Teething: Signs, Symptoms And Relief

Teething: sings, symptoms and relief

How do you help your baby through the teething process, and what can you do? It’s an essential part of your baby’s growth, but it might leave your baby a little distressed. Here’s a guide to help you care for your baby during this phase of growth.

What is teething?

Teething happens when your baby’s teeth start pushing through the gums, which can leave the gums red, sore, and painful. This process takes around 8 days per tooth, about 4 days before the tooth comes out and 4 days after.

There are no set rules to this. When it comes to teething, babies experience the process in different ways. A good way to prepare for this phase in your baby’s growth is to know the signs when you see them.

Signs and symptoms of teething

You won’t always be able to see your baby’s tooth appearing. You might only feel a bump. Sometimes teeth may emerge with no discomfort – but this is not always the case. Some questions to consider to help you understand if your child is teething include:

• Does your baby have flushed cheeks?
• Are their gums sensitive and red?
• Are they dribbling excessively
• Are they chewing whatever they can find?
• Are they crying?
• Are they rubbing their ear?
• Do they wake up at night distressed?
• Are they refusing food?

Always seek medical advice if you are concerned about your baby’s symptoms.

The Teething process:

Most children will have all their primary or “milk” teeth at around 2-and-a-half years. Every baby is different, but here’s a rough order of how baby teeth emerge:

• Months 6-10 – Bottom front teeth (incisors)
• Months 8-12 – Top front teeth (incisors)
• Months 9-13 – Either side of the top front teeth (lateral incisors)
• Months 10-16 – Either side of bottom front teeth (lateral incisors)
• Months 13-19 – Back teeth (first molars)
• Months 16-23 – Back of the mouth (canines)
• Months 25-33 – Second molars

How to relieve teething discomfort

Different comforts help different babies. Through trial and error you can find what works for your baby. Some things to try include:

Teething rings:

If your baby feels the need to chew something, a teething ring might be a good option. It can ease their discomfort and distract them from any pain. Carefully follow the instructions that come with your teething ring of choice.

Teething rashes:

If your baby is dribbling more than usual, be sure to gently wipe away the dribble to help prevent a rash.

Comforting your baby:

Extra cuddles and hugs help to comfort your baby. You can also try to massage your baby’s gums with your finger.

Why Ibuprofen can help

Ibuprofen can be given to young children aged 3 months and older weighing 6 kg and up to help relieve pain associated with teething.

Why Nurofen For Children can help you

Nurofen for Children contains ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory which helps relieve pain and inflammation. This oral suspension provides up to 8 hours* of fever relief, and gets to work in 15 minutes. It’s also available in either strawberry or orange flavour, and is colour free and sugar free.

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.

*Autret-Leca E, Curr Med Res Opin 2007. ^Pelen F, Annales De Pediatre 1998.

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