There is nothing more distressing than seeing your child in pain, and unfortunately, teething can cause a lot of pain and discomfort to your baby.

Luckily, there are many things that you can do to help your little one through this difficult stage. 

What is teething?

A baby’s first teeth, or milk teeth, usually develop in the womb and start to “cut” at about 3-12 months old. This process is known as teething and it can be a very stressful time for both baby and parent, as it causes a lot of discomfort to the baby.

Babies cut their teeth in a specific order:

• Bottom front teeth
• Top front teeth
• Top lateral incisors
• Bottom lateral incisors
• Canines
• Molars
• Second molars

How do I know if my baby is teething?

Some babies do not show any signs of discomfort, but most do. Some signs to look out for are:

• Drooling – some babies will drool and dribble a lot
• Facial rash – due to drooling a rash, also know as a dribble rash, can appear
• Swollen or inflamed gums – as the teeth push through the gums become red and sore
• Chewing everything in sight – biting can reduce pressure and ease pain
• Irritability and restlessness – this is due to irritation and sometimes pain in the gum
• Sometimes poor appetite – your baby may not want to eat due to pain and irritation in the gums
• Nappy rash – some babies experience nappy rash whilst teething. If the rash is very red, consult your G.P. or CarePlus pharmacist

What can I do to help my baby’s teething?

There are plenty of things that can be done to help your baby get through teething.

• Teething rings – these are soft rubber rings that can be placed in the fridge and given to your baby to chew on. They are cooling and soothing. Remember NEVER place teething rings in the freezer as the can cause freezer burn and bruising. Always follow the instructions as they vary
• Chewing – as your baby starts teething, they will put anything they find into their mouth. Try giving - depending on age - something healthy like raw carrot sticks, sugar-free rusks or peeled apple pieces to chew on. Always supervise when they are eating and watch for choking
• Pain relief – as most babies will not be in any pain this will not apply. For those that will need pain relief, ibuprofen and teething gels can be used. Always ask your CarePlus pharmacist for the best advice and treatment on over-the-counter medications

For more information on how to soothe your baby’s teething pain.

Caring for your baby’s teeth

Once your baby has teeth you need to start caring for them. Baby or milk teeth will eventually fall out, but they protect the space for the new permanent teeth to come through. Milk teeth can still get cavities, so helping and encouraging your baby/child to brush twice daily will keep these teeth lovely and healthy. Not doing this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Teething products

There are many products available in your local CarePlus Pharmacy to help with baby’s teething pain. These include:

• Oral granules
• Teething rings
• Liquid painkillers (where age appropriate)

If you have questions regarding teething visit your local CarePlus Pharmacy to speak with one of our baby experts.