Teething crying all day: How to Figure Out What’s Bothering Your Baby

What to Do When Baby Is Teething (And Won’t Stop Crying)

Wondering what to do when baby is teething and won’t stop crying hysterically? Here are clever ways to soothe your inconsolable little one.

Your baby is teething… again.

But this time, she can’t sleep well at night, especially when she gets up crying at least three times. You know it’s teething since she’ll start chewing on her fingers and clamping down on everything. She’s in so much pain, but you don’t know what you can give her to calm her down.

It doesn’t help that she’s grown extra clingy and screams when you put her down. She’s so attached to you that you’ve barely slept in days. As much as you know how much she needs you right now, you feel like you’re losing your mind.

What to do when baby is teething and won’t stop crying

Perhaps the worst part of teething is that it can become a guessing game. Any time my baby fussed, I immediately pointed to teething as the cause, even though no teeth would show up for months, despite the telltale symptoms.

Still, other times, you just know that your baby’s emerging teeth are causing her to cry hysterically for hours. So much so that she won’t sleep unless she’s held, and soothing her doesn’t seem to work. What are some remedies to help her when you’ve tried everything, to help her stop crying inconsolably?

Take a look at a few ideas that have helped me console my babies when they were miserable with teething:

1. Offer frozen or cold food

Frozen food can work wonders on sore gums! Try giving your baby frozen food through a mesh feeder so she can suck on it while soothing herself.

Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder

Here’s how it works:

• First, puree or mash the food.
• Then, pour them into ice cube trays.
• Once they’re frozen, place the cubes into the feeders.
• Let them slightly thaw so that they’re not too cold or hard.

This also works well with yogurt and breast milk! And another option is to pour the food into popsicle molds:

Mini Silicone Popsicle Mold

Free: Struggling with putting her to sleep? Teach her to self soothe and sleep on her own. Whether you’ve tried to teach her in the past or are just now considering it, take a look at the 5 key mistakes to avoid. Join my newsletter and grab this amazing resource below—at no cost to you:

2. Offer frozen teething rings

Teething rings are fantastic for your baby to chomp on, releasing the pressure she feels in her mouth. Even better if it’s frozen, as this also helps numb the pain she might be feeling. Pop these into your freezer or even refrigerator to cool them down. Then, offer them as regular teething rings:

Infantino 3-Pack Water Teethers

3. Give medicine

If you’re like me, you’re a bit hesitant to offer your baby medicine, especially for something like teething which can go on for quite some time.

But for challenging moments when she’s inconsolable, over-the-counter medicine can be a huge relief.

Our pediatrician recommended an over-the-counter medicine that can help with both pain and inflammation. Either way, check with your pediatrician to see what she recommends, and in how many doses. Homeopathic options like drops and teething gels are also available.

4. Provide a comfort item

This is the time to give your baby a special lovey or comfort item, to help her when she’s uncomfortable. While the lovey won’t replace you, she can find comfort in it when you’re apart, like when she’s asleep or in someone else’s care.

My kids loved the Angel Dear lovies. They chewed the corners to help with teething pain and slept with them for every nap and bedtime:

Angel Dear Blankie

5. Slow down

Sometimes, in our quest to get our babies to stop crying as quickly as possible, we drive ourselves crazy when we don’t get the results we want.

We blame ourselves for not knowing what to do, or resent our babies for making life hard. The to-do list never ends, and we feel glued holding them in our arms, unable to tackle our tasks.

But sometimes, the reason things are hard is because we resist them so much. What if, instead of finding all the ways to stop the crying, you’re simply present for your baby when she needs you?

Stop what you’re doing and tend to her. Put things on the back burner for now and hold her in your arms. Yes, you won’t get any housework done, but you’ll get to it at some point (or realize they’re not even that important).

For now, make comforting her your top priority. Of course, this doesn’t mean you pause your life entirely, but for those heightened moments when you just know she needs you, slow down and be there for her.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered what to do when your baby is teething and won’t stop crying, rest assured you’re not alone, mama.

But now you have a few tricks you can try. Offer cold or frozen food to numb her gums, as well as teething rings to relieve the pressure that can drive her to clamp down on everything. Give medicine, from over-the-counter pain relief to cooling gels for her gums.

Provide a comfort item like a lovey she can gnaw on and sleep with, especially in your absence. And finally, for those brutally miserable moments, slow down and comfort her—this is the time she needs you most.

Teething isn’t fun for anyone involved, but thankfully you now have solutions—even if it feels like your baby is teething yet again.

Get more tips:

• What to Do When Your Teething Baby Won’t Sleep Unless Held
• 4 Effective Tricks to Handle Your Baby Not Drinking Milk
• 5 Reasons Your Baby Wakes Up Crying Hysterically
• 9 Things to Do If Your Baby Goes on a Bottle Strike
• How to Get a Teething Baby to Sleep

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4 Ways to Ease a Teething Baby

Keywords

Dani Kurtz






Nov 9, 2015

When does teething usually start and what are the symptoms?

Most babies start teething between 4-7 months, but some start a little earlier and others a little later and that’s okay. Symptoms will appear before the tooth breaks through, in most cases. They include:

• Excessive drooling
• A desire to chew on something hard because pressure helps to alleviate the pain
• Swollen tender gums
• Mild irritability, crying, or a low grade fever

Teething does not cause vomiting, diarrhea, inconsolable crying or a temperature above 100.4 degrees F. If your baby has any of these symptoms, call the pediatrician. Actually, treatment for many medical conditions is delayed in babies because the symptoms are written off by parents as teething.

What can I do to support my baby through teething?

• A few easy things to do include wash your hands, trim your nails, and gently massage swollen their gums. Teething rings made of firm rubber with a slight chill to them can help, but don’t freeze them. That can do more harm than good.
• If nothing seems to be working call your pediatrician about using over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Motrin. They’ll tell you if they’re safe for your baby based on your baby’s age and health history, and tell you how much and how often you can give your baby while they’re teething.
• Avoid gels that you rub on your baby’s gums. They aren’t helpful because teething babies drool quite a bit and the drool can wash away the medication. In addition, it can numb the back of a baby’s throat and interfere with their ability to swallow.
• Avoid teething tablets. The FDA has issued a warning against Hyland’s teething tablets because they contain belladonna and the amount contained in them is unregulated. They found in lab testing that they contained 16x more belladonna than they should have. Too much can cause harm to a baby.

When should I start to brush my baby’s teeth?

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood and it’s preventable. As soon as you see teeth, start brushing with a soft child’s toothbrush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, like the size of a grain of rice.

When should my baby see the dentist for the first time?

A child should see the dentist around their first birthday. This is a chance for parents to ask questions and for the dentist to educate parents about proper oral hygiene. Topics of conversation should include brushing, bottles, juice, and fluoride. They’ll do a basic checkup and introduce the child to the dentist. They try to make it a positive experience so that the child will want to come back.

Intermountain Moms



Baby Your Baby,


Intermountain Moms

Last Updated:
10/27/2017

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How to Soothe a Teething Baby at Night: 9 Tips and Tricks

Teething is an inevitable part of your baby’s development — and it can be a nerve-wracking time for parents as their little ones struggle through cutting those first few teeth.

No matter the time of day, a fussy baby who’s teething can be hard to calm. But at least during the day, you expect to be awake. So, what can you do to soothe your little one and get them back to dreamland at night, so the both of you can enjoy some shut-eye? Here are some tips.

Generally speaking, most babies begin teething somewhere between 4 and 7 months of age. But some children may begin teething earlier or later than this window.

Typically, you’ll know if your baby’s nighttime restlessness is due to teething because they’ll be exhibiting other common teething symptoms. Along with difficulty sleeping, these symptoms usually include:

• irritability/fussiness
• excessive drooling
• chewing

But if your baby is experiencing a rash (other than a drool rash), fever, or diarrhea, something other than teething may be the cause of their discomfort. In that scenario, you should speak with your child’s pediatrician.

Your baby’s gums are irritated and sore, which can explain the nighttime fussiness. So when they wake up crying, try offering them a cooling gum massage with a durable teething ring. (Check out these top picks!)

With teething toys, make sure that they’re solid plastic rather than gel-filled, and store them in your fridge or freezer. Inspect the teething ring after every use to ensure that there aren’t any broken pieces that could pose a choking hazard.

Also, avoid teething jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets made from amber, marble, silicone, or even wood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against them because they pose a choking risk.

Sore gums can really benefit from a cooling sensation. This trick is easy to use and doesn’t require any special equipment — just the foresight to keep a few washcloths prepped in the freezer so you’re not scrambling at 2 a.m.

Take a clean washcloth, soak it in water, and then place it in the freezer for at least 30 to 60 minutes. While you should make sure that there aren’t any rips or strings, these washcloths can serve a dual purpose. Along with instantly cooling your baby’s sore gums, your little one can also gnaw on them as long as they like.

Depending on whether this is their first tooth or not, you might let your baby gum at your fingers. Just make sure that your fingers are clean before you let them have fun. For added comfort, dip your fingers in cool water to help calm their gums.

This is similar but involves a little more effort — and therefore, wakefulness — on your part.

Make sure your hands are clean before you stick them in your baby’s mouth, but use your fingers to apply gentle pressure on your baby’s gums. Sometimes simply rubbing the gums will be enough to give your baby sweet relief from teething pain.

While most people don’t associate drool with being uncomfortable, letting your baby sit around with a wet face all day can contribute to rashes, which adds to the discomfort at night.

Even though you can’t catch every dribble, make sure your little teether is as dry as possible during the day so they go into the night more comfortable. This would be a great time to invest in durable bibs that don’t let drool soak through to the clothes beneath them.

Sometimes all you need is a bit of distraction to help redirect your baby’s attention elsewhere. While this might not work for every baby, adding a white noise machine to your baby’s nursery can help them drift off to la-la land despite discomfort.

Some white noise machines also serve as night-lights or can be controlled remotely.

This tip should be more of a last resort as opposed to your first soothing technique. But sometimes, if your baby is struggling to sleep, some over-the-counter medicine might be the trick you need.

Talk with your baby’s pediatrician first before you give it to your baby so you can confirm the proper dosage. But baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) given roughly 30 minutes before bedtime can help to block mouth pain and help your little one drift off to sleep.

However, avoid teething tablets and topical numbing medications designed to be used on a baby’s gums.

Often, numbing gels don’t provide sustaining relief because your baby is drooling so much that the medication is washed away. Teething tablets contain belladonna and numbing gels contain benzocaine, both of which have been linked with dangerous side effects in babies, says the FDA.

This might sound like a tall order, but teething — much like many other periods in your baby’s life — is a temporary situation. No matter how tempting it might be to let teething disrupt your baby’s regular bedtime routine, don’t do it.

As much as possible, stick to the routine you’ve already established and try to keep your little one as comfortable as possible so that they can fall asleep.

Rest assured, you’re not the first parent to deal with this. And no matter how stressful it might seem, you’ll get through it! Try to maintain perspective, keep your little one comfortable, and give them extra cuddles.

Teething is one of those baby milestones that most parents have a love-hate relationship with. On the one hand, it’s exciting to see your little one grow and develop. But on the flip side, those first few teeth are usually when teething symptoms are at their worst and nighttime sleep is most disrupted.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the discomfort and make sleep possible for both you and baby. And if you notice a fever or rash, call your pediatrician — there may be something else going on.

Is My Baby Teething? Check our Baby Teething Chart to Find Out

One joy of parenthood is watching your little one reach milestones. It’s common to celebrate a baby crawling or walking for the first time. But these aren’t the only milestones to look forward to. You might even celebrate your baby’s first tooth.

Here’s what you need to know about teething, as well as what you can do to make the experience more comfortable for your baby.

Baby teeth erupt, or come in, gradually at different times. Typically, you can expect your baby to have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of 3. Keep in mind, though, the timing that teeth appear can vary from child to child.

Here’s a general guideline when you can expect each tooth to erupt:

Lower teeth

• central incisor: 6–10 months
• lateral incisor: 10–16 months
• canine (cuspid): 17–23 months
• first molar: 14–18 months
• second molar: 23–31 months

Upper teeth

• central incisor: 8–12 months
• lateral incisor: 9–13 months
• canine (cuspid): 16–22 months
• first molar: 13–19 months
• second molar: 25–33 months

Eventually, 32 permanent teeth will replace your child’s 20 primary teeth.

The time frame for children losing their primary teeth also varies from child to child. In most cases, this takes place over a course of about 6 years.

Children initially shed or lose their central incisor teeth around 6 or 7 years old. The last teeth to fall out are the canines and molars. Most children lose these teeth by age 12.

While some babies get their first tooth around 6 months old, teething can start a little earlier or a little later. Some babies have their first tooth erupt as early as 3 months old, but other babies don’t get their first tooth until 12 months old or older.

As you see the first signs of a tooth, your baby may seem to experience discomfort and pain. This might make sleep and eating difficult for a short time, and your baby might cry more often.

Common symptoms of a teething baby include:

• increased drooling
• possible reduced appetite for solids
• irritability
• biting and chewing
• gum rubbing

If your baby is between 3 and 12 months old and develops these symptoms, they may be cutting a tooth and there’s likely no cause for alarm.

But it’s important to note that some symptoms are not associated with teething. These symptoms include:

• fever
• facial rash
• cough and congestion
• diarrhea or vomiting
• reduced appetite for liquid foods

If your baby develops any of these signs and symptoms, don’t assume it’s from teething, and contact your pediatrician if symptoms persist or your baby seems sick.

Teething pain can make your little one miserable and irritable. Soreness and pain can occur for some babies as the tooth erupts through their little gums. Other babies may not display any signs or symptoms related to teething.

You might see some crankiness and a lot of tears — but you can make this transition easier for your baby. The trick is making their gums as comfortable as possible.

Massage baby’s gums

If it seems to comfort them, gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Be gentle, but apply firm pressure. This increases blood flow to your baby’s gum tissue which may reduce inflammation and pain.

Use a cool compress

Applying coolness to your baby’s gums can also reduce discomfort. Some parents will chill a teething ring in the refrigerator (not freezer!), and then give it to their baby to chew on.

You can also apply a cold spoon to your baby’s sore gums. As a precaution, only use a cold spoon if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet. Chewing on a metal spoon could accidentally chip their delicate teeth.

Consider pain medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also reduce pain. When used correctly, pain relievers are safe to give to babies. These medications can reduce pain associated with teething, but should only be used occasionally.

Be sure to consult your doctor before giving medication to children under 2 years old, or if you’re feeling like you need to give pain relievers for more than a day or two.

Do not use topical gels

There are topical numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine to help relieve teething pain on the market.

But these numbing treatments can be harmful to babies and shouldn’t be used, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This group also notes that over-the-counter topical gels (even non-numbing ones) aren’t helpful, since all the drool washes them away anyway.

The Food and Drug Administration also issued a public warning about the use of benzocaine oral gels. These gels can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which can be particularly dangerous to children younger than 24 months old.

This condition can reduce the oxygen in the body. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat.

Your baby cutting their first tooth is an exciting milestone — but may also be a painful one. Your little one doesn’t have to suffer, though. Between a gentle massage, a cool compress, and safe pain medication, you can help your baby get through teething with minimal discomfort.

Best Baby Teethers of 2022

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Teething is one of those stages that can be just as uncomfortable for parents as it is for their baby.

While cutting teeth is a major milestone that every baby goes through, the first few teeth tend to be the most painful — not to mention the most memorable for parents as they try to soothe their fussy babes.

As your baby looks for sweet relief from new tooth pain, they’ll want to bite and gnaw to soothe their irritated gums. Your little one might start reaching for dangerous household objects — or your hands or shoulders, ouch! — and teething toys are a great and safe alternative.

So, we’re rounding up some of the most effective products on the market to put an end to those teething tears.

If you’re a first-time parent, you might wonder when your baby will begin to get their first set of teeth.

Most babies get their lower central incisors first between ages 6 and 10 months, followed by their upper central incisors between 8 and 12 months.

Even if you’re used to your baby’s fussiness, teething can feel like a whole new ballgame.

You’ll most likely notice a few specific symptoms that let you know they’re teething:

• chewing on items
• crankiness and irritability
• sore and swollen gums
• excessive drooling

Is fever a symptom?

It’s a common misconception that a child can have a fever associated with teething. There’s no scientific evidence to support this idea, so if your child has a rectal temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C), this could be a sign that they’re sick (and teething is not the underlying cause).

While most people think that teethers are only necessary for the first few teeth, the molar eruption can also be very painful. So don’t be surprised if you find that baby needs a teether again when their molars begin to appear around 13 months.

While there are plenty of safe ways to ease your baby’s teething pain, there are also a lot of bad practices that should not be used.

Always inspect your teether

Considering how much gnawing and biting a baby can do, some teethers may not stand the test of time.

Always inspect the surface of your baby’s teether for tears, and if you find them, throw it away. A broken teether can become a choking hazard.

Chill, don’t freeze

A cold teether can be very refreshing for a teething baby. But experts agree that you should chill your teethers in your refrigerator rather than freezing them. This is because when frozen, the teether can be too hard and end up damaging your child’s gums. It can also damage the durability of the toy.

Avoid teething jewelry

While these are a popular category that many parents swear by, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding them as the small beads and accessories on teething necklaces, anklets, or bracelets can become a choking hazard.

Keep a bib close by

Babies are drooly, and this is doubly true when they’re teething. All that saliva can create skin irritations. So, when your baby is teething, keep a bib on hand to catch the excess dribble. You can also use a barrier ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor to keep exterior skin from getting irritated.

• Best overall teether: Vulli Sophie La Girafe
• Best natural teether: Calmies Natural Teether Toy
• Best teether for molars: Baby Elefun Elephant Teether
• Best multipurpose teether: Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush
• Best teether treat: teetherpop
• Best teething mitt: Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt
• Best wooden teether: Promise Babe Natural Wood Teething Toy Set
• Best budget-friendly teethers: Dr. Brown’s Coolees Soothing Teether

Even if this isn’t your first time as a parent, you want a teether that’s going to last through your child’s dental milestones — from their first tooth to their final molar.

To create our list, we focused on durability, how easily a teether could be cleaned, cost, and design.

Price guide

• $ = under $10
• $$ = $10–$15
• $$$ = over $15

Best overall teether

Vulli Sophie La Girafe

• Price: $$$
• Material: 100% natural rubber (from the Hevea tree)
• Key features: BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, lead-free
• Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.2 x 7 inches

Hands down one of the most popular baby teethers that continues to delight parents and babies is the Sophie La Girafe.

The teething material is made entirely from natural rubber, which is gentler on baby’s gums. Plus, thanks to Sophie’s long legs and chewy ears, there’s plenty to keep your baby occupied.

Shop now at Amazon

Best natural teether

Calmies Natural Teether Toy

• Price: $$
• Material: 100% natural rubber (from Pará rubber trees)
• Key features: PVC-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free
• Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 inches

If you’re concerned about your teether’s content, an all-natural toy is the way to go. This teether is made from 100-percent natural plant-based rubber and is free from BPA or PVC.

Reviewing parents love that the teether features multiple grips, giving their children plenty of holding spots. But for some parents and babies, the natural rubber smell may be too intense and can be amplified as it gets wet.

Shop now at Amazon

Best teether for molars

Baby Elefun Elephant Teether

• Price: $
• Material: 100% food-grade silicone
• Key features: BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, lead-free
• Weight: 1. 76 ounces
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 0.3 x 2.8 inches

Not all teethers are designed to easily reach those back molars, even though they can be especially painful. This teether from Baby Elefun is made for multiple stages of teething because it has five textures and bristles, giving your baby plenty of options when it comes to soothing their sore gums.

This option is made from 100-percent food-grade silicone that’s BPA-free and has a large open center to ensure baby maintains a solid grip. Parents appreciate that it could be quickly cleaned and sanitized in hot water, the microwave, or the dishwasher.

Shop now at Amazon

Best multipurpose teether

Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush

• Price: $
• Material: 100% food-grade silicone
• Key features: BPA-free and phthalate-free
• Weight: 1.41 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.33 x 0.39 x 7. 87 inches

If your baby’s teeth are coming in, you’re also about to enter a new phase of dental hygiene. The Baby Banana pulls double duty as a teether and your child’s first attempt at using a toothbrush.

The gentle massaging brush head soothes gums and later works to keep those new chompers pearly white. And the cute banana peel handles give your little one something to securely hold on to as they bite down on the brush head.

Shop now at Amazon

Best teether treat

teetherpop

• Price: $$
• Material: food-grade silicone
• Key features: BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free
• Weight: 2.8 ounces
• Dimensions: ‎4 x 2 x 4 inches

As we mentioned before, a traditional teether shouldn’t be kept in the freezer. But there’s an exception to this rule: Ices are a great way to soothe your baby’s mouth without posing a risk to their gums.

Parents love the teetherpop because they can fill it with breast milk, water, or even juice and smoothies to create a sweet treat that gives your baby some comfort.

Intended for ages 6 months and older, it’s made from food-grade silicone and is BPA- and latex-free. Plus, the safety cap has four small holes that allow the melted liquid to flow through for less mess.

Shop now at Amazon

Best teething mitt

Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt

• Price: $
• Material: food-grade silicone
• Key features: BPA-free, PVC-free, nontoxic
• Weight: 0.96 ounces
• Dimensions: ‎2.6 x 0.34 x 4.9 inches

Teething mitts are a great alternative if you’re tired of constantly retrieving lost or dropped teethers every 2 minutes. The Itzy Ritzy Teething Mitt stays put once wrapped around your baby’s hand and works to engage their senses as well as provide much-needed relief.

The fabric portion is designed with crinkly material that makes noise, and the colorful food-grade silicone is textured for gum relief. Parents love that you can choose from seven adorable styles and that this is a machine-washable teether.

Shop now at Amazon

Best wooden teether

Promise Babe Natural Wood Teething Toy Set

• Price: $$$
• Material: eco-friendly beechwood
• Key features: BPA-free, phthalate-free, and no paint or wax finish
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Dimensions: ‎6.69 x 2.76 x 3.94 inches

Some parents prefer vintage-style toys for their babies. In that case, this 11-piece set of wooden teethers from Promise Babe will give you that retro vibe you’re looking for.

The fun shapes can keep babies engaged while you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing exactly what your baby is chewing on. However, keep in mind that these are all smooth textured, so you may not find them as effective as some other options.

Shop now at Amazon

Best budget-friendly teethers

Dr. Brown’s Coolees Soothing Teether

• Price: $
• Material: silicone and plastic
• Key features: BPA-free
• Weight: 0.7 ounces
• Dimensions: ‎4.10 x 0.40 x 5.80 inches

Dr. Brown’s is another household name that’s a fan favorite among parents because many of its products are designed with the support of pediatric dentists.

This adorable watermelon wedge teether is easy for tiny hands to hold, making it great for babies as young as 3 months. Plus, it can be chilled in your refrigerator for a cool treat for irritated gums. It’s also top-rack dishwasher safe.

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Most parents find that babies tend to have a favorite. So, when you’re first shopping for a teether, it can be a good idea to pick a few to give yourself (and your baby) some options.

Also, keep the following features in mind as you test out teethers:

Durability

No one wants to buy a teether that needs to be replaced a month later. Look for teethers made of sturdy silicone, rubber, or wood that won’t fall apart after a few uses.

Keep in mind, babies can be rough with teethers because they’re trying to soothe their gums.

Cleaning

Considering that a teether spends a lot of time in your child’s mouth, you want to make sure that cleaning and sterilizing a teether doesn’t become an impossible task. We feature several options above that are dishwasher safe or can be sterilized with steam in a microwave or boiled.

Budget

In general, most teethers are affordable. While we did include a few splurge options, you should be able to stock up on this essential baby item without breaking the bank.

Design

How easily can your baby grip a teether? Are there enough textures that can soothe their gums? Are the pieces too big for them to chew down on the toy? Are there small pieces that can break off and cause a choking hazard? These are all important features to keep in mind.

When should babies use teethers?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies generally start teething between 4 and 7 months old. But most teethers are safe for babies to use starting at 3 months old.

Can I give my 3-month-old a teether?

Always check the product packaging for age recommendations, as some teethers are not recommended until your baby is 6 months and older. However, there are many designed to be safe for babies ages 3 months and older.

If your baby starts to show signs of teething this early, it’s perfectly safe to give them age-appropriate teethers.

How often should you clean a teether?

Since teethers are going into your baby’s mouth, it’s important to regularly clean your baby’s teethers as often as possible, at least once a day or every time they are used, to remove germs. They should also be cleaned if they are visibly soiled.

For convenience, we chose teethers for this list that are easier to clean, such as those that can be thrown into a dishwasher.

How long should babies use teethers?

Teethers can be used as long as they help soothe your baby’s discomfort. Some people prefer to only use a teether as their baby’s first set of teeth comes in, but molar eruption (which tends to happen past 12 months) may also be painful, in which case you can continue to use a teether throughout the entire teething process.

Should teethers be frozen?

According to the AAP and the FDA, it’s safe to put teethers in the freezer if it’s just to get them a little cold and not rock hard. If they become too hard, they may become brittle and pose a choking hazard.

Experts are also wary of gel-filled cooling teethers. The AAP recommends against a liquid- or gel-filled teether since it could become contaminated with bacteria if baby bites into it.

Teething can be a rough time for babies and parents, but you can make life easier by finding a teether that can be easily cleaned, is durable enough to last through your baby’s entire first round of tooth eruptions, and keeps them engaged.

Eruption Cyst in Baby: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Teething can be tougher for some babies — and parents — and easier for others. Either way, you’ll likely see some of the usual signs that your little one is about to have their first tooth milestone.

For example, your baby might:

• be very grumpy and clingy
• drool more than usual
• gnaw on anything within reach
• rub their ears a lot

Some babies may also have less common signs of teething, like eruption cysts. These little bubbles or bumps on a baby’s gums might look strange — even alarming — but they’re generally harmless and go away quickly.

These cysts are more common in older children who are getting their adult teeth in, but it’s possible for babies to get them as well.

Here’s what to know about this rare teething side effect on your baby’s gums.

Also called a congenital eruption cyst or an eruption hematoma if the fluid it’s filled with is mixed with blood, an eruption cyst in a teething baby is kind of what it sounds like.

It happens when a brand new tooth is trying to grow and poke out of a baby’s gums. Sometimes, a small fluid-filled swelling, sac, or bubble forms. This can occur on top of the gums or just under the gum surface over the growing — or erupting — tooth.

The new tiny pearly white will still poke out through the eruption cyst, and the cyst usually goes away on its own without treatment.

An eruption cyst might sound painful — and it can make baby’s gums tender — but it typically won’t hurt.

If your little one has an eruption cyst, you may notice a small bluish, yellow, white-tinged, or clear dome or bubble sitting on their gums.

This soft tissue sore will be just over the growing tooth and might feel similar to a squishy, balloon-like bump. The gums around the eruption cyst might also be a little swollen, irritated, or red.

Most eruption cysts are under a half-inch in size. Your baby might have just one eruption cyst, or they could have more than one at a time.

Sometimes the fluid inside the eruption cyst is mixed with a little bit of blood. When this happens, it might look more pink, red, or purple in color.

Don’t worry — the blood doesn’t mean the eruption cyst is getting worse.

An eruption cyst happens when fluid collects in the space around a tooth that’s about to erupt, or come through, the gums. You might notice one when your baby is teething, but before you can actually see the new tooth.

Eruption cysts can sometimes happen for reasons that aren’t clearly understood. They may include inflammation or trauma. Other causes are irritation or an infection in baby’s gums.

In still other cases, there may be overcrowding in the gums when two teeth are growing next to each other. This can raise the risk of an eruption cyst in a teething baby, though overcrowding is more common in older children getting their permanent teeth.

A small trauma or injury to the gums can also lead to an eruption cyst. This can happen accidentally when your baby is chomping on a teething toy.

Some babies and toddlers might have eruption cysts because of dental decay.

How common are eruption cysts?

Eruption cysts aren’t common in babies.

Older children under age 10 also get eruption cysts. In fact, they’re most common in kids ages 6 to 9 years who are getting in their first adult molars.

In most cases, your baby won’t need any treatment for an eruption cyst. They usually go away on their own after the tooth grows and pushes — or just pops harmlessly — through it.

In some cases, a slow-growing or impacted (stuck) tooth will mean that an eruption will last for a long time. If this happens, your pediatrician or pediatric dentist will monitor it regularly and wait for a few weeks to months.

On an X-ray, fluid in an erupted cyst will look like a dark shadow around a new tooth under the gums.

In rare cases, your pediatrician or pediatric dentist might be needed if the eruption cyst is blocking the tooth from growing properly. Treatment includes removing dense or fibrous tissue to help the tooth grow properly.

Another kind of treatment is “unroofing,” or opening the top of the eruption cyst to free the tooth. Surgical treatment for an eruption cyst is very rare in babies, however.

In most cases, an eruption cyst will go away in a matter of days or weeks — as soon as the tooth grows above the gum line. In some cases, if the tooth is growing slowly or impacted, the eruption cyst may last for up to 4 months.

Let your pediatrician or pediatric dentist know if an eruption cyst lasts longer than a couple of weeks or if you notice anything else unusual on your baby’s gums. Contact your pediatrician if you see any bleeding or white pus on the gums.

Dental health is important at every age — even babies can get cavities. Make sure your baby sees a dentist for a regular dental checkup before they’re 2 years old.

Before your baby even has teeth, gently clean their gums regularly with a soft, sterile washcloth. Once their tiny new teeth come in, you can use a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for babies.

Eruption cysts are typically harmless fluid-filled bubbles on the gums that can sometimes happen when your baby is teething.

They’re rare in babies, though, and more common in young children growing in their adult teeth.

Eruption cysts typically go away on their own without treatment. Let your pediatrician know if your baby has an eruption cyst that doesn’t go away or if it bleeds or looks infected.

Timing of teething – Articles

Author:

Marbery Gedrean

| Checked by: Shteba Victoria Petrovna

| Last revised: October 18, 2020.

Most parents are very concerned about how teething (and gums) affects their babies in everyday life. Although we cannot fully predict exactly how each baby will react to their first tooth. However, we can learn about teething symptoms and how to soothe your baby during this difficult time. In general, the more we know about teething, the better we can help our babies get through it. Let’s figure it out.

Timing of teething

One of the most common questions parents ask is, “How long does it take for babies to teeth?”. It is useful to know both the time frame for the appearance of the first tooth and the time frame in which all teeth erupt. In general, teething is an ongoing process that occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months. Although your baby has twenty milk teeth that will appear within two years, teething, fortunately, only causes pain and irritation at the time when the tooth is about to break through the gum. It is not known exactly how long it will take for a tooth to fully erupt, but on average experts say it can erupt within 1-7 days per tooth. However, teething symptoms usually only last a couple of days, so if a baby experiences discomfort for an extended period of time, it’s safe to assume it’s not teething.

Teething timeline

Most babies erupt their first teeth between 6 and 7 months of age, but this may happen earlier or later. Typically, your baby’s teeth are likely to appear in the following timeline windows:

6-7 months

During this time, the first teeth begin to erupt. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two middle teeth at the bottom. Children at this age become more active. They begin to grab and pull objects towards them, transfer objects from one hand to the other, and may even begin to crawl. It’s important to keep an eye on small objects within your baby’s reach, as he’ll want to put everything in his mouth during teething!

8 to 13 months

Between 8 and 12 months your baby will have upper central incisors. In addition, sometime between 9 and 13 months they will have upper and lower teeth next to their upper central incisors (these are called lower and upper lateral incisors). In addition to teething, it is important to understand that other important milestones in gross motor development are also achieved during this developmental window. Most babies are able to sit up, stand up unassisted, take their first steps, pick up and throw objects, roll a ball, and grasp objects.

13 to 20 months

Typically, between 13 and 16 months of age, your baby’s first molars appear at the bottom and top at about the same time. Shortly thereafter, their fangs will appear in both the top and bottom rows, between about 16 and 20 months.

From 20 to 30 months

At the final stage of teething, the back teeth or second molars appear in the bottom row of the baby. While most teething symptoms appear the same in both toddlers and babies, there are some differences as your baby grows older. First of all, your baby can now tell you about their discomfort and pain, unlike non-verbal babies. On the other hand, many toddlers will not show any signs of discomfort and will not complain of pain at all during the passage of molars. For other babies, the pain can be significantly worse because their first molars are larger than their other molars. They may even complain of a headache or jaw pain!

Toys that can help

Teethers – Teething toys that help to significantly relieve the symptoms of teething in children, while keeping them occupied during play. Because teething babies are always looking for something they can chew on, teething toys are specifically designed to soothe gums and temporarily ease teething.

“6 months? But my 3 month old is teething right now!”

Some babies start teething early at 6 months – and usually it’s a minor thing to worry about!

Many babies begin to drool more often and explore their world by bringing their hand to their mouth to chew at about 3-4 months. This is completely normal and is often accompanied by teething after some time.

If you suspect that your little bundle of joy, which can be much less joyful during gum pain attacks, is teething, look for symptoms such as:

• saliva, the surest sign;
• capriciousness – unfortunately, also a frequent indicator of common childhood worries;
• slight temperature increase approx. 37.2 – 38 ° C.

The bottom two teeth usually appear first, so keep an eye on this area and be prepared to be over-the-top when they appear.

When your child has their first teeth, you can use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also wipe your child’s gums daily with a clean, damp cloth.

Remember that your child’s pediatrician is your ally! Let him know about your child’s teeth at your next appointment. The doctor can make sure that everything is in order and, if necessary, recommend visiting a pediatric dentist.

It’s really impossible to tell exactly how long teething lasts, but fortunately, regardless of your baby’s age or stage of teething, one of the best ways to help your little one is to provide a variety of fun and lovable teething toys.

Teething in children: signs and remedies for pain relief

We all have different pain thresholds, and your baby is no exception. But how do you know if a baby’s crying in the middle of the night is caused by teething, trouble sleeping, a cold coming on, or separation anxiety? The situation is further complicated by the fact that teething is a long process that is different for all children. We have prepared for you some tips on how to help your child and maintain self-control during this difficult period.

Is it the teeth?

Like babies, toddlers experience teething in different ways: for some it happens quickly and easily, for others it is slow and painful. But the difference is also that each baby shows anxiety in its own way. Someone tries to explain what hurts him with words, and someone cries heart-rendingly or is capricious without ceasing. Parents only have to guess what the true cause of discomfort is. Here are a few signs that are characteristic of teething:

• Like many months ago, when he was cutting his first teeth, the baby again puts everything that can be chewed into his mouth.
• The child often rubs the side of the ear where the tooth is supposed to be cut.
• Previously, the baby slept well, but now it starts to fall asleep poorly or wake up at night.
• The baby’s gums are swollen or red.

If your baby has one or more of these symptoms for several days or weeks, it is likely that a new tooth will soon appear in his or her mouth. Teething may also be indicated by mild fever, irritability, and loss of appetite. According to experts, diarrhea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms are most often not associated with teething, so if they occur, you should consult a doctor. The same should be done if the child vigorously rubs one ear and at the same time has a slight temperature: your pediatrician will be able to recognize the ear infection in time and prescribe the necessary treatment.

“Dental” calendar

If your baby is already going to nursery, his first teeth have probably erupted, and you, as a parent, have managed to gain invaluable experience that you will remember for a lifetime. The process of teething can begin as early as six months of age and continue until the child is three years old. There is a specific teething schedule, but it will be useful to have your own “dental” calendar.

Redraw this graph and use colored pencils to color in the teeth as they appear. Turn this activity into a game: it will not only be educational for the child, but also be able to distract him. And if your baby is naughty and disobedient again, it may be time to look at the calendar again!

Effective home remedies

Pediatricians do not recommend using home remedies for pain relief such as alcohol compresses and aspirin rubs. However, there are several effective ways to alleviate the suffering of the baby. During the day, you can give him something cold to chew on, like chilled banana slices or a refrigerated teether. Entertaining games indoors or walks in the fresh air will help distract the child and will also benefit. If your baby wakes up at night, gently massage his gums with a warm, soft cloth. You can also slightly raise the mattress at the head of the crib: this will reduce blood flow to the gums and reduce pain. There are many other life tips, but before using them, be sure to consult your doctor.

Painkillers and dosages

With your pediatrician’s permission, you may well give your baby painkillers. After taking the medicine, the child, like an adult, will feel better: he will eat more willingly and sleep better, and games and walks will again give him pleasure. However, be aware of the danger of overdose, which threatens with serious consequences. Often, poisoning occurs due to the carelessness of parents who give the child an adult dose or allow the simultaneous use of several drugs that contain the same active ingredient.

Experts from the 24stoma.ru information portal, accredited by the Russian Dental Association, recommend giving paracetamol-based analgesics to babies no more than 3-4 times a day with a minimum interval of 4-6 hours. The dose of the drug is calculated according to the table based on the age and body weight of the child. Once again, we remind you of the need to carefully read the annotations and store medicines in tightly closed packages out of the reach of children.

Maintaining oral hygiene

Teething can often be quite painful, but it is important to keep brushing your teeth gently. Choose a toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles that is gentle yet effective. It is important to start teaching your child about oral care as early as possible. You won’t have time to blink an eye, as milk teeth will start to fall out, giving way to new ones, which the child will be able to take care of on their own.

Teething

Teething

According to the tradition of many peoples of the world, there is a custom to give gifts to a child when the first tooth appears. This ceremony symbolizes the wish of the baby health, happiness and long life. The appearance of the first tooth in a baby for relatives and parents is a solemn moment, but along with this, teething can also be a “restless” period for parents and a baby. I would like to reassure parents and orient them to the fact that teething is a physiological process and should be approached philosophically. Like the inevitable. And timely and correct teething is a guarantee of a healthy unborn child.

What is teething?

Teething is the process of vertical movement of a tooth from its inception and development inside the jaw until a crown appears in the mouth. The process of teething begins after the crown has finally formed and is accompanied by its further development, the growth of the jaw bones. Signs of physiological teething are: timeliness, sequence of teething of certain groups of teeth and parity.

There are temporary teeth (more often they are called milk teeth) and permanent ones. According to the number of teeth of temporary teeth 20, permanent bite is 32 teeth. According to modern data, the timing of eruption of the first temporary teeth is considered to be from 4 months. The timing of the end of the eruption is 3-3.5 years. Most often, the first teeth appear at the age of 6 months, and as a rule, the teeth on the lower jaw erupt first – the central incisors, then the lateral incisors, canines and molars. The timing of teething can vary from 4 months to 2 years (earlier eruption) or from 8-10 months to 3.5-4 years (late eruption).

Average terms of eruption of temporary teeth according to (R. Illingworth, 1997)

It should be noted that the quality of nutrition, sanitary and hygienic conditions and pathological conditions of the child (rickets, hypovitaminosis, intoxication, oxygen starvation, the nature of feeding, etc. ) significantly affect the process of teething. For example, erratic teething with a violation of the time intervals between a group of teeth, a delay in eruption can be a manifestation of such a pathology as rickets.

Unfavorable manifestations during teething

Temporary teeth are not eternal, that’s why they are called so. As the child grows and develops, after a certain period of time, all 20 milk teeth will be replaced. As an exception, in individuals, milk teeth do not change, remaining even in adulthood (most often this occurs due to the absence of rudiments of permanent teeth).

During the eruption of temporary teeth, the child is in a state of “stress” and can often manifest as general somatic disorders. The first signs of teething, often the main ones, are the appearance of swelling of the mucous membrane of the gums in the projection of the erupted teeth. Abundant salivation appears, the child may be irritated, tearful. The eruption of the central teeth often occurs, without any manifestations, with the exception of swelling of the gums and profuse salivation. With the eruption of the chewing group of teeth and the involvement of a larger area of ​​the mucous membrane of the gums, a secondary infection may join, in case of a decrease in the resistance of the child’s body. There may be symptoms such as: fever, stool disorder, reddening of the gum mucosa in the oral cavity, loss of appetite. gums, thereby damaging and infecting the mucosa. What can be manifested by the appearance of erosive rashes. And exacerbate this condition.

How to help a child when teething?

To relieve itching of the gums in a child, it is recommended to give hard vegetables or fruits (peeled apple, carrots), a crust of bread to gnaw. It is good to massage the gums with special “teethers” rings or a toothbrush (silicone or ordinary children’s with soft bristles). Some rings can be pre-cooled, but you should carefully inspect these devices, purchase them in special places in order to avoid fake non-certified goods and subsequently not harm the baby’s health so that the child does not get hurt. When the temperature rises, antipyretic drugs can be given. To reduce the sensitivity of the mucous membrane and reduce pain in pharmacies, manufacturers of pharmaceutical companies offer special anesthetic gels for topical use. But we recommend using these drugs only as prescribed by a doctor, so as not to cause allergies in the baby and not to miss more serious complications. Contact a specialist pediatric dentist who will conduct an examination and give qualified appointments to improve well-being.

Replacement of temporary teeth

Permanent teeth most often appear at the age of 5.5-7 years. Their eruption practically occurs in the same sequence as temporary teeth. The lower central incisors appear first, then the upper central incisors and in parallel, and sometimes even earlier, the first large molars erupt (the first molars or they are called “sixths” by number). Pay attention Sixth teeth do not fall out! They should serve your child for life. Parents take them for temporary teeth, which is a delusion, especially in the case of lack or poor oral hygiene and damage to this group of teeth. Which can lead to a deplorable result – loss of teeth. But this group of teeth – “First molars” are fundamental in the formation of the correct bite, they are also called the key of occlusion. The shape of permanent “young” teeth differs from more mature ones. The tubercles and the cutting edge of the crowns are more pronounced, especially the cutting edges of the central teeth have a scalloped (wavy edge), the permanent tooth differs in size from the temporary tooth, it is larger. This fact is alarming for some parents. To which we answer, there is no reason to worry, literally a year after eruption, the enamel edge will equalize, become even. And at the expense of the size of the crowns of the teeth, while the child is small (the appearance of the first permanent teeth is 5.5-6 years old), there is a certain disproportion relative to the facial skeleton as the bones of the facial region grow and develop, a harmonious ratio of the face to the teeth occurs.

Average eruption of permanent teeth in children (according to Schroder, 1991)

1. In order for the teeth to serve for a long time, and they do not have to “say goodbye” before the appointed time, they need careful care at the moment of their eruption

2. Go to a consultation with a pediatric dentist in advance, who will select hygiene products (toothbrush and paste) for your baby according to his age. He will teach you how to brush your teeth

breakfast and in the evening before bed). Helping to clean hard-to-reach areas from a very early age

4. Limit your child’s intake of carbohydrate-containing foods (we do not recommend sweets for children under 3 years old)

5. If the child consumes liquid drinks before bed or at night, they should be replaced with regular, drinking water, without added sugars.

6. The use of toothpastes containing fluoride is very important for children of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra

7. Visit the dentist 2 times a year!!!

article prepared by:
pediatric dentist Malakhova A.