Everyone has heard the phrase, “The Terrible Twos,” but what honestly makes the age two so terrible? It could be the fact that your baby is learning how to talk, walk, listen (or lack thereof), or it could be because around this time, a baby will start or continue the teething process. Teething can be a long, painful process and could be a reason why your toddler is acting up.
How long does it take?
On average, teething starts around 6 months of age and may continue until your child is around six years old. This process takes several years and by the time your baby’s teeth are done growing in, they start falling out and growing in their adult teeth. Of course every child is different and may have a mouthful of teeth before their first birthday (some babies even have a tooth or two when they’re born!), while others may take up to two years to get all of their teeth.
What are the symptoms?
While your baby is teething, they will most likely have some discomfort. Most of the symptoms include drooling (which can lead to a facial rash), gum swelling and sensitivity, irritability or fussiness, rubbing ears, and/or refusing to eat.
When it comes to drooling, there is really no issue with it until it causes a rash. These rashes can be cleared up rather easily with a rag to wipe off the excess drool and a baby-friendly cream, if needed.
For swelling gums and sensitivity there are many tricks to assist in relieving the pain: a half-frozen cucumber, cold banana or a cold piece of bread to gnaw may help in swelling relief. Be careful to watch closely while your baby has any food, as you do not want your infant to choke on piece they bite off. Also, make sure it is an age-appropriate food. If your baby is too young for foods, a cold teether or wash cloth may be helpful.
An infant may be irritated and fussy while teething, as it is not a very enjoyable process for some babies. To help decrease fussiness, try to take preventative measures to ease swelling and keep baby happy.
Rubbing ears can also be a very common motion while teething. This is because the nerves in the face are all related so irritated ears, runny nose, water eyes can all occur while teething. Be careful not to confuse teething with a cold or an ear infection which also have the same symptoms. Make sure to contact a doctor if these symptoms persist.
Refusing food may also happen. Cold, soft foods can help ease discomfort. Some foods to try may include a fruit and vegetable smoothie, yogurt, or applesauce (again, choose foods which are age-appropriate). Try to avoid foods high in sugar as they can increase the chance for baby’s new teeth to build up plaque. Keep the eating environment pleasant and calm. Forcing a baby to eat when they are not interested can make feeding stressful for both of you and could even hurt baby’s nutrition in the long-run. If you have continuing concerns with how your baby is eating, make an appointment to talk with a Registered Dietitian.
Breastfeeding with teeth?
Because your infant’s gums are very sore, he or she will likely have an increased interest in chewing. Many breastfeeding moms are concerned about how breastfeeding will go once baby has teeth. Not all babies bite, but if your baby does, here are a few ideas to prevent it from happening again. By gently placing your clean pinky finger in between your nipple and your infant’s teeth, and responding vocally to the baby with a strong “no biting!”, your baby can start to learn that biting is not okay. You may also need to end the feeding immediately and offer a feeding later if biting continues. By knowing your baby’s cues for being done eating or motions your baby may start to make before chomping down, you can gently remove baby from your breast (again, by using your finger) as soon as you see those early “warning” signs. As always, make sure that your baby is latched correctly. When latch is correct, your infant should not be able to bite your nipple, as the nipple should be past their teeth and further back inside their mouth.
Teething can be a hard, uncomfortable time in you and your baby’s life. By assisting your little one and watching for their signals, you can decrease the pain and discomfort everyone feels in the process! And remember…this too shall pass!
Kelsey Munn
Dietetic Student at
University of Northern Colorado