Teething

Your baby’s first teeth usually appear between six and nine months. Here are some tips on how to spot the signs of teething, and advice on how to comfort your baby at this time.

First teeth

During the second half of your baby’s first year, her teeth are likely to start to emerge. In some babies, a tooth may appear earlier; in others, the process will begin later – an age of nine or 10 months, or even a year, is not cause for concern.

What normally happens

The first teeth to appear are usually the two front teeth, at the bottom then the top, followed by those either side. Most babies have eight teeth by their first birthday. The milk set is usually complete by two-and-a-half to three years of age – but some variation is completely normal, so don’t worry.

Signs of teething

Babies are often grizzly for a few days or even weeks before a tooth appears, because it has to break through the gum.Your baby’s cheeks may appear flushed and she may pull on her ears as a sign that she is in pain. She’s also likely to have painful or swollen gums with white or opaque bumps on them, and to dribble more than usual.

Other symptoms to look out for are:
• changes in bowel motions
• nappy rash
• changes in feeding patterns 
• waking during the night
• a rash on the face or chin
• chewing on toys and fingers.

Treating the symptoms

There’s plenty you can do to ease your baby’s discomfort. Offer her sticks of carrot, cucumber, apple or celery to chew, straight from the fridge – the coolness has a mild numbing effect. If you’re out somewhere and you can’t get hold of anything chilled, offer your baby one of your fingers to chomp on – make sure your hands are clean.

You could also try:
• Teething gels, available over the counter from your pharmacist – these contain a small amount of local anaesthetic, and are applied straight on to your baby’s gums.
• A chilled plastic teething ring, stored in the fridge.
• Infant ibuprofen or paracetamol, when necessary.
• Lots of cuddles and sympathy.

What not to do:
• Never keep a teething ring in the freezer, or give your baby ice or frozen food to hold against her gums –as this could cause freezer burns.
• Don’t give your baby medicines as a matter of routine – try some of the other methods first.
• Consult your GP or health visitor if your baby seems to be in a lot of pain, has a fever or is obviously unwell.
• Above all, ignore any old wives’ tales that advise rubbing alcohol on your baby’s gums – a baby’s liver cannot tolerate alcohol and this could be very dangerous.

Looking after baby teeth

• It’s never too soon to start tooth care. Once the teeth have broken through the gums, rub daily with fluoride baby toothpaste.
• Squeeze a tiny bit of toothpaste on a piece of muslin and rub gently in a circular motion. Because your baby will swallow the toothpaste, keep the amount to a minimum.
• When the teeth have erupted more fully, buy a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and clean twice a day in a gentle rotating motion. Let her chew on the toothbrush if she wants to – she needs to get used to having something in her mouth that isn’t food!
• There’s no need for your baby to rinse, but do offer her a drink of water.