Your baby’s primary teeth are already formed in the jawbone before birth. When 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 the first tooth is about to emerge and get tips on how to support your baby during teething.

When and in what order do the primary teeth come in?

For most children, teeth start to break through around the 6th month. It usually begins with the front incisors in the lower jaw, and the molars are the last to appear. By the age of 3, the primary dentition is usually complete. If your baby starts teething earlier or later, there’s no need to worry. The exact time when the first tooth appears varies from child to child.

The first tooth is a special moment. To help you capture it forever, we have a milestone card set for you: simply download, print, take a photo of your smiling child, and enjoy!

How can you tell that your baby is teething?

Even though every baby reacts differently to teething, there are some typical symptoms that many children show during this phase:

• Weinerlichkeit – Unfortunately, teething can be painful for your little explorer—after all, those tiny teeth first have to work their way through the gums. It’s no wonder your baby may be cranky during this time and want lots of cuddles from mom and dad.

• It is tinkering with everything. – Is your little one currently biting everything within reach, maybe even their own hand? Then the first tooth might be on its way through. Chewing acts like a jaw massage for your baby and can relieve sore gums. At the same time, it helps the teeth break through.

• Severe drooling – Increased drooling is a common symptom of teething and, in some cases, can lead to irritated skin around the mouth.

• Reddened cheeks – To help the new tooth break through the gums more easily, the body increases blood circulation in this area. Well-perfused cheeks can therefore be a sign that a new tooth is about to emerge.

• Swollen and red gums – Similar to flushed cheeks, red gums can also be a sign of increased blood flow as your baby prepares for teething. In addition, the gums may swell and cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure.

• Leicht erhöhte Körpertemperatur – Even though fever is often mentioned as a teething symptom, an elevated temperature does not necessarily mean teething is the cause. Pediatricians believe that children are more susceptible to infections during this time because their immune system is weakened by teething. So if you notice an elevated temperature in your baby, it may be due to a minor infection. Even if this isn’t directly caused by teething, it can coincide with the eruption of the first tooth. If you’re unsure, your pediatrician will be happy to help.

• Soft chair – Is your baby’s stool very soft or even diarrhea? Diarrhea can also be a result of an infection caught during teething. To help prevent issues even with soft stool, LILLYDOO diapers are especially highly absorbent and ensure you have one less thing to worry about during the teething phase. Since they are also extra soft and skin-friendly, the diapers won’t irritate your little explorer’s bottom any further. However, if diarrhea persists, please always consult your pediatrician.

• Appetitlosigkeit – If your baby is less hungry than usual, this can also be a sign of teething. After all, a sore jaw can sometimes lead to a loss of appetite.

In this video, pediatrician Ariane from LILLYDOO explains everything important about babies' teeth.

How can you provide relief for your baby?

Fortunately, your baby doesn’t simply have to endure pain and discomfort during teething. The following tips can help ease teething discomfort:

• Kauen und Kühlen – With teething rings made of wood or non-toxic plastic, your baby can satisfy their urge to chew. They massage the gums and support teething. The advantage of plastic teething rings is that you can put them in the refrigerator first (not the freezer!). This also cools your baby’s jaw and can help reduce swelling. Alternatives include a cooled metal spoon or a damp washcloth. For hygienic reasons, you should replace the latter several times a day.

  The same applies to foods to chew on, such as a bread crust, apple or carrot sticks, or a piece of cooled cucumber. Due to the risk of choking, you should only let your little explorer chew on foods under supervision.

• Gum massage – In addition to your baby’s “self-massage” through chewing and biting, you can also gently massage the gums to reduce tension in the jaw and help the little teeth break through. All you need are clean fingers. For an extra massage effect, you can alternatively use a textured silicone finger cot from the pharmacy. It’s also suitable later for your baby’s first dental care.

• Foot reflexology massage – The reflex zones of your baby’s gums are located on the tips of the toes. By gently massaging the toes, you can relieve teething pain and do something good for your little one. You can also add a drop of lavender oil if you like. If you find the massage helps your baby, consider incorporating it into your evening diapering routine.

• Bib – If your baby’s top is constantly soaked due to increased drooling, they can easily catch a cold. To avoid having to change your child all the time, bibs that can be quickly replaced are helpful.

• Pain-relieving gel – If nothing else helps, you can also give your baby some relief with a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory teething gel. Simply apply it to the chewing area with clean fingers. It’s best to ask your pediatrician or pharmacist for advice.

• Homeopathy – Many parents swear by the small white pellets. To provide relief for babies during teething, various active ingredients are used. If you want to try homeopathic remedies to support your baby during teething, you can consult a homeopath or your pediatrician.

The same applies to teething as to overall development: every baby is different. For some, the first tooth appears as early as 10–12 weeks, while for others it may take almost a year. Some have almost no symptoms, while others are very uncomfortable as those little teeth emerge. Along with all the tips in this article, tenderness and loving distraction remain the best remedies to help your baby forget the pain—and to help both of you get through the teething phase as smoothly as possible.

We hope these tips help, so your baby can soon flash a happy, toothy grin!