Do All Babies Suffer from Teething Pain?

Teething is one of those topics that often comes up in conversations among new parents. While some babies sail through the teething stage with barely a fuss, others seem to experience lots more discomfort.

In this blog post, we'll explore whether all babies suffer from teething symptoms, share some useful insights, and offer practical tips and solutions to help soothe those tender teething gums.

What is Teething?

Teething is the process where a baby’s first set of teeth, also known as milk teeth or baby teeth, emerge through their teething gums. This usually starts around six months of age, but it can start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The symptoms and severity of teething can really vary from one baby to another.

Common Teething Symptoms

Not all babies show the same signs of teething, but there are a few common ones;

Excessive Dribbling
Chewing on hands/objects
Irritability or fussiness
Swollen or tender teething gums
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
Being aware of the common teething symptoms can help parents know when their little one is teething.

What Causes Teething Pain?

Generally speaking, teething pain is caused by the inflammation and infection of the gums as new teeth come in. Bacteria and food particles can get trapped in the gum tissue, causing your little one to feel discomfort.

Keep your baby's gums clean to try and reduce bacteria and buildup. You could use clean gauze with cooled, boiled water, or baby gum wipes, like our specially formulated DentalWipes, to help keep the area clean.

Another great idea is to give your baby a baby teether with silicone bristles, to help clean both teeth and gums while they chew. Our brush-baby chewable toothbrush baby teether is perfect for this and can be used with a little smidge of baby toothpaste for extra cleaning power!

Do All Babies Experience Teething Pain?

The short answer is no; not all babies experience teething pains in the same way. While some may go through the process with little to no discomfort, others may experience more pain.

The Role of Genetics in Teething

Genetics can influence lots of aspects of a baby's development, including teething. If you or your partner experienced painful teething as infants, there's a high chance your baby might too. Understanding your family's teething history (time to call Grandma!), can give you better insight into what to expect and how to prepare.

How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is not a one-time event but is something that can last many months. Usually, by the time children are three years old, they have a full set of 20 baby teeth. The most intense discomfort that your little one may have usually lessens after the first few teeth break through the gums.

The Best Ways to Soothe Teething Pain

There are several tried-and-true methods for helping with teething pain:

Cold Teether Toys: Chilled teether toys can provide relief to sore teething gums. The cold helps to numb the pain and reduce inflammation.

Gentle Gum Massage: Using a clean finger, some baby gum wipes or a baby brush to gently massage the gums can give your little one instant relief.

Teething Gel: Specially formulated teething gel is designed to soothe teething gums.

When to Speak to a Doctor

If your baby seems to be in severe pain or if you notice strange symptoms like a high fever, rash, or diarrhoea then it’s time to call the doctor. While these teething symptoms can sometimes accompany teething, they can also indicate other underlying issues.

For More Teething Tips & Advice

Teething is a natural part of your baby's development and can be challenging, but there are lots of ways to make it more bearable for both your little one and for you! Not all babies suffer from teething pains in the same way and have faith that in time you will find what works best for your little one.

For more tips and expert advice on baby dental care, feel free to explore our resources at brush-baby. And remember, you're doing an amazing job navigating the beautiful, albeit sometimes bumpy, road of parenthood!