Has your baby turned into a new drama queen lately? Now that your baby is becoming bigger and stronger, it’s time for a lot of changes, such as teething. As the first set of teeth is on the verge of eruption, it won’t be easy for your child. Teething can be a bit challenging for babies as their gums can feel a bit painful or itchy. Don’t worry! All this is a part of growing up.
What is Teething?
Your baby’s teeth erupt through the gum line during teething. Your infant is born with a complete set of teeth beneath their gums. Babies may experience pain and discomfort during teething.
Although it might be difficult to watch your child experience the effects of teething, this phase of their growth is part of growing up.
When Does Teething Begin in Babies?
Teething usually starts around six months of age for most newborns. While some babies begin teething considerably later, others may start sooner. You shouldn’t be concerned if your child takes longer than expected to erupt teeth; each infant develops at a different rate.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Teething?
During teething, the innate immunity that the mother provided the child through the placenta will begin to wear out. The infant’s developing immune system will begin to function independently.
The infant will begin to show signs of infection. For this reason, it’s important to know symptoms of teething in your child:
Pain: Teething is accompanied by pain, discomfort, and sometimes even a fever, which makes it irritable.
Biting: When teething, babies usually gnaw on anything to relieve their discomfort, whether it’s a shoe, a teething ring, or the remote control.
Increased sucking: As a way to relieve pressure on their gums, teething newborns frequently increase the amount of sucking.
Mouth rash: Babies that drool a lot may have a mild red rash around their mouth and chin.
Excessive Drooling: One of the earliest symptoms of teething, which can result in diarrhea, is drooling.
Less sleep: Pain makes it difficult for teething infants to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night without waking up.
Swollen Gums: Teething can also be indicated by swollen gums as teeth attempt to pierce the surface.
Fever: Babies going through teething may have a fever.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Your infant needs proper dental care once they begin to teethe. The most prevalent chronic illness in early infancy is tooth decay. Bacteria break down certain carbohydrates to produce acid, which depletes teeth of minerals and causes cavities. So, see a pediatric dentist as soon as your baby starts teething.
Summing Up!
Teething can be quite difficult for infants. So, when your baby starts becoming a chewing machine or wants to bite on everything, you probably need to take them to a pediatric dentist.
Our expert dentist, Dr. Dean, at KC Kids Dental, specializes in making your baby’s dental issues go away before you know it. Call (816) 670-3450 to book your appointment.
