As a parent, the first thing you would notice when you’re baby is growing is his teeth. When babies are born, they look like old people, minus the grey hair and wrinkly skin. They do not have any tooth at all. Their little mouths are lined with toothless gums that look so cute and adorable. Before turning 1, the first few teeth start to grow and appear and during this time, the baby might feel restless and irritable because of teething. The process of teething is slow and gradual; it changes frequently until the entire set become permanent. Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions about teething.

What is the order of teething in babies?

Around the 6^th and 10^th month, the first teeth to appear are located on the lower center part of the mouth. This is called the 2 front lower teeth. Between the 8^th to 13^th months, the next 4 teeth to appear are on the upper center part called the top 4 incisors. Between the 10^th to 16^th months, around the time when the baby celebrates his first birthday two lower teeth grow followed by the first set of molars in upper and lower back portion of the mouth. When the baby reaches the 16^th to 23^rd month, all four pointed side teeth would have already appeared, these teeth are called canines. Before the baby turns 3 years old, all molars would already be complete and he would have a set of 20 primary teeth all in all.

What are the tell tale signs that teething has started?

The first sign parents can observe on children who are teething is drooling. An increase in salivation indicated the gums are preparing for the first teeth to erupt. Aside from drooling, the baby will seem to be biting and chewing a lot and cries restlessly for several times a day. Teething is not very pleasant and comfortably, chewing and biting helps in relieving discomfort. In some cases, babies will develop a mild fever that resolves after a few days.

What can be done to help relieve teething discomforts?

Chewing and biting can effectively relieve teething discomforts, with this in mind; parents can offer teething rings to their babies. This device is safe for babies to bite and chew on. It’s non-toxic and it doesn’t contain pieces that the baby can accidentally choke on. There are also topical pain relievers and anesthetics that can be applied directly on the gums to relieve pain, soreness and inflammation. Oral and dental hygiene must also be continued to prevent the mouth from developing and form of infection.

Can teething cause diarrhea?

Teething causes mild to moderate fever that goes away in a few days. Teething does not cause diarrhea. Having loose watery stools may be a symptom of other medical conditions and diseases like ameobiasis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diarrhea is not a usual occurrence during teething. If diarrhea persists even after teething, keep the baby well hydrated and make sure to report his condition to a pediatrician.