A newborn baby is without a lot of features that will develop later on in different stages of development and growth throughout his life and these features include baby teething that normally occurs at around the 5th or 6th month of the baby’s life. However, this can be different from baby to baby, as in some babies, the teething process starts early while some can occur at a later time. The order and rate of teeth emergence also differs from baby to baby. Most often, the first tooth is the lower central incisor which may come out as early as the baby’s 3rd month of age, and the last are the second molars which may come out on the 2nd year of age. The baby teething stage is usually completed when the baby reaches his 2 and a half years of age.

Oftentimes, baby teething is a really painful time not only to the babies but the parents as well, simply because teething is an exceptionally painful and uncomfortable process that can make the baby feel extra irritable throughout the phase. The early signs and symptoms of the teething process include swollen red gums, drooling, and a fair amount of discomfort and pain. Many parents believe that the process can cause certain illnesses such as diarrhea or fevers; however, medical practitioners believe that this is not the real case.

A baby going through this stage is more restless and fussier than usual, and is more vulnerable to ear infections and nasal congestion. They may want to bite and chew on hard objects, drool, and may also have some difficulty in sleeping. Inflamed and swollen gums, increased irritability, and a low-grade temperature are also some common signs of teething. Adult teeth, which often start to come out at the age of six, do not cause the same pain and discomfort.

If your baby is going through this stage, there are some remedies that you can try to help ease the pain and discomfort. One is through the use of teething ring, teether or anything cold such as a plumb that can reduce the inflammation. You can also massage the gums as well with your finger to relieve the pain.

Right after the first tooth comes out; you’ve got to provide your baby with dental care. You should always keep your baby’s teeth clean. During the first year, it is not necessary to brush your baby’s teeth but it’s necessary to keep them clean by wiping the teeth using gauze at least once a day, more preferably at bedtime. When your baby reaches one and a half years of age, you can start using a toothbrush to clean the teeth. When the baby reaches the 2nd or the 3rd year of age, you should make your baby’s first appointment and consultation with a pediatric dentist.

While it is true that the baby teething process can be very hard, you can always do your part as a parent by making sure you know the things to do relieve your baby from pain and discomfort.