Welcome to the wonderful world of baby teeth and teething! As a parent, you're in for a journey filled with smiles, giggles, and yes, a bit of drool. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through everything you need to know about your little one's pearly whites and those teething troubles.

Baby Teeth

Let's start with the basics - Baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, are the first set of teeth that babies develop. These tiny teeth play a crucial role in chewing, speech development, and holding space for future permanent teeth. They typically begin to emerge around 6 months of age, although this can vary from baby to baby.

Teething Process

Teething is the natural process by which baby teeth break through the gums. It can be uncomfortable for your little one and may cause symptoms like drooling, irritability, and a strong urge to chew on things. Most babies get their first tooth between 4 to 7 months old, but some may start teething earlier or later. The teething process continues until your child is around 2 to 3 years old when all 20 primary teeth have emerged.

Symptoms of Teething

Recognising the signs of teething can help you provide comfort and support for your baby. Look out for these common symptoms:

1. Excessive drooling: Teething stimulates saliva production, leading to increased drooling.
2. Irritability: Your baby may become fussier than usual due to discomfort and soreness in the gums.
3. Gnawing or chewing: Babies often seek relief by chewing on anything they can find.
4. Swollen or tender gums: You might notice redness and swelling in the area where the tooth is about to erupt.
5. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns: Discomfort from teething can disrupt your baby's regular eating and sleeping routines.

When do Baby Teeth Come Through?

While every baby is unique, here's a rough guideline of when you can expect certain teeth to make their appearance:

1. Bottom front teeth (lower central incisors): Around 6 to 10 months.
2. Top front teeth (upper central incisors): Around 8 to 12 months.
3. Side front teeth (lateral incisors): Around 9 to 13 months.
4. First molars: Around 12 to 16 months.
5. Canine teeth: Around 16 to 20 months.

When to Start Brushing Baby Teeth

Good dental hygiene is essential from the start. Even before your baby's first tooth emerges, you can gently clean their gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, typically around 6 months, start brushing with a rice-sized amount of baby toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day.

• 3-6 months - Start them off early! Use the baby toothbrush finger to gently clean and massage their gums or remove milk build-up on the tongue. The baby gum brush also gets your baby used to the strange sensation of brushing.

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• 6-12 months - Gently rub this infant toothbrush along the teeth and molar to clean and massage the top and bottom. The chewable, double-sided soft baby toothbrush head also helps soothe sore gums, making it perfect for early teethers!

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• 1-2 years -Time to let your little one have a go! The toddler toothbrush handle is just the right size and texture to be easy for little hands to hold and the extra-small brush head comfortably fits into their tiny mouth.

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It is recommended to look at paediatric dental care when your little ones first teeth start to come through. Search for paediatric dental care near me to find local dentists that specialise in children's dental checkups.

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What to Do If Baby Is Teething and Crying

Coping with a teething baby can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to provide relief:

• Gentle gum massage: Use clean fingers to gently massage your baby's gums to alleviate discomfort.
• Pain relief: Consult with your pediatrician about using infant pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease discomfort. You can also try various highly rated teething gels such as: Nelsons Teething Gel and Ashton & Parsons
• Chilled teething toys: Offer your baby chilled teething toys or a clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator to numb sore gums.

• Teething rings: Silicone or rubber teething rings provide a safe and soothing option for chewing.
• Distraction: Engage your baby in gentle play or offer cuddles to distract them from teething discomfort.

Teething Remedies

Another highly rated teething gel: The bio-adhesive gel rapidly builds an invisible film which helps to protect from discomfort and pain associated with teething. Soft applicator gently massages gums, so no need to use fingers. Contains soothing aloe vera. Suitable for infants aged 3 months+

• CONTAINS CHAMOMILLA: which is traditionally used in homeopathy to help relieve teething pain.

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• Teetha comes in single dose sachets. The granules dissolve in your baby's mouth where it gently helps to ease the pain of teething

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• SUITABLE FOR BABIES 3+ MONTHS OLD: When using Teetha granules for babies aged 3-6 months a spoon should be used, and half a sachet given at a time into the front of the baby’s mouth. For babies over 6 months, with the baby in an upright or sitting position, slowly pour the contents of the sachet into the front of the baby’s mouth a little at a time

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Teething Starter Set

Matchstick Monkey Teething Set: Teething Ring, flat teething toy, silicone finger toothbrush.

A fun, soft textured teething toy with bumps to soothe sore gums. Provides a hygienic approach to applying teething products directly to the source of pain.

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• Our Teething Starter Set is an innovative teething toy for baby relief product, containing all the essentials to soothe any baby’s teething pain. Each product is specifically designed to help care for different stages of the teething journey.

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• MULTI SENSORY STIMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT: Soft bumps on the back of the teether head help to stimulate and massage sore gums. This will comfort and relieve baby's teething pain. Use the bumps to carefully apply teething products whilst the baby can navigate the teether right to the source of their pain and learn how to self-soothe.

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• BABY’S FIRST TOOTHBRUSH: Soft and gentle on sensitive gums from the very first tooth. Our silicone finger toothbrushes familiarise your baby with the feeling of brushing their teeth. This is an important step in your baby's early development.

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• ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION: Our Teething Starter Sets contain Biocote Antimicrobial Protection. This protects your baby’s teethers and toothbrushes against a wide range of microbes keeping germs at bay. They will stay fresher and cleaner for longer, so your little one can play and chew away worry-free.

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• SAFE AND RELIABLE: Suitable from 3 months old, our toys and toothbrushes are made from FDA approved food-grade silicone and are BPA free.

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Teething Necklace

Silicone Teething Necklace designed to be worn by parents, giving babies something to grasp and chew. Simple in design with fresh cute colours and features a splittable clasp making it easy to wear and take off. Can choose different designs to style with mother’s outfit. Easy to clean. Made from 100% food grade silicone and are free from chemicals, PVCs and BPA

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Teething is a natural part of your baby's development, and while it can be challenging, it's also a temporary phase. By understanding the teething process, recognising the symptoms, practicing good dental care, and providing soothing techniques, you can help your baby navigate through this milestone with greater ease and comfort. Remember to trust your instincts as a parent and shower your little one with love and support during this exciting journey.

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For more baby, toddler and parenting information see our Baby & Toddler Hub.

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