Babies generally face problems like constipation or cold, right from their birth, but they experience most health related troubles when the teething process starts. Often, the time when the baby gets their first teeth, becomes stressful for parents as it is very discomforting for the baby. But once you’ll see your baby’s baby teeth, you will feel happy to see them crossing a milestone.

Teething is an extremely slow process wherein teeth start breaking through the gums. It typically happens between 6 to 24 months of age. The first sign of baby teeth coming is when your kid starts sticking their thumb or anything else into their mouth. During this period, the kids become irritated and some of them even develop fever. The primary reason why a kid puts their finger into their mouth is to get some relief from the pain. A few other frequently observed symptoms during teething are swollen gums, cough and diarrhoea.

The sequence of tooth eruption:

How and which teeth come in first, is very different for every baby and depends upon their genetics. Usually, the first teeth appear in the lower front portion of the mouth which is followed by the front tooth in the upper portion and two on either side of the upper tooth. These are followed by the teeth emerging on either side of the lower front tooth. After these the molar teeth start appearing, followed by the back molars.

Teething issues

Both symptoms and length of time it takes for teeth to make their appearance varies for all the babies, but many parents recognize the following signs:

• Irritability
• Biting and gnawing
• Gum swelling
• Chin (facial) rash
• Disrupted sleeping patterns
• Ear rubbing
• Drooling
• Decreased appetite

Though the teething phase is typically not very painful for infants, there are times when it can be tough. You can anticipate a baby to display some of the typical teething clinical symptoms, even if there is no discomfort.

For instance, your baby's gums might swell up or they may start to drool more than usual, as tooth emergence causes an increase in saliva. Babies may frequently bite or chew on anything they get in hand to encourage the process. Chafing and chin reddening can result from excessive slobbering. Baby might begin to wake up frequently at night.

On the day before the tooth actually starts to show through the gums, is typically when these sensations are most noticeable. These start from around four days before the event and end about three days after a tooth finally shows.

How to soothe a teething baby

Erupting teeth will have a unique experience for every baby, so what might seem to work for one may not be effective for the other.

There are some commonly used ways to ease the teething process and soothe discomfort. You can try any of the following for your baby :

• Putting something cold in your baby’s mouth such as a cold pacifier, spoon, or teething toy is known to be effective in providing a soothing effect. Ensure that whatever you put in the baby’s mouth is very clean and not so chilled.
• To the babies ranging from 6 to 9 months in age, cold water can be given from a sipper.
• You can also give a gentle massage on the gums with a clean and cold finger. This is known to be very effective in relieving the pain.
• Unsweetened teething crackers can also be used to give your baby a soothing effect.

Maintain your calm even if this time is not very smooth for your baby, for it shall pass too. Consult your doctor in case your baby faces excessive discomfort and follow all their instructions to ensure a safe sail through this process.