What Is Teething Syndrome?

Overview 

As a new parent, you might be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions during your first year with your baby. Whether you read many books or none, you always want the best for your baby and to ensure that they are free of pain and discomfort. However, as parents, it is not always possible to avoid every discomfort in the life of your children, especially during the teething phase of babies.

Teething syndrome is the process that babies go through when their teeth break through their gums. The age at which babies start teething varies depending on each baby. Some of them start the process before four months of age some after 12 months of age, and some babies are even born with their first teeth.

It is expected that the first teeth coming are the front ones and that a baby will have a full set of 20 teeth, including molars, by the age of three years. This first set of teeth is also called milk teeth. However, this is not always the case and the time and order of tooth eruption can vary. This process can be painful and uncomfortable for babies, as the gums may become swollen and tender from the eruption of teeth. 

For the parents, it can be very difficult to see their child going through it, but there are some measures that can be taken to help babies during this process.

Signs and symptoms of teething syndrome 

Even though, in many cases, the main signs and symptoms of teething syndrome are pain and discomfort, this does not apply to every baby. Sometimes teething happens without them, and instead, babies may experience other signs and symptoms. Some of them are: 

• A mild temperature of less than 38°C
• The part of the gum from where the tooth is coming may be sore and red
• Sleep difficulties 
• Rubbing their ear more than usual
• They may have a very upset mood 
• A rash might appear on the baby’s face
• Dribbling more than usual 
• One of their cheeks can be flushed 
• Chewing and gnawing on things more than usual 

Teething myths and misconceptions 

Over the years, there have been many myths and misconceptions about teething which can potentially harm the health of babies. Studies have found that myths and misconceptions are very common among mothers, which can sometimes lead them to attribute serious symptoms to teething, which in turn can prevent or delay them from seeking medical help and adequate treatment for possible infections in their babies.²

One such misconception is the belief that teething causes fever.¹ Teething might lead to a baby having a mild temperature (of less than 38°C), but it does not cause fever.¹ Fever in a baby is considered a principal sign of infection and it should be seen by a physician.¹

Another misconception that exists about teething is that it causes diarrhoea.² So far, according to research studies, there is very little evidence that supports this belief.² Researchers suggest that this misconception might be linked to the beginning of babies building their own antibodies.²

The average age when babies start teething is around six months of age, the same age at which they start to lose the maternal antibodies (which are transferred from the mother to the baby while it’s in the womb and protect infants as their immune system matures) and begin to produce their own antibodies.²

This puts babies in a vulnerable position because their immune systems are not strong enough the defend them against infection.² During this period of time, babies also begin to crawl and put unsanitised objects in their mouths, leading them to develop diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.² 

Coping strategies for teething syndrome 

There are several strategies that you can try to help reduce the discomfort caused by teething. However, each baby is unique so certain strategies may not work for every baby. 

The first coping strategy recommended by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is the use of teething rings. Teething rings are a toy that a baby can chew safely, which may alleviate discomfort and distract them from the pain. Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge, although it is important to follow the instructions on how to cool them in order to avoid injuries in the baby’s gums.

The second coping strategy recommended by the NHS is to offer raw fruit and vegetables to chew on if the baby is six months or older. Fruits like melon can help soothe the gums. Other alternatives can be breadsticks or crusts of bread. It is important to avoid foods that contain high amounts of sugar because it can cause tooth decay. Also, always remember to watch your baby when they are eating in case they choke.

The third coping strategy recommended by the NHS is the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain related to teething. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given to children aged three months or older and sugar-free options for these medicines are available. If you are not sure about the dose to give to your baby, you should contact your GP or pharmacist. 

It is worth noting that the use of teething gels is no longer recommended, as there is a lack of evidence that they are actually effective.

It is important to comfort and care a lot for your baby during this process. Playing, singing and reading can help distract them from any pain in their gums. To help reduce the incidence of face rashes it is suggested to wipe your baby’s face often and keep it dry. It is recommended that you register your child with a dentist when their first teeth appear.

FAQs

When does teething typically begin?

Teething typically begins at six months of age, although some babies can begin as early as four months of age and some can take longer, starting at 12 months of age. 

What can I do to ease my baby’s discomfort during teething?

There are many strategies that can be used to ease a baby’s discomfort during teething, among them: rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger, using teething rings, giving the baby raw vegetables and fruits to chew on, and giving paracetamol and ibuprofen in they are in pain.

Should I be concerned about the order in which my baby’s teeth come in? 

The order in which the teeth come in can vary from baby to baby, but there is a general pattern. Teeth typically erupt in pairs, usually starting with the bottom front teeth (bottom incisors), followed by the top front teeth (top incisors). These are followed by:

• the top lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth)
• bottom lateral incisors (either side of the front bottom teeth)
• first molars (back teeth)
• canines (between the lateral incisors and the front molars)
• the second molars (at between 20 and 30 months old)

However, if you feel concerned about your baby’s development, it is important that you talk with your baby’s doctor or dentist about it. 

How long does teething syndrome typically last? 

The duration of the teething process varies according to each child but it usually lasts until three years of age, when a child has a full set of 20 milk teeth. It’s worth remembering that teething symptoms aren’t constant between six months and three years; each tooth (or pair of teeth) should only cause discomfort for a little over a week.

When should I seek medical attention for my teething baby?

It is important to seek medical attention when a baby presents any other symptoms besides the ones mentioned earlier in this article, especially if they have a fever (a temperature of 38°C or above) and diarrhoea. Also seek medical attention if your baby loses a tooth due to an injury.

Summary

Teething syndrome is the natural process that babies go through when their teeth break through their gums. The time of onset of teething varies depending on each baby. Some babies start the process before four months of age some after twelve months of age, and some babies are even born with their first teeth. 

The teething process can be painful and uncomfortable for babies, as the gums may become swollen and tender from the eruption of teeth. The main signs and symptoms of teething syndrome are pain and discomfort, although babies can also experience other symptoms such as a mild temperature of less than 38C°, difficulty sleeping, rash on the face, and upset mood.

There are several strategies that can be used to help ease a baby’s discomfort during teething, including rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger, using teething rings, giving the baby raw vegetables and fruits, and giving paracetamol and ibuprofen in case of pain. The use of teething gels is no longer recommended, as there is a lack of evidence that they are actually effective.

There are many myths and misconceptions about teething. One of these is the belief that teething causes fever. Fever in a baby is considered a principal sign of infection and it should be seen by a physician. Studies showed that myths and misconceptions are very common among mothers, serious symptoms such as diarrhoea and fever can be misinterpreted and prevent mothers from seeking medical help and adequate treatment for possible infections.