As parents we’ve all been there. Your baby has been sleeping well and then…bam they start waking up again! Are they teething ? Are they growing? Why can’t this littler person just tell me what’s wrong?!
Teething is a common disruption when it comes to sleep training your baby, but that doesn’t mean every time a new tooth pops that you’ll be reaching for your 4th cup of coffee!
I recently interviewed a local dentist, Dr. Daniel Dupuis, to get the scoop on all things teething. Check out my interview below to see when to expect teething to start, how long it occurs, and how to we can help comfort these sweet babes during the process!
Interview with dentist, Dr. Daniel Dupuis of Seattle Pediatric Dentists
1. When do baby’s teeth typically start erupting?
Answer: Typically, baby teeth begin erupting around 6 months of age and the first 2 teeth to erupt are the 2 lower front incisors. By 12 months of age most babies will have their 4 upper incisors and their 4 lower incisors partially or fully in. After the 8 front teeth have erupted most babies will skip the eruption of the canines and they will begin getting their first primary molar. This is when I see most teething issues begin. The back two baby molars are large teeth and if you palpate the back gums with your finger on a 12-15-month-old you will feel large mounds where the teeth are working their way in.
By 24 months old most babies will have all 20 teeth or nearly all 20 teeth erupted, and no new teeth will emerge until the 6-year permanent molars arrive. When the teething process begins again.
2. What are signs parents can look for regarding teething?
Answer: The first signs of teething are usually felt by mom during breast feeding. The lower incisors are sharp when they come in and can cause some discomfort to nursing moms. You will also notice increase saliva production and drooling. The front incisors usually come in with little to no discomfort to your baby but you may notice a little white edge emerge then disappear then come back again as it is working its way through the gums.
If your baby is 6 to 20 months old and irritable during nap times or waking up more frequently then normal, this could be a sign that they are feeling discomfort from an emerging tooth.
3. How long does teething last?
Answer: Teething will generally last intermittently from the time the front incisors emerge (6 months of age) until all 20 teeth have erupted (24 months of age). For some babies, the teething process can stretch closer to 36 months of age depending on if mom or dad were also late in getting their baby teeth.
4. What are the best ways to soothe when baby appears to be teething?
Answer: By far the best soothing method for teething while teeth are working their way in is a nice cold washcloth or cold chewy for your baby gnaw on. The cold will lower the discomfort level and the act of chewing will help the tooth emerge through the gum tissue more rapidly. While your baby is chewing you will notice that they will be happier and less likely to feel pain.
Typically, babies experience teething pain when going to sleep for naps or at night when they are unable to chew on something soothing. If you feel like your baby is unable to sleep and you have taken care of all their other basic needs this could be a teething issue and a good time to offer Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
5. When should baby/toddler have their first dentist appointment and what does that appointment look like?
Answer: The best time to bring your baby in for their first dental visit is age 1 or when their first tooth erupts. The first visit to the dentist is important because it starts the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. At the first visit your dentist will make sure to address any concerns or questions you may have. They will then complete a cavity risk assessment for your baby to see if they will be more or less likely to develop cavities on their baby teeth and later emerging adult teeth. They will also spend some time talking about diet, brushing techniques and review emergency protocols if your baby is to have trauma to any of their new teeth.
Many babies are able do their first visit while sitting in their mom or dad’s lap in the dental chair. If your baby is a bit shy or does not like to have their teeth brushed the dentist may have you position your baby for a knee-to-knee exam. This is when you sit with your child straddling you and you place your knees touching the dentist’s knees. This then provides support for your baby when you lay them back for a quick brushing, exam, and possible placement of fluoride. At the end of the visit, you should have a good plan in place for taking care of your babies teeth, have all your questions answered and your baby may even be given a fun toy to take home to emphasize that coming to the dentist is fun and exciting.
6. What are the benefits of a pediatric dentist compared to a family practice dentist? (being a pediatric nurse practitioner I know I value pediatric care)
Answer: The main benefit of seeing a pediatric dentist over a general dentist for the care of your baby’s teeth is that pediatric dentists complete an additional residency program to learn to care for newborn babies till they grow up and head off to college. The extra residency focuses a lot on behavioral guidance and on the proper way to introduce children to the dental environment, so they do not develop dental fear or anxiety. They are also trained specifically in growth and development to make sure that they catch any dental anomalies or growth issues before they become a larger problem.
Pediatric dentists are focused on seeing only children and are well versed at caring for typically developing children and those with special needs or even oral sensory issues.
Final takeaways
- Teething typically occurs between 6 months and 24 months intermittently as all 20 teeth begin to erupt
- Soothing a baby should start with a cold washcloth or something cool to gnaw on and then if you feel like your baby is unable to sleep (and otherwise can typically sleep well) and you have taken care of all their other basic needs this could be a teething issue and a good time to offer Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
- Obtaining pediatric care can provide comfort, understanding, and knowledge to your family during these key developmental moments.
Dr. Dupuis is the primary dentist at Seattle Pediatric Dentists in Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Laurelhurst in Seattle, WA.
Dr. Dupuis completed his pediatric dental residency at the University of Washington where he also obtained a Master’s of Science in Dentistry. His master’s thesis focused on determining the prevalence of feeding disorders in children.
In his spare time, Dr. Dupuis enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children exploring the PNW, working on houses, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
Find out more at https://www.seattlepediatricdentists.com
