When Do Babies Start Teething?

One of the special milestones for both parents and babies alike is in getting that first tooth to show up. It's certainly exciting to see your baby smile and see a few of those pearly white teeth looking back at you. But along with getting that first tooth is the often dreaded teething process. So, one of the most common questions on parents minds is when do babies start teething?

The answer is not as simple as it may seem. First, there are cases in which babies are born with teeth! Although rare, it does happen.

Generally speaking, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby's first tooth will appear in the sixth month. Teething can begin anywhere from four months all the way up to one year. Yes, some babies do not have teeth coming in until their first birthday.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

How do you know if your child is teething? Here are some of the signs and symptoms that go along with teething: 

• Drooling - This is usually the first sign of teething in most babies. Of course, some babies drool more than others, but as parents you'll notice if it is more excessive than normal.
  
  
• Crying - Because having a tooth trying to poke through the gum is painful, your baby may be crying and in a bad mood at different times of the day and evenings.
  
  
• Fever - Although this is debated by some, a teething baby may get a temperature that is slightly elevated, such as 99 degrees.
  
  
• Sucking On Hands - Babies will often suck on their hands, or anything in reach for that matter when teething. Our son would grab your finger and try to nibble on it. This is because the pressure on the gum helps to alleviate the pain. It's instinctive to all babies.
  
  
• Pulling At Ears  - Another common sight is seeing your child pulling on their ears when teething.  
  
  

How Do You Know If It's Teething?

Most every baby will get its first two teeth in the top middle, followed by two lower middle. An easy tip to know if a tooth is coming in is to run your clean finger along the gum line. If you feel a "bump" or notch on the gum you'll know it's a tooth trying to pop through.

What Do You Do When Babies Teeth?

Teething affects your baby you can give them something cold to help soothe the pain. For example, yogurt is great remedy. Now if the pain is severe you should talk to your baby's pediatrician for other pain relief methods.

You can also rub a little bit of teething gel on the gums. Any pharmacy will have exactly what you need. Also, let them have a teething ring to chew on to relieve the pressure.

The good news is that teething doesn't last forever, even if it feels that way right now! Before you know it your baby will be looking up and smiling at you with a full set of new teeth.