Teething is something that parents expect in their baby’s first year. If you ever find yourself asking, my baby is teething, what should I do?, remember the following facts about the development of your little one’s first tooth.
Medically reviewed by Ruben Macapinlac, MD, DPPS · Pediatrics · Philippine Pediatric Society
Teething is something that parents expect in their baby’s first year. If you ever find yourself asking, my baby is teething, what should I do?, remember the following facts about the development of your little one’s first tooth.
Exactly when teeth develop varies from child to child.
Reports say that teething may begin when the baby is 4 months old, but most will start at 6 months.
In case they reached 6 months and you still don’t find a single tooth, don’t panic. Reports say that some babies may not have any teeth by their first birthday.
Before we discuss the ways to soothe a teething baby, let’s first talk about the signs that they may start teething soon.
Spotting these signs will help you prepare better for your baby’s teething. For instance, you might want to stock up on bibs since they will be drooling a lot!
My baby is teething, what should I do? Should I stop breastfeeding? This is a common concern among mommies who feel that teething will make breastfeeding painful.
Experts don’t recommend stopping breastfeeding because of teething. They emphasize that with proper positioning and latching, as well as home remedies that ease your baby’s sore gums, you can continue breastfeeding just fine.
In case your baby starts teething, consider doing the following:
For a cranky or distressed baby, you can talk to the doctor about medications such as paracetamol.
Beware of products and medications that contain belladonna, benzocaine, or lidocaine. They “numb” teething pain, but experts say they may have potential side-effects.
Finally, don’t give your baby teething necklaces or bracelets. Not only are their effectiveness in question, but authorities say they increase choking and strangulation risks.
And finally, for infants 6 months to 2 years old, you need to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, once after the morning meal and then before bedtime.
Use a tiny, soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Once your child learns to spit, usually at the age of 3, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also recommend bringing a child to the dentist a little before or at their first birthday.
Home remedies are often enough to ease teething discomforts. However, bring your baby to the doctor if they have the following symptoms as they could point to other conditions:
Likewise, bring your little one to the doctor if they appear too uncomfortable or when teething already interferes with their drinking and eating.
Learn more about Baby’s First Year here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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