Your baby’s milk teeth are already in place in the gums before birth. Once they start to push through, it can be quite uncomfortable for your little one. In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs that your baby’s teeth are coming in, along with helpful tips to support your little explorer.

When and in what order do your baby's teeth come in?

When do babies get teeth? For most children, the first teeth start to break through around the sixth month. The order in which a baby’s teeth appear is generally fairly consistent, but it can vary from child to child. Usually, the first teeth you’ll see are the two front teeth in the lower jaw (the central incisors). With these, your little one can already start gnawing on an apple or a piece of cucumber.

The last to arrive are the molars, which typically complete the set of milk teeth around the third year of life. If your little one has a full mouth of teeth earlier (or later), there’s no need to worry. Exactly when a baby’s teeth come in differs from child to child.

How can you tell if a baby's teeth are coming in?

As mentioned, baby teeth have to push their way through the gums. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that your little one may feel quite a bit of discomfort from that brand-new set of teeth. After all, a lot of pressure builds up in the gums. Which teeth cause the most pain during teething? Usually, it’s the first teeth in the lower jaw.

Teething symptoms can vary widely from child to child. One baby may experience more intense or longer-lasting discomfort than another. Common signs include:

• Crybaby – When those little teeth come in, it can unfortunately be quite painful for your little explorer. Your child may be cranky and will likely need lots of love and cuddles from their parents.

• Chewing on everything – Is your little one biting on everything within reach, sometimes even on their own hand? Then the first tooth may be on its way. Chewing acts like a jaw massage, helping to relieve pressure on the gums. The chewing motion can also help the tooth break through more quickly. Your little one may also touch their cheek more often or tug at their ears.

• A lot of saliva – When babies start teething, it’s often accompanied by lots of drooling. Usually this is harmless, but it can sometimes irritate the skin around the mouth.

• Red cheeks – When teeth are coming in, the body increases blood flow around the mouth. This can help the tooth push through the gums more easily. Red cheeks can therefore be a sign of teething, but they can also simply be the result of a nice walk in the cold.

• Swollen and red gums – Just like red cheeks, red gums can also result from increased blood flow as your baby’s body prepares for teeth to come through. The gums may also swell, which can create extra pressure in the mouth.

• Slightly elevated temperature – When babies start teething, it’s often accompanied by a fever, but the elevated temperature is probably not a direct symptom. Experts assume that children may get sick more easily during this period simply because their immune system is a bit weaker. So if your little one has a fever, it may be related to that. And even though it isn’t a direct result of new teeth, the fever often disappears quickly once the first tooth has broken through. If you’re still concerned, you can of course consult your doctor or nurse.

• Soft stool – If your child’s stool is softer than usual or even diarrhea, your child may have picked up an infection due to decreased immunity while their teeth are coming through. To help prevent leaks even with softer stool, you can change your child’s diaper with the diapers from LIYYDOO . That’s one less thing to worry about when your baby’s teeth are coming in. Because the diapers are also extra soft and gentle on the skin, they won’t cause additional irritation. If the diarrhea doesn’t go away, make an appointment with your doctor or nurse for more information or appropriate advice.

• Less appetite – If your baby is eating less, it may be a sign that a tooth is coming through. After all, it can be quite uncomfortable to eat when your jaw hurts! ;)

Baby teeth are coming through – how can you make it easier for your little one?

While your baby’s teeth are coming in, you don’t have to watch helplessly. The following tips for teething pain can help provide some relief for your little one:

• Chewing and cooling – When a child’s teeth are coming in, they often have a strong need to chew. Offer a teething ring made of wood or plastic that is free from harmful substances. These can massage the gums and make it easier for the tooth to come through. You can also place plastic teething rings in the refrigerator beforehand (not in the freezer!). This cools your little one’s gums and may also help prevent infections. Alternatives include a cooled metal spoon or a damp cloth.
  Solid pieces of food, such as bread crusts, apple slices, carrot sticks, or a cold pickle, can have a similar effect to a (cold) teething ring. A little yogurt or cold water can also cool the gums and relieve pain. Note: only offer cooled foods and drinks that your child is old enough for.

• Gum massage – By chewing and biting, your child massages their own gums. To reduce pressure on the jaw and encourage the tooth to come through, you can also gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger.

• Foot massage – Why massage the feet when your little one has a sore mouth, you might wonder? The reflex zones for the gums and tooth roots are located on the tips of the toes. By gently massaging those tiny feet, you may help ease toothache. Feel free to use a drop of essential oil. almond oil If your child enjoys the massage, you can also make it part of your daily changing ritual .

• Slabbertje – Does your little one drool a lot, leaving their top soaked more often? Then they may catch a cold more easily. Constantly changing into dry clothes can be inconvenient, so simply put a bib on your little one – problem solved.

• Painkillers or an ointment – There’s no need to let your child suffer unnecessarily. If none of the tips above help, keep a special toothache ointment at home, which is readily available at the pharmacy or drugstore. Apply the ointment directly to the gums with a clean finger.
  If the pain is very severe, you might consider a paracetamol suppository. Be sure to dose it correctly and read the package leaflet carefully before use.

• Amber – Yes, you read that correctly: amber! The stone not only looks very cute as a necklace, but is also known for its positive effects during teething, especially when (the first) molars and teeth come through. When amber comes into contact with your baby’s warm skin, a certain acid is released that may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. In Germany, this remedy is already quite common, and amber is also gaining popularity in the Netherlands. Also nice: Baltic amber symbolizes carefreeness and joy. And with tips like this, if it doesn’t help, it won’t hurt.

• Homeopathy – When a baby’s teeth come through, homeopathy may provide relief. If you want to try homeopathic remedies, consult a homeopath or simply ask your doctor or nurse.

• Love – This remedy always helps: a little tender love and care , or simply love! If your little explorer isn’t feeling well or is in pain, give them extra attention and don’t be stingy with hugs and kisses.

Brushing baby's teeth

Once that first little tooth has finally made its appearance, it’s important to brush your baby’s teeth properly. A new tooth is quite vulnerable because the enamel has not yet fully hardened. Therefore, use a toothpaste specifically made for babies and toddlers, along with a soft toothbrush.

Brushing your baby’s teeth can take some getting used to at first, but luckily you only need to do it once a day for the first two years after birth. After that, brush twice a day. Is toothbrushing not your little one’s hobby? Make the daily routine more fun with a nice toothbrush your little explorer has chosen themselves. Or sing a song, make funny sounds, or tell a short story while you brush.

With a broad grin

This applies to your baby’s entire development, including their teeth: every child is different. For some, the first tooth is visible after 10 to 12 weeks, while for others it can take up to a year. Some little ones hardly experience any pain when their teeth come in, while others have a much tougher time.

What matters most is plenty of understanding and loving distraction. That way, the pain is quickly forgotten, and both of you can get through the “teething period” with a broad grin.