Teething - What You Should Know
What Is Teething?
Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to come through their gumline. Another word for it is odontiasis.
When a baby’s teeth start to emerge, it can be uncomfortable.
One common thought is that baby teeth cut through gums, causing the pain that can come from teething. But before the crown of a tooth appears, that part of your baby's gums has already been broken down by hormones.
So where does this pain come from then? As those hormones do their job, they cause the gums to swell and become tender, causing the pain.
When do babies start teething?
Most babies begin to teethe at around 6 months of age. Some may start teething earlier, and others begin much later. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s teeth come in on another timetable – it can be different for every baby.
How long does teething last?
Teething isn’t a constant state – it happens whenever a tooth is ready to break through the gums. Most baby teeth (the primary teeth) come through by about 12 months and then the molars come in between 13 and 19 months. Typically, all baby teeth are out by the time babies are 3 years old.
Teething Symptoms
The symptoms aren’t the same for every baby, but they may include:
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness and crying
- A slightly raised temperature (less than 100.4 F)
- Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
- Lots of drool, which can cause a rash on the face
- Coughing
- Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Teething can be painful, but it doesn’t usually make babies sick. Call your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a higher fever, or coughing and congestion. These aren’t normal signs of teething.
You also should call the pediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or you see any pus or swelling of their face.
Teething fever
Sometimes, babies who are teething get low-grade fevers. This is when the body temperature is slightly above normal, between 100 and 100.4 F. Some people call this teething fever. If your baby has a higher fever while teething, there is probably another cause aside from teething and you should contact your doctor.