When do Babies Start Teething

These days a number of parents maintain a log book of their child's growing up milestones. Teething is also one of those milestones which the parents want to chronicle. All babies start teething at different age. A single tooth smile from a little one is a wonderful sight that every parent looks forward to.

When do Babies Start Teething?

It is very difficult to make a prediction about baby teething. There are no such parameters which can be used to give an exact prediction about the teething time of a baby. On an average, a baby starts teething between four to seven months. A baby teething around nine months of age is also not uncommon. There are some babies who have even celebrated their first birthday giving a toothless smile. Most babies have their single tooth smile when they are around six months old. If a baby does not start teething by the time it is nine months old, it is always good to consult your baby's pediatrician. As a matter of fact, teething has a hereditary pattern. Hence, both the parents should find out when did they get their first tooth.

How Early Can Babies Start Teething?

It is said that babies are born with a full set of 20 primary teeth. These teeth are hidden under the gums, waiting to come out. Babies teething at the age of four months is rare, although not impossible. In very rare cases, there are babies who are born with a tooth. I would say it will be a wonderful sight to see that the first smile of your baby is a single tooth smile.

Teething Signs in Babies

For some babies, teething is not a painful experience. But there are some unfortunate few, who do suffer when they are teething. The symptoms of teething can be seen for days or weeks in advance. Some babies suffer from fever. When babies start teething, the gum where the tooth is going to appear may look red, swollen and sore. A number of babies drool when are about to teeth. However, there are some babies who drool naturally as well. Hence, this is not an accurate sign to ascertain if your baby is indeed teething. When the baby is teething, it will bite anything it lays its hand on. This helps in relieving pressure under the gums. One of the simple method of finding if your little one is teething is to run your fingers on the gums. On the place the new tooth is emerging, you will feel a ridge.

Many a time teething causes immense discomfort for the babies. You can relieve your child of the discomfort by giving it a bread stick or carrot slice to chew on. You may also give a teething ring to your baby. If your baby is not very irritated, you can rub the gums of your child, with clean fingers.

Teething Pattern in Babies

Normally, the first tooth to be seen is one of the two middle teeth in the upper jaw. There are some babies whose first tooth is one of the two teeth in the lower jaw. After the first tooth has appeared, the next three to appear are the remaining front teeth. On an average, by the seventh to tenth month, the child will have the four front teeth. Then comes the front molar teeth. It is important that you take care of the oral hygiene of your baby. Whatever the age of the baby, make sure you keep the teeth clean to avoid tooth decay. A soft cloth can be used to wipe the teeth of your baby.

Teething Trivia

According to some pediatricians, girls teeth before boys. Some physicians suggest giving the baby a chilled teething ring. However, on the other hand, some physicians are of the opinion that a cold teething ring can aggravate the pain associated with teething. A number of babies can also suffer from other ailments like fever, diarrhea, etc., when they are teething, which is very normal. Some babies do not want to eat or nurse, whereas there are other babies will nurse or eat more when they are teething.

Teething is indeed a wonderful stage in the baby's life. So, all the best for the new phase in your little one's life. Be sure you are ready with a camera, to capture a beautiful single tooth smile.