Your baby’s first tooth moment. You thought it would be nothing short of a Kodak moment. Alas!! The baby has been whining, and rather than celebrating the moment, you dread it! What’s more, you’ve probably asked every other parent (within your 2-mile radius) – how long does the teething last? You can relax now! We have brought you the answers!! For the record, the teething kickstarts within 6-8 months and can go up to 25-33 months!
Naturally, you are curious about your baby’s teething symptoms. How will you manage your baby in between that? What will you do to alleviate your baby’s pain? We bring you those answers as well. So, without much ado, let’s get to the specifics –
How long does the teething last for kids?
According to the medical community, teething/cutting teeth (medically termed odontiasis) is the process by which an infant’s teeth erupt. This ongoing process occurs mainly between 6 – 24 months (a couple of months up and down happens). During this period, your munchkin will get a set of 20 primary teeth, which will be replaced by the standard 32 ‘adult’ teeth later in life.
When talking about teething, people also refer to the pain caused by teething. That, in most cases, lasts for a couple of days. After that, it becomes a normal phenomenon for the next 2 – 2.5 years.
As a parent, you must remember that – officially, teething is not over unless your child gets their preliminary set of molars (around 6-7 years of age). The second set of molars comes in at the age of 12-13 years.
What is the normal teething schedule like?
In the above section, you have got a glimpse of how long does the teething last. Let us now give you an outline of the same to make things easier for you –
| TEETHING MONTHS | TOOTH FORMED |
| 4-7 months | The first tooth appears – the front lower portion of its mouth is called the central incisors.
At times, it could be as late as between 12-14 months (in certain cases), but there is nothing to fear. |
| 8-12 months | Everyone around you remembers that gawky kiddish look of yours when you were nearing a year! That’s the top front teeth (central incisors) coming out. You will soon see it in your baby! |
| 9-16 months | On either side of the first central incisors, the second set of incisors – called lateral incisors appear. It will appear both at the top and bottom parts. |
| 16-19 months | This is the time that your kid gets the first set of molars. Normally, it appears on the top part. |
| 19-23 months | The first set of canine teeth appears in this period |
| 23-33 months | In the process of adding 20 primary teeth to the set, this is the last step.
Your baby gets the second set of molars (back teeth). |
What are the symptoms of teething?
Though parents mostly question how long does the teething last – one must be prepared beforehand for this. So, how do you know that the ‘teething’ time is approaching? Here are some symptoms to note –
Increased drooling
The first sign of the upcoming teething phase is if your little one is drooling too much. The excess saliva produced is a natural way to ease the pain.
Gnawing on things
The new tooth is on the verge of erupting, and the baby in the process of mitigating the pain chews on anything available! When you see, your dear one, biting on anything (even its fists), you must ready yourself up for the upcoming teething pains.
Constantly whining
If your baby is constantly whining, irritated with almost everything around, and aged between 6-8 months, it is a sign that teething is almost here! Hence, start prepping yourself up for sleepless nights!
Disrupted sleeping pattern
Another way to understand that your baby’s teething phase is approaching is when the little one (who might be a sound sleeper) tends to stay awake night after night! It is the discomfort of the tooth eruption that is keeping it awake.
Swollen gums
Swollen and sore gums are another indication that the teething period is approaching. The gum area becomes tender and reddish.
Skin irritation
Though this is one of the least noticed symptoms of teething, in some babies you may note this. Due to their consistent drooling, the area around their mouth gets irritated easily. This at times leads to the development of mild rashes.
These are some of the most common symptoms you can see before your baby starts teething. Therefore, apart from figuring out how long does teething fussiness lasts, you should prepare yourself with the solutions.
How to alleviate the teething pain?
Here are some of the techniques to follow to ease your baby’s fussy teething pain –
Technique 1 – Massage your baby’s gums softly. Make sure you clean your finger thoroughly before massaging.
Technique 2 – Allow your baby to gnaw on a damp washcloth. You can dip the cloth in ice-cold water or keep it in the freezer for it to catch the chill.
Technique 3—Get the baby safe chewing toys. Rubber chewing toys are very helpful in this case.
Technique 4 – OTC meds and pain relief. This should be the last option, and you should always consult your doctor before administering your kid any such medicine.
To only note how long does the teething last is not enough. You must be prepared to sit through the initial phase (during which the pain will be there) with ample instructions about the process.
What remedies to avoid during teething?
Though topical teething gels were part of teething remedies in your childhood, they are not currently approved. These contain benzocaine, which has side effects.
Also, do not opt for teething jewelry, as it can cause choking, injuries to your baby’s mouth, and even harbor bacteria in the long run.
What diet to follow during teething?
Apart from knowing how long does the teething last it is also crucial to know your baby’s diet during that period. Here are some of the food products to give your munchkin to ease his teething pain –
- Soups, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal.
- Popsicles and soothing candies (homemade) are great options.
- If teething happens later in your baby, you can also give it – scrambled eggs, vegetables (cucumber), and pureed foods (potatoes, bananas, peanut butter, blueberries, apple).
Curious facts about teething
Assuming it is the first time for you, here are some facts about teething you might not know –
- It has been seen multiple times that a girl child’s teeth erupt faster than the boy’s.
- Usually, the teeth at the bottom come out faster than those on the top.
- Approximately four teeth will break through during the teething process, supposedly every six months.
- You will see your child’s primary teeth are comparatively whiter than their secondary counterpart.
- It is found that teeth emerge in symmetrical pairs – roughly one tooth on the left side, coordinates its breakthrough with another same type on the right side.
Parting thoughts
In more than a single scenario, the celebratory moment of your kid’s teething becomes an anxious one. However, now that you are aware of how long does the teething last and the precautions you must take, you are better prepared. You must connect with your baby’s pediatrician in case of any discrepancy or prior care.
If you liked this post and want more medical info like this, keep an eye on this website. We will keep you updated on the latest medical news. For those of you who still may have some queries, we have answered some of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should you see a dentist during teething?
For everyone wondering how long does teething fussiness lasts, and whether should you see your pediatrician for it – well, this can be a little dicey. Usually, teething does not bring on fever or any other viral infection. It is just the fussiness and the constant pain that causes the discomfort. A little bit of it, you have to handle. However, if symptoms worsen, then you must consult the medic.
2. What if your baby already has a tooth?
This is called natal teeth. Some babies already have teeth at birth, the cause of which is unknown. Nonetheless, the teething process will be normal during the above-mentioned age.
3. Are fever and vomiting symptoms of teething?
Though your grandmothers might disagree, research shows that teething is not related to symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any such. However, during this teething phase, your baby might get infected by a virus (though there is nothing such as a teething virus). This virus infection causes a fever.
4. Do teething babies breastfeed more?
This depends from baby to baby. Certain babies prefer to breastfeed more due to the comfort that it provides. However, other babies, in the face of discomfort that they face, tend to bite more. If you have a fussy baby to take care of – gently pull back while breastfeeding or make an ‘ouch’ sound. The baby will get the message.
6. Are teething necklaces good?
In recent times, teething bracelets and necklaces made of amber have become popular. However, these have no scientific backing and therefore it is better to avoid their usage.
