How Long Does Teething Last?

The moment your baby starts teething can be very exciting. But, this period can be quite uncomfortable for the little one and even for the parents who sometimes feel helpless in trying to ease their baby's pain.

That said, it's important to make sure that your baby's teeth grow healthy and strong, and set a good base for when permanent teeth start to develop. For that you need to learn how to properly care for their teeth and a dentist in Rancho Santa Margarita can help you with that.

Teething Timeline: How Do Baby Teeth Erupt

Teething is when baby teeth start erupting and for each baby, the process and timeline can be different.

The good part, for both babies and parents, is that teeth do not start growing all at the same time. Teeth usually start growing with the lower incisors and grow in pairs and phases:

• First are the lower incisors
• Then come the upper incisors
• The third ones are lower lateral incisors
• Then follow the upper lateral incisors
• And then molars and canines

When the process goes naturally and without any issues, your baby should have the entire teeth grown every 2 to 4 months.

The upper and lower molars are the last to grow, and by the time the child reaches the age of three, they should have 20 teeth grown in their mouth.

The actual growing period of time for a tooth is around 8 days.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

There is no fixed rule for when a baby's teeth will start erupting. There are babies that can have growing teeth when they are 4 months old.

Eruption can happen both prematurely and delayed.

Some babies start sooner, and other babies do not cut a tooth until they are much older, even 15 months old. Delayed eruption is hereditary, but it does not have to be a problem.

What to Do When a Baby Is Teething

Firstly, it is recommended that your baby visits a pediatric dentist when their first teeth start to erupt. This way, you can discuss any concerns with a professional, as well as making sure your baby’s teeth grow healthy.

During the teething process, parents can help their babies alleviate the irritation, discomfort and pain caused by the eruption of the teeth.

Your pediatric dentist can recommend you rubber teething rings and other remedies to make the process easier.

Your pediatrician can also recommend over-the-counter remedies suited for your baby.

Inform yourself about remedies that can also cause harm to your baby, such as irritation and other side effects, depending on what you are using.

Bring Your Child to Willow Pediatric Dentistry

At Willow Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to offer exceptional services in a welcoming, child-friendly space. We can treat children from infancy well into their adolescence and we can also treat special needs patients. Get in touch with us for an appointment today.