Your baby is born with a full set of tooth buds laying in wait just beneath the gum line. They cause no problems until they begin to erupt. In fact, they are usually close enough to the surface that your toothless 6-month-old can deliver a painful bite. The timing of teething, and its accompanying symptoms, constitutes a frequent topic of conversation on playgrounds and in pediatrician's offices as soon as previously snuggly babies begin to drool, chew and fuss at around 3-months-old.
Teething Timing
Both the timing and pattern of tooth eruption are highly variable. Around 6 months is the typical age for your baby's first tooth, but it can appear as early as birth and as late as 15 months. The bottom two middle teeth, or central incisors, are usually the first to erupt, followed by the top central incisors. These are generally followed by the other two central top teeth, then the additional two bottom teeth, molars and finally the pointy "canine" teeth between the molars and the central four. However, as with timing, eruption patterns are variable and not usually cause for concern. Your toddler should have the full set of 20 baby teeth by 3 years of age.
Teething Symptoms
Sore, swollen gums are telltale signs of teething. According to the pediatricians at KidsGrowth.com, some children's swollen gums even show signs of bruising. Other symptoms, such as drooling, fever and loose stools, are commonly associated but lack definitive scientific support. Pediatricians such as Dr. Sears present strong arguments for the association of these symptoms, but other pediatricians claim that alternative explanations are equally likely. For example, a typical baby's salivary glands increase saliva production, resulting in drooling, at around 3 months no matter when the baby's first tooth erupts. Additionally, attributing fever and diarrhea to teething can cause you to miss important signs of illness.
Teething Folklore
Parents blame teething for a wide variety of symptoms, such fussiness, sleeplessness and diaper rash. However, there is very little scientific evidence supporting these ideas and alternative hypotheses abound. For example, sleeplessness often coincides with increased separation anxiety whether or not your child's teeth are ready to erupt. Other myths, such as the need to wait for teeth to give your baby solid foods and an association between early teething and higher IQs, have been definitively disproved by the pediatric community.
When to Worry
Although some perfectly normal babies reach 15 or 16 months without a tooth, your pediatrician may advise you to check with a pediatric dentist at your baby's 1-year check-up. By her 18-month visit, a referral is very likely should teeth still be absent. A fever over 100.5 should never be attributed to teething, nor should a rash not clearly associated with drooling or diarrhea. While some discomfort is natural with teething, severe pain is not and should be checked by a doctor.
