Important tips when children start teething stage

Teething is an important milestone in a child's growth. However, many parents worry about proper care and recognizing unusual signs. Therefore, The East Rose Dental Clinic will provide useful information about the teething stage to help you feel more confident in your parenting journey.

Stages of Teething in Children

The teething stage is an important milestone in a child's development, marking the first step in the completeness of the oral system. Typically, the first baby tooth appears when the child is between 6 and 12 months old, although some children may experience it earlier or later depending on their constitution. This process not only affects the ability to chew but also serves as a crucial step in language development.

Teething stage of children

• The first teething period typically lasts between 6 and 12 months.
• The order of tooth eruption is as follows: central incisors, lateral incisors, molars, and canines.
• Completion time: Children will have all 20 baby teeth by about 3 years old.

Read more: At what age do children change baby teeth? Tooth replacement process in children

5 signs of teething in children

Teething in children often comes with clear signs, allowing parents to recognize them and helping make the teething process as smooth as possible.

Excessive drooling

One of the most noticeable signs of teething is excessive drooling. As baby teeth begin to emerge, the gums stimulate the salivary glands to work more. This causes the child to frequently wet the area around the mouth and collar. Parents should use a soft cloth to wipe away the drool and protect the baby's skin from irritation with appropriate lotion. This is a normal phenomenon and shouldn't cause excessive worry.

Irritability and discomfort

Teething can make children feel uncomfortable due to swollen gums, itching, or mild pain. This often causes the child to become more irritable than usual, especially when the teeth are emerging. Parents need to be patient, comfort the baby, and use natural pain-relief methods such as teething toys or gently massaging the gums to help the child feel more at ease during this stage.

Poor sleep, frequent waking

During the teething stage, children often have shallow sleep or wake up multiple times at night due to pain and discomfort in the gums. This can disrupt the normal routine for both the child and parents. To help the baby sleep better, you can use cooling teething toys or create a comfortable, quiet sleep environment to help the child relax and feel more at ease.

Mild fever or diarrhea

Some children may experience a mild fever or diarrhea while teething.  This is a natural response of the body when the baby teeth break through the gums, increasing blood flow and affecting the immune system. However, if the fever is high or diarrhea persists, parents should take the child to a doctor for an evaluation.  It's important to ensure the child stays hydrated and follows a light, easy-to-digest diet.

Children often bite objects around them.

When teething, children tend to put objects in their mouths and bite them continuously. This is a natural way for them to relieve itching and discomfort in the gums. Parents should carefully choose safe and hygienic teething toys, avoiding allowing the child to bite hard or unclean items that could harm the gums or cause infections. This also helps the child feel more comfortable during the teething stage.

How to care for children during the teething stage

The teething stage not only affects oral health but also changes the child's daily routine. Proper care will help the child feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of unwanted issues. Here are some useful tips for parents:

• Proper oral hygiene: Use a soft cloth soaked in warm water to gently wipe the gums and teeth after each meal. As more teeth appear, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean them daily.
• Relieve pain and soothe the gums: Use cooled teething toys or gently massage the gums with a clean finger or soft cloth to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Appropriate diet: Prioritise soft, easy-to-eat foods like porridge and soup; avoid hard, spicy, or sugary foods to protect the gums.
• Create a comfortable environment: Ensure a quiet, well-ventilated space. Use toys or soft songs to help the child relax.
• Regular dental check-ups: Schedule a dental check-up for the child as soon as the first tooth appears to monitor development and prevent potential issues.

Read more: 7 tips to help children maintain healthy teeth every day

Here are some crucial guidelines for nurturing a child going through teething.

During the teething stage, parents need to pay attention to various factors to help the child go through this challenging period more easily. First, avoid using pain-relief medications or teething gels without a doctor's prescription, as this may lead to unwanted side effects. Instead, use natural methods such as gently massaging the gums with a clean cloth or allowing the child to chew on cooled teething toys.

Additionally, it is important to limit sugary foods like candies and pastries to reduce the risk of tooth decay and protect the development of baby teeth. The diet should include soft, easy-to-eat foods like porridge and soup, making it easier for the child to chew and swallow. When the child is fussy or uncomfortable, avoid forcing them to eat. Instead, offer smaller, more frequent meals and create a comfortable environment to encourage cooperation.

Teething is an important stage that marks a child’s growth and development. Understanding the signs and applying proper care not only helps the child go through this phase more easily but also lays the foundation for excellent oral health in the future. We hope this article by The East Rose Dental Clinic has provided valuable insights for parents on their journey of caring for their child's oral health.