Baby Teething

Your little baby takes on a different appearance; from his toothless grin to the emergence of the first tooth through the gums. But the teething process is often accompanied by discomfort and can leave parents and kid frustrated and upset. Find out more about baby teething. Learn to identify symptoms of teething.

Baby teething

The central incisors at the bottom are the first teeth to appear. The upper four teeth (central and lateral incisors) are the next to make an appearance in the baby teething process. It is only after these teeth appear that the first molars make their presence. Typically a child has about 20 teeth on his third birthday - 8 incisors, 8 premolars and 4 secondary molars.

Teething symptom

Typically baby teething occurs anywhere between 4 - 7 months. This can vary from child to child. It is not uncommon for a child to sprout the first tooth after completing a year, nor is it very rare for a child to be born with a tooth. Children who are beginning to teeth tend to drool more and may want to chew on whatever they can lay their hands on. The gums may appear tender and swollen.

Some children may feel cranky and irritable; and experience episodes of disrupted sleep. The pain and discomfort is more when the molars make their appearance. Another teething symptom that is noticed in some children is mild fever or diarrhea. The child may experience pain in the ears and cheeks. There may be temporary refusal to eat food.

• Wipe the drool from the baby's face. You can place a bib under the child's head. The child may develop rashes if the saliva is not regularly wiped clean.
  
  
• Ensure good dental hygiene to ensure long-term dental health. Wash or brush the gums with a clean toothbrush and water.
  
  
• Do not let the baby sleep with a bottle of milk or pool in the mouth. This can be the precursor to plaque and tooth decay.
  
  
• Massaging the gums can provide some relief to the child.
  
  
• You can give a pacifier or apply teething gel to reduce pain and discomfort.
  
  
• Water-filled toys or a bottle of cool water may provide some relief to a child who is suffering from teething problems. You can try pieces of cold apple or peach, celery or carrot stick.