Teething

31/01/2024

Teething: What Can You Expect When Your Baby Starts Teething?

How nice that you're reading along again!
With my blogs, I want to support parents in parenting and raising their children. Parenting is beautiful—and sometimes quite challenging. But those challenges are part of the journey. Try not to see them as problems, but as a natural part of your child's development.

When do the first teeth appear?

Did you know that your baby's teeth already start forming during pregnancy? After birth, they gradually begin to emerge. This usually happens between 4 and 7 months, but earlier or later is also completely normal. In rare cases, babies are even born with a tooth.

The first teeth that usually come through are the two middle teeth on the bottom or top. After that, the teeth next to them appear, and eventually the molars—these can sometimes be a bit more painful.

By around the age of 3 years, the primary (baby) teeth are usually complete, with 20 teeth and molars.

Brushing teeth: start early

As soon as the first tooth appears, it is important to start brushing. Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste specially made for babies or toddlers. This helps build a good foundation for healthy oral hygiene.

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Jordan Kids Tandpasta 0-5 jaar – Milde Fruitsmaak (50 ml)

How can you tell if your baby is teething?

The teething period can be difficult—for both your baby and you. Typical signs include:

Red, swollen, or warm gums
Excessive drooling
Your baby wanting to bite or chew on everything
Difficulty sleeping, especially when lying on their back
Crying more than usual or being restless
Your baby frequently grabbing their ears
Reduced appetite, especially for warm foods

Sometimes you may only see a small bump in the gum or a tiny white spot—the tooth is already on its way.

What can you do to relieve the pain?

There are several ways to help your baby with pain or discomfort.

Cooling is key:

Give your baby a washcloth with cold water (easy to hold and hygienic)
Use a teething ring that has been placed in the refrigerator
Put the bottle or pacifier in the refrigerator for a short time
Offer food at room temperature instead of warm

Comfort and distraction:
Sometimes nothing works better than your presence—cuddling your baby or playing together.

Take good care of your baby's bottom and face:
Red cheeks, diaper rash, and diarrhea can sometimes occur during teething. Change diapers more often, use a protective cream (such as Sudocrem or Bepanthen), and gently pat your baby's face dry.

If your baby has a fever or a lot of pain, you can give a paracetamol suppository after consulting your doctor or the child health clinic.

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Bepanthen Baby Zalf 30 gram – Beschermt en verzorgt de kwetsbare babyhuid

What if your baby is really struggling with teething?

There are also products available at the drugstore or pharmacy that can provide temporary relief:

Dentinox: a gel that you apply to the gums. It works briefly by numbing the area locally.
Chamodent: a homeopathic remedy that works through the bloodstream and has a longer-lasting effect. It is important to give it regularly, as it needs some time to build up its effect.

Always consult a professional if you are unsure or if your baby has severe symptoms.

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VSM Kind Chamodent® tandgel – Verzorgt en verzacht het tandvlees bij doorkomende tandjes

My experience as a mother

My own children had quite a hard time with teething. My middle son got his first teeth at just 3 months old – and the discomfort actually started around 2 months. He couldn't lie flat because of the pain and spent nights sleeping in the Maxi-Cosi. That was tough, both for him and for us.

In my work, I also often hear from parents that their child struggles with teething. Many parents use simple home remedies – like a cold washcloth or extra cuddles – and these often help surprisingly well.

In conclusion

Teething is a normal part of development, but that doesn't make it any less challenging. Your child may experience pain, discomfort, or changes in behavior. The most important thing is to keep a close eye on your child, trust your instincts, and be there for your baby. And don't forget to take care of yourself.

Thank you for reading!
Take care of yourself, be yourself – and care for your child with love. See you next time!