Teething

A problem experienced by all babies as they develop is the discomfort that happens when their teeth appear. This usually begins at around six months and happens at intervals during the first three years. Teething is blamed for many things, but isn't always the cause. Common problems that may be due to teething include increased dribbling, irritability, reduced appetite, a tendency to pull at the ears and the child wanting to chew on everything they can get their hands on.

Teething does not cause high temperatures, convulsions or bad diarrhoea. The discomfort of teething can be reduced by giving the baby a teething ring to chew on, rubbing ice on the gums, letting baby chew on cold celery or carrot (don't leave baby on its own with these) and the use of paracetemol if he or she is very distressed.

Once the first teeth have appeared it is a good idea to teach babies to use a toothbrush. This can start as a plaything at bath time. As soon as they can drink from a cup this should be used instead of a bottle. Give mainly water rather than sweet drinks to thirsty babies and don't use the bottle to pacify them, or to take to bed.

It is natural to compare your baby with others, but remember there is a wide variation in the time when teeth appear. The diagram below is a guide to when teeth usually appear. Second teeth usually begin to appear at about five or six years old.

Ask us for advice. Your Guardian Pharmacist cares about your baby’s health as much as you do. To help with teething, ask for Guardian’s Oral Pain Relief Gel* *Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your pharmacist or doctor.