When you bring a new baby home, it’s natural to have many questions. As the old saying goes, children don’t come with an owner’s manual, so you must figure many things out independently. One of the most common questions parents ask is, “When do babies start teething?” All babies develop at different paces, but here’s what you should know about a typical baby teething timeline.
Lower Teeth Timeline
Teething babies are often fussier and more restless than usual. But these could also be symptoms of illness or another health issue. To help parents know when their children are likely experiencing symptoms of teething, it helps to download a baby teeth chart. That way, you can better understand whether your child’s symptoms are due to teething or some other issue.
When it comes to developing lower teeth, most children follow this timeline:
- Central incisors: 6-10 months
- Lateral incisors: 10-16 months
- Canine teeth: 17-23 months
- First molars: 14-18 months
- Second molars: 23-31 months
Many parents are surprised to discover that teething lasts for many months. It’s not just a one-and-done event (unfortunately). So, if your child shows signs of teething off and on between 6 and 31 months, they’re right on schedule.
Upper Teeth Timeline
As with the bottom teeth, the top teeth tend to come in according to a specific schedule. Here’s a typical upper teeth timeline:
- Central incisors: 8-12 months
- Lateral incisors: 9-13 months
- Canine teeth: 16-22 months
- First Molars: 13-19 months
- Second molars: 25-33 months
Don’t worry if your baby is ahead of or behind schedule. Minor deviations from what’s typical are nothing to be concerned about. However, if your child still hasn’t had any teeth erupt after 18 months, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. The dentist can check to see if there are any developmental dental problems or concerning issues that should be addressed.
Teething Signs
Most babies struggle with the teething process because it is uncomfortable. The tricky thing about teething symptoms is that they can mimic symptoms of illness and other problems. To minimize your worries as a parent, becoming familiar with what teething looks like is wise. That way, you won’t worry unnecessarily about your child’s health.
Here are some common symptoms associated with teething:
Physical Symptoms
- Drooling
- Swollen or tender gums
- Flushed cheeks or face rash
- Low-grade fever
Behavioral Symptoms
- Increased crankiness
- Frequent crying for no apparent reason
- Refusing to eat
- Pulling on the ears and chewing on objects
- Trouble sleeping
Most of these symptoms are nothing to be alarmed about. However, if your baby’s temperature climbs to 100.4⁰F or higher, that is not a typical sign of teething. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your baby develops a high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Tips to Manage Your Baby’s Teething Pain
Teething is a natural part of human development, but watching your little one go through it is difficult. To reduce teething pain, many parents rely on potentially harmful numbing products. But there are better and safer products, such as Wellements Organic Baby Tooth Oil. Apply two drops to your baby’s sore gums up to six times daily to minimize pain.
You can also use a cold washcloth to numb the gums and provide temporary relief, as well as something for your teething child to gnaw on. Don’t forget to invest in some teething toys as well. Chewing on something slightly soft can help the teeth break through the gum tissue faster.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/when-do-babies-start-teething#symptoms