Teething in Babies: Process and Sequence

Teething is a significant developmental milestone for infants, marking the emergence of their first set of teeth through the gums. This process can be both exciting and challenging for parents and caregivers, as it often brings about a range of symptoms and behaviours in babies. Understanding the teething process and its sequence can help in managing expectations and providing the necessary comfort to the baby.

The Teething Timeline

Typically, teething begins around the age of six months, although this can vary widely among infants. Some babies may start teething as early as three months, while others might not show signs until their first birthday. The complete set of primary teeth, also known as milk teeth, consists of 20 teeth and usually takes about two to three years to fully emerge.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

The teething process can cause a variety of symptoms in babies, including:

  • Drooling: Increased saliva production is one of the earliest signs of teething. This can lead to drool rash around the baby’s mouth, chin, and neck.
  • Chewing: Babies tend to chew on their fingers, toys, or any object they can get their hands on to alleviate gum discomfort.
  • Irritability: Teething can be uncomfortable, causing babies to become more fussy and irritable than usual.
  • Swollen Gums: The gums around the emerging tooth may become red, swollen, and tender to touch.
  • Sleep Disturbances: The discomfort from teething can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, leading to frequent night wakings.
  • Loss of Appetite: The discomfort may make babies less interested in feeding, whether it’s breast milk, formula, or solid foods.
  • Ear Pulling and Face Rubbing: Babies may pull on their ears or rub their cheeks, as the pain from teething can radiate to the ear area.

The Sequence of Teething

While the exact order can vary, there is a general pattern that most babies follow when their teeth emerge:

  1. Lower Central Incisors (6-10 months): The first teeth to appear are usually the two lower central incisors, located at the front of the lower jaw.
  2. Upper Central Incisors (8-12 months): Next, the upper central incisors come in, giving the baby four front teeth.
  3. Upper Lateral Incisors (9-13 months): The upper lateral incisors, which are the teeth on either side of the central incisors, typically emerge next.
  4. Lower Lateral Incisors (10-16 months): Following the upper lateral incisors, the lower lateral incisors appear.
  5. First Molars (13-19 months): These are the larger teeth that emerge behind the canines, providing additional chewing surfaces.
  6. Canines (16-23 months): The canines, or cuspids, which are the pointed teeth between the incisors and molars, come in next.
  7. Second Molars (23-33 months): Finally, the second molars, located at the very back of the mouth, are the last to emerge.

Managing Teething Discomfort

There are several ways to help soothe a teething baby:

  • Teething Rings: Chilled (not frozen) teething rings can provide relief by numbing the gums.
  • Gum Massage: Gently massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger can help ease the pain.
  • Cold Washcloth: A cold, damp washcloth can be soothing for babies to chew on.
  • Pain Relief Medication: In consultation with a paediatrician, over-the-counter pain relievers like infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to alleviate severe discomfort.

Conclusion

Teething is a natural part of a baby’s development, though it can be a challenging time for both the baby and the parents. By understanding the typical timeline and sequence of teething, parents can better anticipate the changes and provide effective comfort measures. Patience and a range of soothing techniques will help both baby and parents navigate this phase more comfortably.

FAQ's

The first signs of teething often include increased drooling, a desire to chew on objects, and general fussiness or irritability. You might also notice your baby rubbing their gums or pulling at their ears, which can be a sign of gum discomfort. Swollen and red gums where the teeth are about to emerge are also common.

There are several methods to soothe a teething baby:

  • Teething Rings: Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring for your baby to chew on. The cold can help numb the gums and reduce discomfort.
  • Gum Massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger. This can provide relief through pressure.
  • Cold Washcloth: Let your baby chew on a cold, damp washcloth. The cold can soothe the gums.
  • Pain Relief Medication: If your baby seems to be in significant discomfort, consult your paediatrician about using over-the-counter pain relief, such as infant paracetamol or ibuprofen.

While teething is a natural process, there are some signs that warrant a visit to the paediatrician:

  • Fever: A slight increase in temperature is normal, but a high fever could indicate an infection or other issue.
  • Severe Diarrhoea: While mild diarrhoea can occur, severe or prolonged diarrhoea is not typical and could require medical attention.
  • Prolonged Irritability: If your baby is extremely irritable for an extended period, it might be more than just teething.
  • Rashes or Sores: If you notice unusual rashes or sores around the mouth or on the body, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

In general, if you have any concerns about your baby’s teething symptoms or overall health, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from your pediatrician.