Teething is a natural process that all babies go through, but it can be a challenging time for both babies and their parents. As new teeth begin to emerge, babies may experience discomfort, irritability, and other symptoms. Many parents wonder how long this process will last and what they can do to ease their baby’s discomfort.
The duration of teething can vary from baby to baby, but in general, it can last for several months. Teething usually begins around 6 to 10 months of age and can last until the baby is about 25 to 33 months old. During this time, the baby’s teeth will continue to emerge, causing discomfort and other symptoms.
While teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents, there are several ways to ease the discomfort and help your baby through this process. Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething, as well as the duration of the process, can help parents prepare and provide the necessary support for their little ones.
Key Takeaways on How Long Does Teething Last
A natural process — Teething is a natural process that typically begins around 6-10 months of age and can last until 25-33 months.
Keep an eye out for symptoms — Signs and symptoms of teething include swollen/red gums, drooling, chewing/biting, fussiness/irritability, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite.
Teething is different for each baby — Factors that affect the duration of teething include the number of teeth, order in which they come in, individual pain tolerance, overall health, and genetics.
How Long Does Teething Last?
Teething is a natural process that every baby goes through, but it can be a tough time for both the baby and the parents. In this section, we will discuss how long teething typically lasts, as well as some factors that can affect the duration.
Typical Teething Timeline
According to various sources, teething usually begins around 6 to 10 months of age and lasts until the baby is about 25 to 33 months old. However, the timeline can vary from baby to baby. Some babies may start teething earlier or later than others, and some may experience teething for a shorter or longer time.
The baby’s first teeth (milk teeth) starts developing when they’re in the womb and the first tooth will pop within the baby’s first year. Upper middle teeth will appear between 8 to 12 months, while canine teeth will appear between 13 to 19 months.
During the teething process, most babies may experience symptoms such as fussiness, drooling, and irritability. The discomfort usually peaks when the tooth is about to break through the gum, and then subsides once the tooth has fully emerged.
Factors That Affect Teething Duration
There are several factors that can affect how long teething lasts for a baby. These include:
- The number of teeth the baby is getting
- The order in which the baby teeth are coming in
- The baby’s teething pain tolerance
- The baby’s overall health
- Genetics
In general, each tooth will cause discomfort for a few days at most, but it can take longer for some babies. It is important to remember that teething is a natural process and that every baby is different.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Recognizing the signs and common teething symptoms can help parents better understand what their baby is going through and provide appropriate support. Common signs and symptoms of teething include:
- Swollen or red gums: As a tooth begins to push through the gum, it can cause the area to become swollen and red.
- Drooling: Increased saliva production is a common symptom of teething, which may result in excessive drooling in your baby’s mouth.
- Chewing or biting: Babies may try to alleviate the pressure and discomfort in their gums by chewing or biting on objects, such as toys or their fingers.
- Fussiness and irritability: Teething can cause discomfort, leading to increased fussiness and irritability in babies.
- Difficulty sleeping: The discomfort caused by teething can make it difficult for babies to sleep soundly.
- Loss of appetite: Babies may be less interested in eating due to the discomfort in their gums.
- Ear pulling or cheek rubbing: Babies may try to relieve the discomfort by pulling on their ears or rubbing their cheeks, as the pain can radiate to nearby areas.
- Mild fever: Some babies may experience a low-grade fever during teething, but this is not always present.
- Pain during feeding. Suction can make pain worse for your baby.
It is important to note that while these baby teething symptoms are commonly associated with teething, they can also be indicative of other issues. If your baby is experiencing severe symptoms, such as a high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult your pediatrician for advice.
Tips to Ease Teething Discomfort
There are several ways to help ease your baby’s teething symptoms and discomfort during the teething process:
- Offer teething toys: Provide your teething baby with a variety of teething toys, such as silicone or rubber teethers and teething rings, to help alleviate the pressure on their gums. Chilled teethers can provide additional relief on aching gums but should not be frozen, as they can become too hard and cause injury. If you offer a teething ring, make sure it is not punctured.
- Massage their sore gums: Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help relieve some of the pressure and discomfort.
- Cold or chilled items: Offering your baby chilled foods, such as applesauce or yogurt, can help soothe their gums. Alternatively, a cold washcloth for them to chew on can also provide relief.
- Use a pain reliever: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help reduce discomfort. Consult your pediatrician for appropriate dosages and guidance.
- Some parents use amber teething necklaces for their teething babies, we’ve done a full review here.
- Maintain a routine: Keeping your baby’s daily routine consistent can help provide a sense of comfort and normalcy during this challenging time.
- Provide comfort: Extra cuddles, hugs, and soothing words can help comfort your baby during the teething process.
Teething and Dental Care
As the first tooth appears, it is important to establish a dental care routine early on as tooth decay can happen. Here are some tips for maintaining good dental hygiene during the teething process:
- Begin cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they emerge: Use a soft, damp cloth or an infant toothbrush to gently clean baby’s gums and teeth.
- Introduce kids toothpaste when your baby is around two years old: At this age, you can begin using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to choose a toothpaste specifically designed for children.
- Teach proper brushing technique: Encourage brushing of your child’s teeth at least twice a day, using small circular motions and paying close attention to the gum line.
- Schedule regular dental checkups: It is recommended that children have their first dental visit by the age of one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Regular dental checkups can help identify any potential issues and ensure proper dental hygiene habits are being practiced.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks: Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to tooth decay, even in young children. Encourage your child to consume a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
- Encourage healthy habits: Teach your child the importance of good oral hygiene by modeling positive behaviors, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
- Be patient and supportive: Remember that teething can be a challenging time for both you and your baby. Offer support and reassurance as they navigate this new stage of development.
- Take regular visits to pediatric dentist.
