• Knowledgebase: Parenting Questions

    Questions about the managment of common parenting problems such as discipline.

    30. What Can I do for Teething? - Top

    You'll need to start cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as his first tooth erupts. This most commonly occurs at about six months of age, but this can vary. Some children are born with one or more teeth, and others may not cut a tooth until after their first birthday.

    Whenever they do appear, teeth generally come out in the same order. The two bottom front teeth, or central incisors, appear first, followed about four to eight weeks later by the four upper teeth (the central and lateral incisors). About one month later, the two lower incisors appear, followed by the first molars, and finally by the canine, or eye, teeth and the second molars.

    Some common signs of teething include mild irritability, excessive drooling, and the desire to chew on something hard. The gums may be swollen and tender. You can ease your baby's discomfort by gently rubbing his gums with one of your fingers or by offering a teething ring made of firm rubber. Your baby may also like the feel of a refrigerated teething ring against his gums. If teething seems to make your baby especially uncomfortable, your pediatrician may recommend an appropriate dose of acetaminophen.

    If your baby seems to be in pain, has a temperature of more than 101F, or has diarrhea, his discomfort is caused by something other than teething, and you should call your pediatrician. - Updated: March 8, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP