When Teeth Come In - Our Best Tips for Parents

Teething is one of the major milestones in a child's development, but it can also be a period marked by discomfort, frustration, sleepless nights, and plenty of cuddles and comfort. As a parent, it's good to know what's happening in your child's mouth, when you can expect teeth to appear, and what measures can help both itching and pain.

When does teething begin?

Most babies get their first tooth somewhere between 4 and 8 months of age, but this varies greatly. Some get their first tooth as early as 3 months, while others don't get any until after their first birthday, and both are completely normal (you might have even heard of babies born with some teeth?).

The order of teeth

Here's a typical overview of when teeth usually erupt:

By the time a child is about 2.5 to 3 years old, most have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

The order in which teeth appear also varies greatly, and our son actually got his upper lateral incisors first, then he got his upper and lower incisors at the same time. So there isn't really a fixed order.

How do you know teeth are on their way?

Common signs of teething include:

• Increased drooling

• Desire to bite and chew on everything

• Red or irritated skin around the mouth

• Poorer sleep

• Slightly reduced appetite

• Fussiness and restlessness

Some children barely notice anything, while others find it more challenging. The pain and itching are often worst just before the tooth breaks through, when the gums are tight, swollen, and often white. It's also not uncommon to have a upset stomach (teething poo) and inexplicable on-and-off fever.

Tips that can help with teething

Here are some safe and effective measures to alleviate discomfort:

1. Teething toys

Teething toys give the child the opportunity to massage their gums themselves. Variation in texture can be especially soothing, which is why we love Summerville Organic's silicone teethers.

2. Cooling relief

Cold has a calming effect and can reduce swelling and tenderness.

• Place teething toys in the fridge (not the freezer, unless the toy is designed for it)

• Cold, wet washcloth to chew on (our son loved that)

• A pacifier with an icy nipple can also feel good

3. Food pacifier with frozen fruit

Food pacifiers are ingenious for both senses and relief. We have used several different ones and have found our favorite from BIBS. It doesn't matter which pacifier you use, as long as the child can hold it.
Try:

• Frozen mango (our son's favorite)

• Frozen banana

• Chilled berries (for children who have started eating solid foods)

Note: Always supervise the child when they have a food pacifier.

4. Massage the gums

Wash your finger and gently massage where the tooth is emerging. It can provide immediate relief.

5. Cold food

If the child has started trying solid foods, cold food can be soothing:

• Fridge-cold yogurt (dairy-free for children under 12 months)

• Cold smoothie

• Chilled porridge

6. Extra closeness and cuddles

Some days, a little extra comfort is all that helps. Cuddles, carrying, and breastfeeding/bottle-feeding can provide calm and comfort.

Teething can be an intense period for both little ones and adults. Fortunately, it passes quickly, and each new tooth is a small step forward in the child's development. With the right aids and a little extra closeness, it often becomes a bit easier for everyone.