How long does teething last and 10 ways to help your baby

How long does teething last? Well, let me tell you, it feels like FOREVER. I mean, have you ever tried to reason with a tiny human who thinks biting your finger is hilarious? It’s a tooth vs. the finger showdown, and let me tell you, the tooth usually wins.

When my son was teething it felt like it was his way of telling you that he is ready to start taking bites out of the world.Teething can turn even the sweetest baby into a drooling, cranky little monster. It’s like they’re auditioning for a role in a horror movie, and they’re not holding back on the special effects. You’ll find yourself covered in drool, listening to endless cries and screams, and wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again.

Also, you’re not alone in this battle. Parents throughout history have dealt with teething, and they’ve left us with some tricks and tips to help us get through it. So let us dive in details about how long teething lasts, how long teething pain lasts, and all the other burning questions you have about this rite of passage.

When does teething start?

When does teething start? For new parents, it is like trying to predict the weather in a tropical rainforest – unpredictable and full of surprises. One day, your baby will be all gums and giggles, and the next, they’ll be gnawing on everything in sight like a tiny beaver.

Teething usually starts between four and six months of age, but it can be earlier or later. It’s like your baby has their own little tooth calendar, and they’re keeping you guessing. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, they’ll throw you a curveball and sprout a tooth out of nowhere.

As the saying goes, “Teething is nature’s way of telling you that you’re not getting enough sleep.” And if you’re a parent of a teething baby, you probably feel like you’re not getting enough sleep to begin with.

In all seriousness, every baby is different, and there’s no need to stress if your little one starts teething earlier or later than their peers. Just keep some teething toys on hand, and prepare for the toothy journey ahead. Who knows, maybe your baby will be the next teething superstar and sprout all their teeth in record time.

How long does teething last?

Well, the short answer is that it varies. Teething can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on your baby and how many teeth they’re sprouting.

For most babies, teething can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the baby. The average time for teething to be completed is around 2-3 years old. However, this does not mean that your baby will be in pain for that entire time. Teething pain usually comes and goes in waves.

There are plenty of ways to soothe your baby’s teething pain, from teething toys to chilled washcloths to good old-fashioned cuddles. And if all else fails, just remind yourself that this too shall pass (hopefully sooner rather than later).

In the meantime, you might want to invest in some earplugs, because the teething screams can be loud enough to wake the dead. But hey, at least you’ll be well-prepared for the zombie apocalypse, right?

All joking aside, teething can be tough on both babies and parents, but it’s a natural part of the growing process. So, hang in there, keep those teething toys handy, and remember that this too shall pass.

Symptoms of teething in babies

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably already experienced them firsthand. But just in case you need a refresher, here are some of the most common symptoms of teething:

• Drooling: Your baby might suddenly turn into a drool factory, soaking through bib after bib. It’s like they’re auditioning for a role in a baby version of Niagara Falls.
• Irritability: Teething can be painful, and your baby might express their discomfort by being extra fussy or cranky. It’s like they’re saying, “Why won’t these teeth just hurry up and grow already?”
• Chewing: When your baby is teething, they’ll often want to gnaw on anything and everything in sight, from toys to furniture to your finger (ouch!).
• Facial rash: All that drool can cause a rash around your baby’s mouth, chin, and cheeks. It’s like a badge of honor for surviving teething (or at least, surviving the drool).
• Disrupted sleep: Teething pain can make it difficult for your baby to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can lead to some very long and sleepless nights for you.
• Refusing food: Sometimes, teething can make it uncomfortable for your baby to eat, so they might refuse to eat or drink as much as they usually do.

How long does teething pain last?

Teething pain can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the baby. It’s important to remember that not all babies experience teething pain. Some babies may show no signs of discomfort while others may be in a lot of pain.

There are a few things you can do to help alleviate your baby’s teething pain. One of the most popular remedies is to give your baby something cold to chew on, such as a teething ring or a frozen washcloth. The coldness helps to numb the gums and provide relief. Read here about which teeth are more painful.

Ways to help your baby during Teething process

Teething can be tough on both babies and parents, but there are plenty of ways to help soothe your little one’s discomfort. Here are some tips to help your baby during teething:

• Teething toys: Give your baby something safe to chew on, such as a teething toy or a chilled (not frozen) washcloth. The pressure and coolness can help relieve teething pain and soothe swollen gums.
• Gentle massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth. The pressure can help relieve discomfort and may even help the teeth come through faster.
• Cold foods: If your baby has started eating solid foods, offer them something cold and soothing, such as yogurt or pureed fruit from the fridge.
• Pain relief: If your baby is really uncomfortable, you can ask your pediatrician about using a pain reliever specifically formulated for babies. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and only use as directed.
• Extra cuddles: Sometimes, all your baby needs is some extra love and attention. Holding your baby, singing to them, or reading a book together can all help distract them from teething discomfort.
• Stay calm: Teething can be stressful for both babies and parents, but try to stay calm and patient. Remember, this is a normal part of your baby’s development, and it will eventually pass.

When to see a dentist

It’s recommended that you take your baby to the dentist for their first checkup by their first birthday. After that, they should continue to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

If you notice any signs of tooth decay, such as brown or black spots on their teeth, take them to the dentist as soon as possible. Tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Conclusion

I have tried to cover almost everything related to teething, fFrom when teething starts to how long it lasts, and all the symptoms and tips in between. But before I go, we want to leave you with one final thought.

Teething might not be the most glamorous part of parenthood (unless you consider drool and chewed-up toys to be high fashion), but it’s an important milestone for your baby’s development. And even though it can be tough at times, just remember that it won’t last forever. Eventually, those little teeth will pop through, and you’ll wonder why you ever thought a toothless grin was so cute.

In the meantime, don’t forget to stock up on teething toys, bibs, and plenty of coffee for those sleepless nights. And hey, at least you can take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Every parent has gone through teething (and survived to tell the tale).

So, keep calm, stay strong, and remember: this too shall pass (just like those pesky teeth)

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.