causing additional pain on your baby’s already sore gums. This further adds to their irritability as they may want to eat, but because it feels uncomfortable, they stop and remain hungry.

If your little one is already on solids by the time they start teething, you may find them cranky and unwilling to eat. During this time, it is important that you continue efforts to offer solids at least once a day, trying different textured foods.

As the spoon may be putting unpleasant pressure on the gums, I suggest you try different types. Those with a coating like a teething ring may be preferable to your little one.

However, if your baby refuses to eat solid foods, be prepared to offer the bottle or breast more often to ensure they are getting everything they need.

If you go more than 3 to 4 weeks without success, or if at any time your baby starts refusing liquids, a visit to their doctor is recommended.

Can Teething Cause Vomiting In Babies?

It is very unlikely that teething itself can cause your baby to vomit. Rather, vomiting could be a result of a food allergy or infection in your baby.

Because the time of teething generally coincides with the time most parents introduce solids, there is a chance that some foods may not suit your little one well.

If vomiting is severe, do not try to treat it yourself; take your child to the pediatrician.

Do Teething Babies Poop More?

Teething shouldn’t cause any change in the number of solid diapers. One reason for this common misconception is that many parents begin feeding their children solid food at six months, around the same time teething normally starts. This is often what’s actually causing any changes in your child’s bowel movements.

Are Teething Symptoms Worse At Night?

Many parents notice an increase in teething symptoms and discomfort during the evening hours. Some people believe that teething activities take place during the night,  however, there is no medical proof to back up this claim.

Instead, the consensus is simply that babies are more bothered by teething discomfort at night because there are fewer distractions. During the day, they are awake, playing, and have things to distract them from the pain. At night, they can’t help but find it particularly hard as they fight sleep, pain, and likely hunger.

The increased discomfort that your baby experiences may cause them to wake up several times through the night. It is recommended that you do not return to night-time feeding at this stage, and instead soothe your baby by patting, singing, or holding them until they drift back to sleep.

I took this advice with a grain of salt. I found my son eating less and less as he teethed so I took every chance I could get to make sure he was nourished. So, if like my son, your baby is one that eats less during teething, they might need that feed overnight.

What Are Some Remedies For Teething Baby?

If your child is feeling teething pain, there are many home remedies and products you can try to relieve these symptoms and soothe their aching gums.

Gum massage. Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or moist cloth or gauze pad. If their teeth haven’t come in yet, you can let them gnaw on your finger. This counter-pressure can have a soothing effect on their gums, giving them some temporary relief.

Teething toys. Soft plush, plastic, and rubber toys are all safe for your baby to chew on and could also soothe their gums. You can refrigerate a teething toy or ring – but many experts say that frozen teething toys are too cold and may hurt your baby’s mouth. Remember that it is important that you clean these toys, washcloths, and other items after your baby uses them.

Cold washcloth. We know that babies, especially those who are teething, love to chew. It’s okay to let your baby chew as much as they want, as long as you know what they are putting in their mouth and that is it clean and safe. A great option is a cold washcloth. Just chill a damp clean washcloth in the fridge or freezer and allow your baby to gnaw on it. This can help relieve some of the pressure and swelling of their gums.

Teething biscuit. If your baby is on solids by the time they start teething, hard teething crackers can be comforting. However, if you do offer a biscuit, make sure to watch while they are eating it, as chunks can break off easily and lead to choking. It’s also recommended to look at the nutritional value before purchasing as many biscuits contain sugar and salt.

Medicine. If home remedies aren’t working, ask your pediatrician, dentist, or nurse about safe pain relief options. If your babe is very uncomfortable, you may be prescribed acetaminophen (tylenol) or, if your baby is over six months, ibuprofen (advil). Dosage is usually based upon weight but you can ask your pediatrician for confirmation.

In addition to these remedies, it is always recommended that you offer lots of support, hugs, and cuddles to make teething a smoother process for the both of you.

If none of these seems to help your baby, be sure to discuss it with your doctor as something more may be going on.

* do not give your baby clove oil, it can burn their gums and skin

* never give your infant alcohol of any kind, even topically (this includes vanilla extract)

Are Numbing Gels Safe For My Baby?

Medicine that you rub on baby’s gums to stop the pain of teething may not help, as it quickly washes away in the mouth. When this is swallowed, it can cause numbness in the mouth and throat, which can lead to trouble swallowing – putting your child at risk for choking. But this is far from the only risk.

Benzocaine is an over-the-counter anesthetic, usually under the names Anbesol, Orajel, and Baby Orajel. The FDA recommends that parents and caregivers not use benzocaine oral drug products for children younger than two. They also warn that benzocaine products should only be used in adults and children older than two if they contain warnings on the drug label.

This is because benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious, and sometimes fatal, condition called methemoglobinemia. This is a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream is greatly reduced.

Are Homeopathic Teething Tablets Safe?

Homeopathic teething products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. The agency also states that it is unaware of any proven health benefits of the products.

In fact, the FDA urges parents not to use homeopathic teething tablets, and instead, dispose of any product you have. Lab testing found inconsistent amounts of belladonna. This is a toxic substance that has been found in homeopathic teething tablets, sometimes far exceeding the amount claimed on the label.

The body’s response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk. The FDA states that “consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using homeopathic tablets or gels.

Are Teething Necklaces Safe?

Amber teething necklaces and bracelets have become a popular remedy for easing teething pain, but the scientific claims of these products have not been substantiated. You may have also heard that amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever when heated. This is not proven, and doctors say that using one is not a good idea.

Doctors and child health experts alike don’t recommend any teething necklaces, as they are considered very dangerous. Necklaces placed around an infant’s neck can pose a strangulation risk or be a potential choking hazard (if the necklace breaks and they swallow the beads).

If you do choose to use one, be sure to put it on a wrist or ankle, not around the neck. In addition, you should always watch your baby while they are wearing it. This also means taking it away when you aren’t watching your baby, even for a very short time.

Can I Give My Baby Medicine For Teething?

How your little one deals with teething really depends on them. Teething can take weeks to months, and although some babies may take it in stride, it can cause others a great deal of pain.

Topical anesthetics are tempting to caregivers who want to help ease the baby’s discomfort, but the AAP warns that this isn’t a good idea.

Parents should avoid any product that has the ingredients bupivacaine or lidocaine, as these can be dangerous for children less than one year of age.

Can I Still Breastfeed While My Baby Is Teething?

Some babies prefer to nurse more often while teething for the comfort it provides, while for others, the sucking action can make the pain worse.

Some moms first inkling that their baby is teething comes with a firm and unexpected clamp down on their breast. Whether it happens when they first start teething or down the road, you can expect it to happen eventually.

A rude awakening, for sure, but your natural reaction is actually the best solution for your little chomper. Take your babe off the breast with a firm “ouch” or “no biting” before letting them resume their feed. It may happen several times, even before teeth fully emerge, but it will work.

But, of course, you don’t want to experience that if you don’t have to – or, at least, as little as possible. So, what can you do to stop your baby from biting your nipples? Try dipping your finger in cool water and massage their gums. Soothing their gums before each feed may keep your little one from biting you while nursing.

If you continue to experience breastfeeding problems you believe are connected to teething, see a lactation consultant.

If you were planning to breastfeed only until your baby’s teeth erupt, however, speak to your pediatrician about how to wean successfully and what type of formula is best for your baby.

When Should I Start To Brush My Child’s Teeth?

Tooth decay can affect children of all ages, so it’s important to keep it at bay through regular cleaning. This includes babies first set of teeth as they serve as important placeholders for their permanent teeth.

Brushing teeth is about forming a habit, so you should start cleaning your baby’s gums before any teeth even appear. To clean your little one’s gums, wrap your finger in a clean damp cloth and gently rub their gums, cheeks, and tongues.

As soon as the first tooth erupts, brushing is essential. You can use a small soft brush, gauze, or cloth to remove plaque and food. The age that your baby gets their first teeth will determine whether they just need water or if you should be using toothpaste.

When Should I Start Using Toothpaste?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by hardening the enamel of the teeth. But baby teeth need a baby amount of fluoride. The good news is that fluoride is often added to tap water. It’s a very small amount, but enough to clean their teeth until they start solids.

Fluoride should be added to your child’s diet at 6 months of age. At this time, or when your child gets their first tooth, you should be brushing them twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Brushing before bed, after the last food or drink of the day is especially important.

Once your child turns 3 years old, the AAP and AAPD recommend that you use a pea-sized amount of fluoride when brushing. This is the same amount that you, as an adult, should be using.

When your child is able, teach them to spit out the excess toothpaste. Until they are able to do this, they will likely be swallowing it. Not to worry, ingesting a small amount of fluoride isn’t harmful. In fact, some believe that the small amount they swallow may be beneficial to the developing permanent teeth as the only way for them to get it is through the bloodstream.

When Should I Start Flossing?

We know that brushing is vital to keeping teeth healthy – but flossing is also very important and, unfortunately, often forgotten. You should start flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.

One study in the journal of dental research found that when kids aged 4 to 13 had their teeth flossed every school day for almost two years, their risk of cavities dropped 40%.

* Just a reminder to wipe debris off of the string before moving to the next tooth in order to avoid redepositing whatever gunk you just took out.

Should My Baby Get A Fluoride Varnish?

During regular well-child visits, your pediatrician will check your baby’s teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy and talk to you about how to keep them that way.

The AAP recommends that children receive fluoride varnish once they have teeth. If your child does not yet have a dentist, ask your pediatrician if he or she can apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth. Once your baby has a dentist, the varnish can be applied in the dental office.

The earlier your child receives the fluoride varnish, the better it will help prevent tooth decay.

When Should I Bring My Baby To The Dentist?

Both the AAP and AAPD recommend that all children see a pediatric dentist and establish a ‘dental home’ by age one. Many experts suggest that you make your baby’s first dental appointment when their first tooth appears.

A pediatric dentist will make sure all teeth are developing normally and that there are no dental problems. Your dentist will also give you advice on the best brushing techniques as well as tips on nutrition.

One of the most important things you can do is ensure that your child’s first dentist visit is positive. Never leave the first visit until your child has a problem or pain, as they will forever associate the dentist with fear and trauma.

* If you don’t have a pediatric dentist in your community, find a general dentist who is comfortable seeing young children

Can My Baby Use A Pacifier While Teething?

Yes, your baby can use a pacifier while teething but be sure to keep an eye out for nipple wear. Babies often gnaw on their pacifiers and nipples of their bottles. The tip could become separated and pose a choking hazard. If there is any noticeable wear on either, replace it right away.

Will A Pacifier Affect The Development Of Adult Teeth?

Many studies have shown that long-term pacifier use does influence the shape of a child’s mouth and jaw, and can alter the alignment of the teeth.

It is recommended that you try to wean your baby off a pacifier by the age of one and, until then, only use orthodontic-approved pacifiers and never dip them in sweet liquids.

The reason you’re supposed to wean your child so early? By 10-12 months of age, your baby is learning to speak and imitate sounds, words, and the language you use. Speaking through a pacifier may alter the movements of those speech muscles, such as the lips and tongue. This may, in turn, have an affect on their articulation in the future.

Is It Okay To Let My Baby Fall Asleep With A Bottle In Its Mouth?

Your baby can fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth but only if the bottle just contains water. Why? Because everything your child drinks, except for water, contains sugars.

When using a cup, the liquid quickly passes over the teeth but with a bottle, the liquid lingers in the mouth. Oral bacteria breaks down the sugar, turning it to acid, which, over time, eats away at the tooth enamel. This is known as baby bottle decay, or bottle rot.

In severe cases, the teeth are destroyed, making it harder for a child to chew and talk properly, and can lead to years of dental and orthodontic treatment.

Will Early Teething Affect Mouth Development?

Parents should take their child to a pediatric dentist to evaluate the health and development of early emerging teeth. That being said, early teething is rarely cause for concern.

Instead, it is important to monitor the activities that can affect mouth development. Excessive pacifier use and thumb-sucking can inhibit the developmental mouthing and teething process.

Does Early Teething Mean Early Solids?

Although there is some conflicting research as of late, the AAP still suggests starting your baby on solids no earlier than 6 months old. Even though those early teeth cause your little one to chew more, their belly isn’t quite ready for solid food.

In the meantime, provide lots of safe toys to nibble one and keep an eye out for other signs that your little one is ready to start solids.