Teething

Most babies will get their first tooth at around six months old. There is a great deal of variation in this however, don’t be surprised if your baby gets his first tooth at three months or is even born with one!. Equally it is quite common for nine month old babies to still be waiting for their first tooth and for some it can be delayed until up to a year old. By the age of three your child will almost always have a full set of baby teeth.

Teething is blamed for a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms of teething are dribbling, distress, crying, biting and chewing on objects or hands. You may also find that his or her cheeks become red or swollen as a result of inflamed gums. Some parents have to comfort their babies for weeks before the tooth appears while others are surprised to see a tooth having had no signs it was on its way. Most doctors and health professionals agree that teething should not automatically be blamed for illness in your baby. Although many parents blame diarrhoea on teething, for example, it is a good idea to always see your doctor if your baby seems unwell.

The first tooth to appear is normally one of the bottom two front teeth. There is no way to “cure” the discomfort of teething but here are one or two things you can do to reduce it. Teething rings can be good for baby to chew on. Teething gel, which is applied directly to your baby’s gums can also help to reduce pain can also be a very effective way to help your baby.