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Teething tips

She's dribbling profusely and she gnaws on everything. Guess what's next – her first tooth.

When does it start?
One baby in 2 000 is born with a tooth and sometimes, more than one. Other babies keep theirs well under the gum until 12-13 months. The age your baby starts teething is predetermined by her genes. A tooth in a newborn baby can be loose because the root is not well formed, and often falls out within weeks. But it can also harden and last until the normal age for primary teeth to begin to fall out, which is 6 to 7 years.

Some babies may begin teething with their central front teeth as early as three months, though 6 to 8 months is average for babies. This is an exciting time for most parents, especially with a first baby. Most children will have the complete set of primary teeth (10 in the upper and lower jaw each) by the time they are 3.

The impact on your baby
Although some babies cut their teeth with no problems, many suffer from pain and discomfort. This will affect three main areas:

Feeding: Your baby may go off her food.
Sleep: Her sleep may be disturbed with night-time wakening and less day time naps.
Mood: She may be restless and niggly.

Soothing tips
You will need lots of patience and extra cuddles to get everyone through this phase. There are also practical remedies:

Lack of appetite – make sure she drinks plenty of liquids

Wakefulness – Try homeopathic soothers such as chamomile or Rescue Remedy (for yourself and your partner too!)

Grumpiness – Babies and toddlers are often miserable when they are about to cut a tooth: imagine yourself with mild toothache, and multiply the sensation. Give her a chilled teething ring or an unsweetened rusk. When not in use, keep teething rings clean and in the fridge (not the freezer). The cold will slightly numb the sore area whereas a frozen ring may hurt.

Rashes – a teething 'rash' on the cheeks and chin is common. Because of the discomfort inside her mouth, your baby may produce an abundance of saliva that irritates her skin. A healing balm containing calendula, chamomile or rooibos can be a great help.

Acidic stools – It has been suggested that the extra saliva a baby swallows during teething can change the composition of the urine or faeces leading to nappy rash. Try soothing baths (add lavender or tea tree oil) and cutting out acidic foods such as citrus. Other helpful remedies to avoid nappy rash include zinc barrier cream, maizena used as a baby powder, and fresh air and sunshine on the bottom.

Raised temperature – A slight rise in the normal body temperature of 36°C or 37°C to about 38°C accompanies teething quite frequently. A higher temperature should be watched carefully or taken to the doctor.

More teething tips
Salt of the earth – Give her a salty stick of biltong. The salt seems to act as a local disinfectant and the texture is exactly the correct balance between firm and pliable. Watch your chewing baby carefully and cut off pieces as they become soggy, to prevent choking.

Iced comfort – Iced lollies will provide relief for swollen gums, while ensuring nourishing liquid intake.

Homeopathic help – Chamomilla 30x is the most effective homeopathic teething remedy, and Belladonna is helpful if your baby is feverish.

Essentially handy – Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, lavender and chamomile may reduce fever. Add one drop of chamomile to 10ml of base oil (sweet almond is good) and massage gently into baby's cheeks, avoiding the mouth and eye area.

Potions and powders – Teething powders and gel helps, but should be used with caution. Even British doctor Miriam Stoppard says indiscriminate use of these paracetamol can expose your baby to too much medicine. She advises simply rubbing your baby's gums.

Caring for new teeth

Baby teeth are as prone to decay as adult teeth, and adult teeth can be badly affected if the primary teeth and gums have been neglected.

Perhaps the most important rule is to encourage good eating habits, and start cleaning as soon as teeth appear.

Avoid sweetened drinks, foods and dummies as soothers, Sweetened teats and bottles containing sugary drinks are the most common cause of tooth decay in children under 6. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, the sticky substance found in everyone's mouth. When it comes into contact with sugar, the bacteria it contains produce an acid which attack the teeth.

Try a special soft baby brush with plain water. Babies cannot rinse their mouths so avoid toothpaste until she is a toddler and can spit out excess toothpaste and fluoride. Brush morning and evening, and after she has eaten something sweet. You may also wish to wipe her teeth with the edge of a sort of a face cloth or a commercial tooth wipe instead of brushing.

Always dilute commercial fruit juices (even those that are pure and sugar-free) with water. Fruit acids can be as corrosive as plaque. Never leave your baby to suck on a juice bottle (or a milk bottle) as a comforter, especially at night.

Take her to the dentist twice a year from age two.

Tip: When to worry

Vomiting, diarrhoea and a very high temperature are not usually symptoms of teething and should be checked by your doctor.

Previously published in Your Baby magazine, Subscribe now and save