Your Teething Baby

The emergence of a baby's first tooth is an exciting milestone. From the early appearance of the first tiny tooth to caring for the new set, learn what to expect from your baby's new arrivals.

1. Most infants have their first tooth erupt between 6 and 8 months of age.

2. Teeth usually come up in pairs.

3. Bottom front teeth (central incisors) typically emerge first, followed by the top ones. Then the molars and the canine teeth (the pointy ones) appear. Last come the back molars.

4. Although parents usually associate "teething" with the few days of discomfort and swelling before and after a tooth erupts, tooth development actually begins in the womb. Primary or "baby" teeth begin to form under the gums during the fifth month of pregnancy and slowly emerge as your infant grows older. But it's not until the teeth start breaking through the gums that things get uncomfortable for baby.

5. Baby should have her full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. Her permanent teeth won't begin to replace them until she's 4 to 6 years old.

Most infants experience few symptoms from teething besides increased drooling and crankiness. Rarely, however, other symptoms may occur:

• Irritation of the area around baby's mouth as a result of excessive drooling -- a dab of petroleum jelly can protect her skin
• Gum swelling or sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Difficulty sleeping
• A bluish red blister, called a hematoma, on the gum line, which may bleed a little when the tooth emerges. Call your doctor if the blister lasts for more than a week without the tooth poking through.
• Low-grade fever and diarrhea

Teething is often blamed for symptoms -- including fever and diarrhea -- that may be a result of a virus. A study published in the journal Pediatrics bolsters previous evidence that these symptoms are unrelated to teething most of the time. A good guideline to follow: Whatever symptoms you're attributing to teething should pass within a few hours. If they don't, baby may be sick with something, such as a virus.

The worst part of teething -- for the parent, at least -- is seeing a child in pain. Techniques for easing the pain include:

• A teething ring: Soft plastic or liquid-filled rings are the best kinds; some can be frozen for extra numbing comfort. But avoid the type with baubles floating inside, since a determined infant might be able to gnaw through it and swallow the little objects.
• A safe, firm, nontoxic object: Even something as simple as a wet washcloth that your baby can chew on will provide relief.
• Teething gel: In some cases, your child may need an over-the-counter infant teething gel, which will temporarily numb her gums.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: An age-appropriate dose of an infants' liquid pain reducer can provide temporary relief.

Originally published May 2001.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.