Is My Baby Teething?

Most babies begin to sprout their first teeth between 4 and 7 months of age, though some babies may show teething symptoms as early as 3 months. In some very rare cases, a baby’s first tooth is already visible at birth, or no teeth may show for the first year! So, there’s a wide window of timing and just as wide a range of experiences associated with this important development. The bottom, middle teeth come through first, then the top middle and finally the sides and back teeth. All 20 of the temporary, ‘baby’ teeth have usually made their arrival by age 3.

What teething symptoms will my baby experience?

While every parent’s experience is unique, teething is a rite of passage that can make both you and baby miserable and bring with it a multitude of challenges. One thing to remember is that these symptoms are usually intermittent and most acute  just as the tooth breaks through the skin. Your baby may seem to be unusually cranky or develop mild cold symptoms, when in fact, they are getting ready to push out a tooth. The most common symptoms or behaviors that may afflict your child periodically while teething include:

• Drooling (which can cause a facial rash)
• Gum swelling, painful inflammation and sensitivity
• Irritability and crankiness
• Biting & Chewing behavior (anything in reach goes into the mouth)
• Change in eating habits
• Sleep problems
• Mildly elevated temperature & congestion

With regard to change in eating habits for a baby that is already eating solids, they may want to return to nursing or bottle-feeding because the spoon irritates their inflamed gums. Other babies may do the opposite, eating more than usual because the counter pressure feels good. Babies that are still nursing may begin feeding eagerly but pull back because the activity of sucking puts uncomfortable pressure on the gums and ear canals. My own daughter would pause in mid nursing and then suddenly decide to chew instead – a painful experience that shortened the period that I was able to nurse her. Many parents report other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, refusing favorite foods, cold symptoms or even fever just before a new tooth makes it’s appearance. It is even possible that diarrhea and a mild diaper rash might result from the excessive acidic saliva that ends up in the gut and may loosens the stools.

The one thing that all experts agree on is that if your baby’s symptoms are extreme and are affecting their health or if they have a rectal temperature of 101 degrees F or higher (100.4 degrees F or higher for babies younger than 3 months) you should contact your pediatrician.

Is it Teething or an Ear Infection?

Ear infections can cause fever, irritability, and many of the symptoms associated with teething. One additional symptom is the baby pulling on or grasping at the affected ear, but this can also be a symptom of teething distress if the ear canal has extra pressure on it from  inside the tiny  jaw. However, if an ear infection is suspected, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention, as long term damage can occur when an ear infection is left untreated. Ear or sinus infections can be caused by new teeth creating pressure on the ear canal and sinus cavities. When the ear canal or sinus cavities accumulate fluid that cannot adequately drain because of this extra pressure, bacterial growth can reach levels that may cause infection and fever.

Teething is a normal process and even though it is fraught with periods of intense discomfort, your baby can be comforted. It’s important to remember that all the symptoms of teething are temporary and your happy baby will return.

See my next article on “How to Ease Teething Pain”

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