Stages of Teething in Babies: How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is a natural, but sometimes challenging, part of your baby’s growth and development. The process of teeth erupting through the gums is gradual, often accompanied by discomfort and fussiness for your little one. As parents, understanding how long teething lasts and what you can do to ease the pain can make this stage a little less stressful for everyone involved.

When Does Teething Start?

Teething typically begins around six months of age, though it can vary from child to child. Some babies may start as early as 3 months, while others might not begin until after their first birthday. No matter when teething begins, the process usually continues until your child is about 3 years old, by which time they will have their full set of 20 primary teeth (commonly referred to as baby teeth).

How Long Does Teething Last?

The entire teething process spans over a period of two to three years. While that may seem like a long time, it’s important to note that not all teeth erupt at once. Each tooth has its own timeline for emerging, with periods of relief in between.

The first teeth to make their appearance are usually the bottom front teeth (lower central incisors), closely followed by the upper front teeth (upper central incisors). From there, the rest of the teeth—molars, canines, and additional incisors—will gradually emerge in stages until your child has a complete teeth set.

In general, parents can expect each tooth to cause discomfort for about a week, which includes a few days before the tooth detaches through the gum and a few days afterward. The timing and severity of symptoms vary, but for most babies, the pain and irritability will subside once the tooth has fully emerged.

The Stages of Teething

Stages of Teething

Teething typically occurs in five stages:

  1. Stage 1 (0-6 months): Babies are born with their full set of twenty baby teeth hidden beneath the gums. At this stage, there’s no visible sign of teething.
  2. Stage 2 (6-8 months): The first teeth, usually the lower central incisors, begin to push through the gums. You might notice the symptom that your baby drooling more than usual or becoming a little irritable as the teeth start to erupt.
  3. Stage 3 (10-14 months): During this stage, the first molars emerge. These teeth can cause more discomfort, leading to fussiness, loss of appetite, and possibly disrupted sleep.
  4. Stage 4 (16-22 months): The canine teeth, located between the incisors and molars, begin to appear. Your baby may continue to show signs of discomfort, similar to earlier stages.
  5. Stage 5 (25-33 months): The last set of teeth, the large molars, erupt. These are often the most uncomfortable teeth to emerge, but they mark the final stage of the teething process.

Common Symptoms of Teething

Every baby experiences teething differently. Some may breeze through it with little discomfort, while others may show noticeable signs of irritation. Common teething symptoms include:

  • Sore and tender gums: This is often the primary cause of fussiness during teething. Your baby’s gums may look swollen or red where the tooth is about to emerge.
  • Drooling: Increased saliva production is normal during teething. The excess drool can sometimes lead to a mild rash around your baby’s mouth or chin.
  • Chewing on objects: Babies tend to chew on their hands, toys, or other objects to relieve pressure on their gums.
  • Irritability or fussiness: Teething can cause discomfort, leading to periods of crankiness, especially at night.
  • Disrupted sleep: Babies may have a harder time sleeping when they are teething due to the discomfort.

It’s important to note that teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, or other significant health problems. If your baby has a fever or other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult a pediatrician to rule out any illness.

How to Comfort a Teething Baby

While teething can be uncomfortable, there are several ways you can help soothe your baby’s gums and alleviate their discomfort:

  • Teething rings: Provide your baby with a teething ring made of hard rubber. These are safe to chew on and can help relieve some of the pressure on their gums.
  • Gum massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth. This can help alleviate some of the soreness.
  • Cold items: Offer your baby a cold (but not frozen) washcloth or a chilled teething ring. The cold can provide numbing relief for sore gums.
  • Hard foods (for older babies): If your baby has started on solid foods, giving them something hard to chew on, like a peeled carrot or cucumber, can help. Be sure to supervise what your little one is munching closely to prevent choking.
  • Bibs: Place a bib under your baby’s chin to keep their skin dry and prevent irritation from excessive drooling.

When to See a Pediatric Dentist

Most experts recommend scheduling your baby’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or shortly after the first tooth appears. A pediatric dentist near you can check for any potential issues and provide guidance on caring for your child’s new teeth.

Teething Is Temporary

Though it may feel like an eternity when you’re going through it, teething is a temporary phase. By the time your child is around 3 years old, they will have a full set of baby teeth, and the discomfort of teething will be behind them.

As parents, it’s important to be patient, offer comfort, and remember that you’re not alone in navigating this stage. If you ever have concerns about your baby’s teething process or symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or dentist for advice.

Remember, the content provided here by The Dental Care Blog is for informational purposes only. Always seek a medical expert’s advice if you’re unsure about any medical concerns.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

nineteen − seventeen =