As a parent, there is nothing as heartbreaking as seeing your little one suffering. Everything seems new, and the slightest cry can set things off. Not to mention, all the sleepless nights, constant fussiness, and endless baby drool might be overwhelming to deal with, but in the end, making sure your child is okay is the ultimate goal.
Parents often worry when their child starts to go through the teething phase. With all the crying, biting, and loss of appetite, all they want to do is help their child recover. So, how long does teething last? Is there a way to soothe your toddler’s pain? Luckily for you, we have the answers to all your questions right here in this blog! Keep reading to find out more.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to that. Since all babies are different — and so are their mouths — the teething timeframe can vary. Although, the average age for babies to start teething is around six months. But remember, this isn’t set in stone. If your child doesn’t begin teething by their sixth month, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with them.
Where some kids start teething really fast, at just 3 months, others can take a bit longer, like a year or so, to develop their teeth,
How Long Does Teething Last?
When baby teeth erupt, they tend to come out in certain groups. That is to say; there are times when multiple teeth come in at the same time rather than one by one. Even though this is common, it still brings about a lot of pain for the child. This means that the teething process for all teeth can last for quite some time.
However, when it comes to one tooth at a time, teething starts a few days before the eruption and the days following it. Ultimately, though, there is no way to determine just how long teething can last. It takes molars years to grow out, while for other teeth, the process is much faster. Nevertheless, your child is bound to have a full set of baby teeth by the time they turn 3 years old.
Tips To Help Your Child With Teething
When your child starts to go through the teething stage, you can expect a lot of crying and fussing. After all, the entire process is nothing short of uncomfortable for them. Nonetheless, you can soothe their intense pain and gum itchiness by following the tips and techniques mentioned below.
- Give your child something to chew on.
This can be a silicone teething toy or anything else that brings them comfort. But make sure it doesn’t contain plastic and that it isn’t hard. Stick to silicone and rubber, as you can pop it in the fridge and freeze it, turning it into a makeshift cold compress. - Let them nibble on a cold washcloth.
A damp and frozen cloth may not seem like a big deal to you. But kids love it! The fuzzy feeling of the fabric comforts them and eases the ache in their gums. - Gently massage their gums.
Wash your hands and make sure they are clean before proceeding to gently massage your child’s gums with your thumbs. Rub slow circles into their gums to get the blood following and effectively soothe the discomfort. - Give them pain-relieving medicines.
If nothing stops your toddler from crying and acting all irritated, perhaps a pediatrist-approved medication might help to minimize the pain. - Visit a pediatric dentist.
When you have exhausted all options with no results, try consulting a pediatric dentist. With careful evaluation, the dentist will take a look at your little one and determine the best course of action.
Conclusion
Teething can last for as long as a couple of years, depending on which tooth is erupting. However, for kids, you can expect all their baby teeth to come out by the time they turn 3 years old. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, contact AK Dental at (512) 653-3008 or visit us at 7010 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735, United States.