Every baby develops at their own pace. Generally, babies start teething around 6 months of age, with the first tooth emerging. Subsequent teeth tend to appear at intervals of about 2 to 4 weeks. But what if your baby hasn’t started teething by 6 months? Is there a concern about their dental development? Let’s dive into the teething journey of babies!

Teething Timeline for Babies

Teething Timeframe On average, babies enter the teething stage around 4 to 7 months, during which most babies will have their first tooth emerge. By around 2.5 to 3 years old, their primary teeth should be fully developed. However, each baby’s development is unique, and having the first tooth appear between 0 to 12 months is considered normal. Parents need not worry too much. If your baby hasn’t started teething by 12 months, it’s advisable to consult a dentist to ensure there are no underlying issues with tooth development. If tooth buds are present, patience is key as teeth will eventually emerge.

Teething Sequence The teething sequence varies from baby to baby, but generally, teeth tend to emerge in the following order:

• 6 to 10 months: Lower central incisors
• 8 to 12 months: Upper central incisors
• 9 to 13 months: Upper lateral incisors
• 10 to 16 months: Lower lateral incisors
• 13 to 19 months: First upper molars
• 14 to 18 months: First lower molars
• 16 to 22 months: Upper canines
• 17 to 23 months: Lower canines
• 23 to 31 months: Second upper molars
• 25 to 33 months: Second lower molars

It’s important to note that teething order may vary, and parents should be more concerned about the alignment and spacing of primary teeth, as children typically start losing their primary teeth around age 6. Regular dental checkups can provide professional guidance in this regard.

Teething Symptoms and Considerations

Excessive Salivation Babies’ salivary glands are not fully developed during the first 3 months, resulting in minimal saliva production. However, from 4 to 6 months, as salivary glands mature and as a response to the introduction of solid foods, saliva production increases. After 7 months, teething can stimulate the facial trigeminal nerve, leading to even more frequent and copious salivation.

Although excessive drooling might seem troublesome for parents, saliva serves crucial functions for babies, including aiding in swallowing and digestion, lubricating and protecting oral mucosa, and performing basic oral cleansing. So, despite the inconvenience, it’s an essential bodily process.

Chewing and Biting Studies suggest that teething hormones stimulate the gums, making them more sensitive to external stimuli. Babies might transition from sucking to chewing behavior, often putting objects in their mouth to alleviate itching and discomfort.

Discomfort Teething discomfort can lead to fussiness, increased biting, reduced appetite, and gum sensitivity. These symptoms are usually temporary and subside once the teeth have emerged. To address these discomforts, parents can provide safe and sanitized teething toys, pacifiers, or chilled fruits and vegetables to soothe sore gums.

Preventing Cavities Oral care can start even before the first tooth emerges. Cleaning your baby’s mouth with a damp cloth is recommended. After the first tooth appears, transition to using a soft infant toothbrush. During the teething phase, babies tend to put objects in their mouth, so parents must ensure safety. Proper oral care not only minimizes cavities but also reduces the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Baby’s Oral Care Allies

Since babies can’t brush or speak, how can parents ensure their oral health? Apart from basic tools like damp cloth and infant toothbrush, choosing the right oral care products is crucial. It’s essential to select products with safe, natural ingredients designed specifically for children. Verify if the products have undergone proper testing and approvals, and consider your baby’s preferences.

[babysassi] Children’s Oral Spray and Children’s Tooth Foam are dental care products specifically designed for infants. Composed of 100% natural ingredients and undergoing extensive international verification, these products are fluoride-free and free from chemical additives. They also come in delightful fruity scents, making dental care an enjoyable experience for babies. The gentle spray and tooth foam make oral hygiene comfortable, and your baby might just fall in love with keeping their teeth clean!