Teething can be tough on your baby. The first teeth children get are called milk teeth. Most babies begin to get their first milk teeth at around 3-7 months. The process continues for a few years with most children having all 20 milk teeth by the time they turn 3 years old.
The order of appearance of teeth and the rate at which they come through can vary from child to child. Most commonly though the two bottom front teeth tend to appear first. These are generally followed by the four upper front teeth and then the two lower incisors appear on either side of the bottom front teeth. The molars and eyeteeth then follow.
When babies begin teething many experience some discomfort as the teeth push through the gums. This may cause the baby to become ‘cranky’ and irritable. There may be disrupted sleep and eating patterns and periods of crying. The gums become tender and swollen and the baby may drool and want to chew on things. The cheeks may also be reddened.
Teething does not cause fever or diarrhoea and should not cause your baby to be very distressed for prolonged periods. If these symptoms are present your baby may have another problem and you should visit your doctor.
How You Can Help
You can help ease the discomfort of your baby by using teething rings which can be refrigerated to help soothe the gums. Chewing on these specially designed teethers can help your baby during this painful time. We stock a number of teething products for babies such as NUK® Connect-and-Play Teething Ring Set; this product is suitable for babies from 3 months old. Its three specially designed rings provide relief for your baby by gently cooling, softly massaging and intensively massaging the gums. The NUK® Figure 8 Teething Rings gently massage the gums to relieve the pressure of teething. They are easy to grasp, reach all areas of tooth rows and are suitable from 3 months. The MAM Bite & Relax Phase 1 Mini Teether is suitable from 2 months and is designed especially for front teeth. The unique shape trains baby’s fine motor skills.
Teething gels such as Bonjela can be rubbed on the gums to help your baby while teething. Bonjela teething gel is fast acting and suitable for babies from 4 months. Nelsons® Teetha® Teething Granules are a natural homeopathic remedy to soothe and relieve the symptoms of teething.
A barrier cream such a Sudocrem or Vaseline can be applied to the chin to prevent irritation if baby is drooling excessively.
NUK® Training Toothbrush Set can be used to massage gums as well as clean the first teeth. Suitable for ages 6 -15 months, this set makes it easy for parent and child to clean baby’s first teeth together.