The teething period in babies is generally a time when some issues arise that disturb the baby and worry the parents. The primary teeth, also known as milk teeth, begin to emerge during this period. Milk teeth usually complete their development by the time the baby is 2.5 to 3 years old and serve until the age of 6 to 7. There are a total of 20 teeth, with 10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw. Their color is bluish-white, and they are generally arranged intermittently.
The baby's first teeth usually come in around the 6th month. However, this can sometimes happen earlier or later. Baby girls generally start teething a little earlier than boys.
Primary teeth can erupt at any time during the first year of the baby's life. Erupting before or after the sixth month does not indicate a developmental disorder in the baby.
If your baby is 25 to 26 months old and has not yet erupted any teeth, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or a dentist.
From the third month onwards, behaviors such as putting hands in the mouth and trying to bring objects to the mouth can be observed, along with a noticeable increase in saliva production. Most parents worry that this indicates that milk teeth will erupt earlier than normal. However, these behaviors are often unrelated to the teething period in babies. These behaviors are related to the developmental stage and the beginning of the baby's exploration of the world through the mouth.
By the time children reach 4 years old, gaps form between the milk teeth in parallel with the growth of the jaw and facial bones. This situation, which is part of the natural growth process, creates the necessary space for the emergence of larger permanent teeth. Children aged 6 to 12 have both milk teeth and permanent teeth in their mouths.
The symptoms observed during the eruption of milk teeth are not the same for all babies. Some babies go through this process without significant discomfort, while others may become more sensitive and experience pain for a while. In fact, the discomforts thought to be related to teething in babies are not based on scientific evidence. Nevertheless, we can say that there are some commonly observed behavioral changes and discomforts during this period.
Fever may also be observed in teething babies. However, it is not expected that the body temperature will rise above 38 degrees. Therefore, if your baby's fever is higher, it is advisable to consult your doctor. The rise in fever during the teething period may also be related to another issue.
Teething is a natural part of baby development. Babies generally go through this period without experiencing significant discomfort and distress. However, there are some things that can be done to alleviate conditions such as fever, swelling in the area where the tooth will erupt, itching, and discomfort.
One of the things that can be done to comfort a teething baby is massage. After thoroughly cleaning your hands, you can gently massage your child's gums with soft, gentle movements. This way, the tooth erupts more easily, and the discomfort in the gums decreases.
To reduce the itching and discomfort that the baby will feel while the milk teeth are erupting, you can give them objects to bite on or food items like peeled, washed cold carrots. However, it is important to avoid using teething toys that contain harmful chemicals and dyes, which can break apart and pose a choking hazard for the baby. Teething rings filled with liquid can also cause problems, as the baby may cause them to burst while biting. A dampened or frozen cloth can also be a good alternative.
The increase in the baby's saliva can lead to redness and irritation around the mouth. You can gently wipe these with a very soft cotton cloth that is slightly moistened, being careful not to rub.
It is normal for a teething baby to have a slight increase in fever, but the likelihood of it rising above 38 degrees is very low. During this process, it is necessary to regularly check the baby's body temperature and consult a doctor if it rises too high.
During the months when the first teeth begin to appear, between six and eight months, it is recommended to clean the baby's teeth with a clean, moistened cloth or gauze after breakfast and before bedtime. After the back teeth have erupted, you can start using water and a toothbrush. It is not appropriate to use toothpaste for children under 3 years old.
As parents, you naturally want your baby to feel comfortable during this period and for their discomfort to decrease. However, you should not use substances that numb the gums, teething tablets, and gels containing benzocaine unless prescribed by a physician.
The list below shows the general order in which babies erupt their teeth. This order may vary for each baby.
Type of Tooth Time of Eruption Time of Shedding
Upper front teeth 6 - 8 months 6 – 7 years
Upper lateral teeth 9 – 11 months 7 – 8 years
Upper canine teeth 16 – 20 months 10 – 12 years
Upper first molars 12 – 16 months 9 – 11 years
Upper second molars 20 – 30 months 10 – 12 years
Lower front teeth 5 – 7 months 6 – 7 years
Lower lateral teeth 10 – 12 months 7 – 8 years
Lower canine teeth 16 – 20 months 9 – 12 years
Lower first molars 12 – 16 months 9 – 11 years
Lower second molars 20 – 30 months 10 – 12 years
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