Arrow backLanguage
6 to 8 months
Article
Add this post to favorites

Baby Teething: Signs and Relief

Teething begins at different times for different babies, although most have already started by six months of age. The first tooth usually appears in the middle of the lower jaw, known as the bottom front teeth. 

2 mins to read Apr 20, 2017

By three years of age it is common for your little one to have a full set of 20 baby teeth. This set will usually begin to fall out around age six, when your child's permanent teeth begin to come in. Watch for these signs of teething and keep these teething tips in mind:

Tell-tale signs of teething

  • Drooling
  • Ear pulling
  • Coughing due to excessive saliva
  • Chin or facial rashes or redness
  • Redness in gums
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Cheek rubbing
  • Irritability
  • Diarrhea
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breastfeeding

Teething tips: How to soothe your teething baby

Gently massage her gums with your fingers. You may also give your baby something cold, not frozen, to chew on, like a refrigerated teething ring or a cold, wet face cloth.

Only after consulting with your paediatrician, you can consider administering an infant dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen at bedtime to help your baby sleep. Note: never give a baby aspirin.

Keeping her teeth healthy

Start brushing twice a day (without toothpaste) as soon as your baby's teeth start to appear. When her teeth first break through, use a soft silicone finger toothbrush and water only, and gently massage her teeth and gums. As the teeth develop, switch to a soft nylon baby toothbrush and water. There are now fluoride-free toothpaste options for use in older infants and toddlers. Talk to your dentist about these options.

Don't allow her to use her bottle as a pacifier. Any prolonged sucking of a liquid other than water may cause tooth decay. Healthcare experts now recommend progression to an open cup early in life, in order to help prevent early dental cavities.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that your baby's first dental exam occur within six months of her first tooth erupting, or by her first birthday. Talk to your dentist about the ideal timing for her first dental exam.

Join

MVP Logo

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support, high-value coupons on our trusted brands and much more!

  • Ready for Baby

    Free Ready-for-Baby Savings Pack.

    Around 35 weeks of pregnancy expect to receive our Baby Pack filled with high-value coupons and useful information you and your baby will love!

  • Special member savings

    Special Member Savings

    Receive personalized coupons and savings on trusted products in your email inbox - and home mailbox - as your baby grows.

  • Helpful Resources

    Helpful resources

    Expert advice, articles, recipes, tips and tools for all the special, hard and at times hectic days of parenting.

  • NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH

    Nutritional guidance for growth

    Specialized nutritional guidance and science-based expertise for every stage of the parenting journey - from preconception to toddlerhood.

*When registration is during pregnancy. If your baby’s already been born, expect to see your kit within a month

Search icon

Still haven't found what you are looking for?

Try our new smart question engine.