A baby’s first teeth actually start to develop before they are even born and you will usually see the first of these teeth come through their gums in the first year.
Some babies are even born with their first teeth already and others will not have any until after their first 12 months. With baby teeth, there really can be a massive variety in what you may experience.
Having said this, usually, a baby’s first tooth will appear between 4 and 10 months and once your baby is around 3 years old they will probably have their full set of teeth. If your baby falls outside of this though that does not mean there is anything to worry about.
You should also bear in mind that if your baby had a low birth weight or was premature then their teeth are more than likely going to come through a little later.
Unfortunately, it is hard to know when your little one’s teeth will come through but understanding what is actually happening and how you can help settle your teething baby can make the process much easier for both baby and parents.
What is teething?
Teething is the word we use to describe when a baby’s first teeth are coming through their gums. It can be a painful and upsetting time for babies and as a result of this their parents too.
So, when does teething start?
For some babies teething can start as early as 3 months old and in that case, you would likely begin to see their first tooth coming through their gum between 4 and 7 months old.
Below we have included the NHS’s rough guide to what order baby teeth appear in:
- Bottom incisors (bottom front teeth) – these are usually the first to come through, usually at around 5 to 7 months.
- Top incisors (top front teeth) – these tend to come through at about 6 to 8 months.
- Top lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth) – these come through at around 9 to 11 months.
- Bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth) – these come through at around 10 to 12 months.
- First molars (back teeth – used from grinding down food) – come through at around 12 to 16 months.
- Canines (between the lateral incisors and the first molars – used for eating and speaking) – come through at around 16 to 20 months.
- Second molars – these come through at around 20 to 30 months.
How long will teething last?
There is no way of knowing how long teething will last for your baby. For some, it can last longer but usually, it will take about a week for a tooth to come through. Your baby will be teething for a few days before and after the tooth comes through. For others, the experience is shorter and for some longer and is not really predictable which is why you cannot know exactly how long your baby will teethe.
Signs of teething
Because you cannot predict when your baby will begin teething the best thing to do is to keep an eye out for signs so that you can help them when they are.
Some of these signs include:
- Swollen and red gums.
- Excessive drooling.
- Flushed or red cheeks.
- A rash on their face.
- They cannot sleep as well.
- Increased irritability.
- Decreased or changed appetite.
- Increase in chewing or biting on things.
- Rubbing their face or ears.
- They keep bringing their hands to their mouth.
- They could have a mild temperature (about 38C).
- A runny nose.
Of course, some of these signs could be symptoms of other things too. It is important not to jump to conclusions but if you are concerned about your baby’s health during teething make an appointment with their doctor or call NHS 111 for advice.
Treating teething pain
There are, fortunately, some ways that you may be able to help your little one with the discomfort that comes with teething.
- Any excessive drooling can cause a lot of irritation around your baby’s mouth. Using a soft cloth to gently clean their face can help this. If there is a rash ensure that you do not rub the area.
- Running your finger along the top of your baby’s gums can relieve the pressure and temporarily numb the pain. Make sure, of course, that your hands are clean.
- If your little one is old enough try yoghurt or cold purees. This can provide extra relief. Make sure whatever you give them does not pose a choking hazard.
- Give your baby appropriate items to chew on like refrigerated teething rings, a cold face cloth, safe teething jewellery or even just a dummy.
- Giving your baby some extra attention can also help to distract them.
Is teething jewellery safe?
At Mama Jewels, our teething accessories meet EU product safety requirements. We carefully check all our products to guarantee that they are free from toxic materials and chemicals like BPA, PVC and phthalates. Our jewellery doesn’t contain any heavy metals, lead or cadmium.
Always supervise your baby for the entire time they use a teething product. Additionally, never put a teething necklace around a baby’s neck: it should be worn by an adult instead.
Our teething jewellery is designed to be chewable, so it meets your child’s teething needs. From the age of 3 months, children start grabbing items within reach and chewing on them. They like placing objects inside their mouths because it allows them to explore the world around them, while it also introduces them to new germs, which helps them build their immune system.
Mum & baby gift set | Teething necklace | Teething Toy | Bandana Bib
- Teething necklace – Food grade silicone, Adjustable length.
- Baby teething toy – Beechwood, Food grade silicone.
- Cotton dribble bib – Fleece-backed adjustable pop clasps at the rear.
- Gift boxed and wrapped.
Fantastic materials for a teething baby to nibble on, completely non-toxic and washable.
Our silicone teething necklaces and teething toys are designed to look beautiful and be super practical
This necklace is mounted on a strength-tested adjustable cord and comes boxed with instructions.
Mama Jewels Nursing and teething necklaces are designed to be baby-proof and are guaranteed NOT TO BREAK, they can be washed and sterilised and are all made from non-toxic materials making them safe for baby to chomp and tug on.
This gift set can come in a variety of different colours and patterns including:
Bunny silicone teething toy for baby
Let your little one get their teeth into this cute Bunny silicone teething toy for baby and relieve the pressure of those sore gums and emerging teeth.
Suitable from birth, washable, and can be sterilised.
100% food-grade silicone.
Size: 10cm x 7.2cm.
Eco- Gift boxed complete with instructions.
CE tested and approved.
About Mama Jewels
Mama Jewels is an independent gift box company, selling planet-friendly artisan gifts, to help make the transition to motherhood easier and more comfortable for pregnant mums and new mums.
All of our products are pregnancy-safe, vegan-friendly, and sustainably sourced. Though our products are made lovingly in England, we do ship worldwide.
Visit the Mama Jewels website here.
Shop our gift hampers, baby toys, breastfeeding gifts, baby teething toys, letterbox gifts and vegan skincare collection here.
Read more articles such as ‘What stone is good for baby teething?’ and ‘How to clean teething toys’ on our blog here and take a look at our newsletter.
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Contact us at 07720 890552 or at hello@mamajewels.co.uk if you wish to get in touch – we would be happy to help.
