Teething newborn babies, what are the symptoms and what to expect

Just when you thought you started to get into a routine and adjust to your baby’s wonky sleep schedule, here come the teeth! And like most other growth and developmental milestones, your baby will follow along with his or her own unique timeline – there’s no guaranteed time to expect the first tooth. However, there are some common trends to help you know what to expect when it comes to teething (plus a few tips and tricks to get through it).

Teething symptoms begin around three months, although you probably won’t see a pearly white appearance for a while. Crazy enough, that first little tooth could  appear as early as four months and as late as twelve  – quite the range! But it’s usually right around the  six-month  mark. 

It takes about  three years to grow all 20 baby teeth . They start in the center (think: cute little beaver teeth) and work their way back. The bottom central incisors are typically the first to come in, followed by the two front top teeth (perfect for taking tiny bites). The first set of molars generally comes in between 13-19 months, right when your baby starts to eat more challenging foods. Then, the second set of molars comes in between 23-33 months. 

(It seems far off now, but your kiddo will get a third set of molars around the six-year mark, just in time to start losing them again!)

Source:  Baby Center

You’ve probably heard the dreaded teething stories before. But not to worry, there are many remedies to help soothe those swollen gums (or at least pique your baby’s curiosity to get his mind off of the discomfort).

Here are a few common signs & symptoms of teething:

·      Sore, red, or slightly swollen gums

·      Excessive drooling 

·      Gnawing and chewing on objects

·      Increased or very low-grade fever (still below 100.4)

·      Fussiness and crying

·      General signs of discomfort

·      Rubbing face or pulling on ears

·      Putting hands in the mouth

·      Not wanting to eat

·      Disrupted sleep patterns

·      Looser stools (from excess drool) 

These are NOT signs & symptoms of teething and could be cause for concern. Call your pediatrician if you notice:

·      Diarrhea

·      Vomiting

·      Body rash (Your baby may get a rash around the mouth from drool, but teething does not cause body rashes.)

·      Fever above 100.4

·      Earache or Ear drainage/infection

·      Cough

·      Nasal or chest congestion

·      Bleeding gums

·      Face swelling

·      Other signs of illness

Source:  Mayo Clinic

Let’s get to the good stuff — how to help your uneasy kiddo.

To soothe those sore gums, try these simple remedies:  

·      Breastmilk popsicles 

·      Fruit juice or yogurt popsicles (6 months and older)

·      Frozen banana or pureed fruit in a  mesh feeder  (6 months and older)

·      Cool water from a sippy cup (6 months and older)

·      Chilled (not frozen) pacifier or washcloth

·      Washcloth soaked in chamomile tea

·      Gentle gum massage with your fingers

Baby-Approved Teething Soothers

·      Teething crackers (try something like  these  – they dissolve easily)

·       Sophie the Giraffe  natural rubber teether 

·       The Teething Egg

·       Matchstick Monkey

Avoid These Teething Solutions:

·      Anything small enough to fit into a toilet paper roll

·      Frozen objects or teethers (they’re a little too hard and cold)

·      Liquid teethers

·      Anything that could break or leak and pose a choking risk

·      Numbing gels and creams (especially benzocaine — see FDA article in source below)

·      Benadryl

Source:  WebMD

I thought I would add a note about the popular amber teething necklaces. According to anecdotal evidence, some believe that amber (fossilized resin) gives off a tiny bit of succinic acid when warmed by the skin. Succinic acid may help relieve inflammation and pain; however, we still lack clear evidence of succinic acid's true efficacy.

Most pediatricians discourage the use of amber teething necklaces because they have not been proven to relieve pain; but more importantly, they pose significant risks for your child. You should never put anything around your child’s neck due to strangulation risk. In addition, the string could break, and the small beads are a choking hazard. 

If you decide to try amber beads for teething, opt for a fitted bracelet or anklet, and monitor your baby at all times. Remember, babies like to gnaw on things. If you see your baby chewing on the amber necklace or bracelet, discontinue use. Never put your baby to bed with any type of bracelet or necklace.

As far as amber teething necklaces go, I believe the known risks outweigh the potential benefits. 

Source:  FDA  (article also contains warning about benzocaine teething gels)