Teething takes place sometime between three months and two years of age. Most children start teething around the fifth or sixth month, around the time solid food begins to be introduced. These teething patterns vary widely from child to child; there is no way to accurately predict when it will be for child.

Teething pain may start a month or so before the first tooth appears. The gums will become swollen and tender as teeth begin to move upwards. Molars are particularly sore for children as their larger width compared to other teeth cause even more pain than smaller teeth can. Though not a hard-and-fast rule, generally the first teeth to appear are the two in the middle of the bottom gum, followed by the two middle teeth on the top gums.

Also expect that a teething infant will be extra cranky, especially at night with less distractions, and you can also look forward to temper tantrums from older babies (20 months to 2 years)!

Also be aware that babies who are crying during the teething process might actually being crying about something else. For instance, ear infections are common in babies, but often times parents will assume the baby is crying because of the teething and not something else, and miss the ear infection! So be aware during the teething time; your baby may actually be crying about something else other than teething!

You can tell the difference due to the intensity of pain: While teething pain comes and goes, ear infections (common in babies, toddlers, and children) pain tends to increase as times goes by. Also there will be a high fever associated with an ear infection. And remember that if there any doubts at all regarding this, to take your children to pediatrician to an expert’s opinion, especially if there is a climbing fever associated with heavy crying.

Symptoms of Teething in a Baby

• Drooling
• Gum swelling/sensitivity
• Irritability
• Biting
• Refusing food
• Sleeping problems

What to do about teething in a baby

• Treat sore gums with cold foods, chilled pacifiers, even popsicles (make your own sugar free popsicle if you don’t want your child getting too much sugar.
• Use a small dose of aceitominophen as a pain reliever.
• A topical pain relief gel can also be use, however, using too much can cause the back of the baby’s throat to numb and weaken the gag reflex which helps to prevent humans from choking on their own saliva.