When do babies start teething? The beginning of teething

Most babies start teething at around six months of age, but this can vary greatly. Some babies can show the first signs as early as three months, while others only start after their first birthday. Teething is a process that is usually completed by the age of three, when the child has all 20 milk teeth.

Early signs of teething

There are some typical signs that may indicate that your baby will soon be teething. These include:

  • Increased drooling
  • Reddened gums
  • Your baby bites toys or their own fingers more often
  • Restlessness and irritability, especially at night
  • Slightly increased temperature

It is important to realise that these signs are not the same for every baby. While some babies suffer greatly from teething, others have hardly any discomfort.

The order: Which teeth come when?

The order in which your baby's teeth erupt is usually quite predictable. It usually begins with the lower incisors (central incisors). Here is a rough timetable:

1. 6-10 months: Lower central incisors

2. 8-12 months: Upper central incisors

3. 9-13 months: Upper lateral incisors

4. 10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors

5. 13-19 months: First upper molars

6. 14-18 months: First lower molars

7. 16-22 months: Upper canines

8. 17-23 months: Lower canines

9. 23-31 months: Second lower molars

10. 25-33 months: Second upper molars

This schedule may vary from child to child, but it provides good orientation.

Phases of teething and the process of teeth coming through

Teething takes place in several phases, which are typically associated with different symptoms and developments. At the beginning of the process, from around the sixth month of life, the first symptoms appear when the teeth accumulate in the jaw and the gums swell. Tooth eruption takes an average of 8 days.*

In the first phase, known as "preparation", the teeth form in the jawbones and exert pressure on the gums, which can lead to irritation and increased salivation.

In the second phase, the "eruption", the gums become thinner and begin to stretch until the teeth finally break through. This is often the most painful phase, which can be accompanied by discomfort such as redness, swelling and occasional fever. 

The third phase comprises the "subsequent stage", in which the teeth have fully come through the gums and are gradually settling into the correct position. At this stage, babies may continue to be slightly irritated, but symptoms will begin to subside as the gums heal and adjust. Teething is a natural and often challenging process, but it usually becomes easier over time once the first teeth are complete.

*Source: Macknin M.L. & Al. Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2000 ; 105: 747–752.  

Ablauf Zahndurchbruch Grafik

Teething and diarrhoea: Is there a connection?

Many parents report that their babies have diarrhoea during teething. But is there really a connection between teething and diarrhoea? In fact, there is no scientific evidence that teething directly causes diarrhoea. Rather, the increased drooling and biting on objects could lead to bacteria entering the stomach, which in turn can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

How can you help your baby with teething?

Teething can be an uncomfortable time for your baby, but there are a few ways you can help them get through this phase better:

Use Dentinox Gel N teething aid in the acute phase

You can use Dentinox Gel N teething aid to alleviate your baby's discomfort when teething. It soothes irritated gums and slightly anaesthetises. Cooled teething rings can also help to alleviate the pain.

Care for the gums with Dentinox Gel care dental care

The Dentinox Gel care teething care offers comprehensive support during teething. It soothes the gums, strengthens the oral flora and promotes healing after teething. Regular use supports the regeneration and care of sensitive gums.

Massage the gums

A gentle massage of the gums with a clean finger can be very beneficial. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.

Offer cool food

Cool foods such as yoghurt or cucumber slices can also help to soothe the gums. Make sure that the food is age-appropriate.

Avoid sugar

Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided as they can increase the risk of tooth decay. Instead, you can fall back on tooth-friendly alternatives.

Dentinox ratgeber schlaf

Häufige Fragen rund um das Zahnen

Was tun bei starkem Zahnungsschmerz?
Wenn dein Baby unter starken Schmerzen leidet, kannst du nach Rücksprache mit dem Kinderarzt auch Schmerzmittel wie Paracetamol oder Ibuprofen in der altersgerechten Dosierung verabreichen. Diese sollten jedoch nur bei Bedarf und nicht dauerhaft eingesetzt werden.

Ist es normal, dass das Zahnen den Schlaf stört?
Ja, viele Babys haben während des Zahnens Schlafprobleme. Der Schmerz und das Unbehagen können es schwierig machen, ruhig zu schlafen. Es gibt mehrere Gründe, warum das Zahnen den Schlaf deines Babys beeinträchtigen kann:

Warum Zahnen Babys nachts am schlimmsten?  
Das Zahnen kann nachts besonders störend sein, da Babys oft in den ruhigeren und tieferen Phasen des Schlafs mehr aufwachen. Das Zahnfleisch ist empfindlicher, und die Schmerzen können sich in der Nacht intensiver anfühlen, da die Babys weniger abgelenkt sind als tagsüber. Die Wahrnehmung von Schmerzen werden in der Nacht als besonders quälend erscheinen empfunden.

Zahnen, was hilft nachts?  
Um deinem Baby nachts Erleichterung zu verschaffen, kannst du einige Maßnahmen ergreifen. Eine bewährte Methode ist die Verwendung von Zahnungshilfen wie gekühlten Beißringen. Auch eine sanfte Massage des Zahnfleischs vor dem Schlafengehen kann helfen. Zudem kann die Anwendung von speziellen Zahnungsgelen, wie der Dentinox Gel N Zahnungshilfe, das schmerzhafte Zahnfleisch beruhigen. Achte darauf, dass das Baby vor dem Schlafengehen eine entspannende Routine hat, um den Übergang zur Nachtruhe zu erleichtern.

Durch diese Maßnahmen kannst du dazu beitragen, dass dein Baby besser schläft, trotz der Beschwerden, die mit dem Zahnen verbunden sind. Wenn die Schlafprobleme jedoch andauern oder sich verschlimmern, könnte es sinnvoll sein, einen Kinderarzt zu konsultieren, um sicherzustellen, dass keine anderen gesundheitlichen Probleme vorliegen.

Wann sollte mein Baby zum ersten Mal zum Zahnarzt?
Es wird empfohlen, das erste Zahnarztbesuch mit dem ersten Geburtstag deines Babys zu planen oder sobald der erste Zahn durchgebrochen ist. Frühzeitige Zahnarztbesuche können dazu beitragen, Zahnprobleme frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu verhindern.

Soll ich meinem Baby Fluorid geben?
Fluorid ist wichtig für die Zahngesundheit, da es hilft, den Zahnschmelz zu stärken und Karies vorzubeugen. Viele Experten empfehlen die Verwendung einer kleinen Menge fluoridhaltiger Zahnpasta ab dem ersten Zahn. Sprich mit deinem Kinderarzt oder Zahnarzt, um die richtige Menge für dein Baby zu bestimmen.

Teething myths

There are many persistent myths about teething. Here are some of the most common ones:

Myth 1: Teething causes high fever
It is possible that teething may cause a slightly elevated temperature, but a high temperature is not a typical symptom. If your baby has a high temperature, this should always be checked by a doctor.

Myth 2: All babies have pain when teething
Not every baby suffers from pain when teething. Whilst some babies clearly show discomfort, for others it seems to be barely noticeable. Every child is different.

Myth 3: Early adopters are faster in development
The age at which babies get their first teeth says nothing about their general development. Whether the first teeth erupt earlier or later is purely individual.

Myth 4: Teething always leads to diarrhoea and colds
Although it seems that teething is often associated with diarrhoea or colds, there is no scientifically proven link. However, teething may slightly weaken your baby's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.

Dental care for babies: An early start is important

As soon as the first tooth appears, dental care should also begin. Here are some tips for dental care for babies:

Gentle tooth brushing
Use a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush your baby's teeth twice a day. Get your baby used to it early so that brushing their teeth becomes a routine.

Tooth-friendly diet
A healthy diet plays an important role in dental health. Avoid sugary drinks and foods and offer your baby water and fresh fruit instead.

Regular visits to the dentist
Early visits to the dentist help to prevent dental problems and ensure a healthy dental future for your baby. The dentist can also give you valuable tips on dental care.

Conclusion: Relaxed through the teething period

Teething is a challenge, but also a natural part of your baby's development. With the right measures, you can make this time more pleasant for you and your baby. Remember that every child is different and the timing of teething can vary. With patience and a little preparation, you and your baby will get through this phase with ease.

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