Typically a baby’s first tooth comes in during the seventh month, although it can arrive as early as three months or as late as fourteen months.
Symptoms can vary just as much as the timing, with some babies experiencing irritability, biting and gnawing, drooling, chin rash, cheek-rubbing or ear-pulling, and general fussiness. Your baby may experience no symptoms or a combination of symptoms.
In the latter case, your doctor can advise on how to make the experience less painful, which may include teething rings, cold food such as chilled yogurt or applesauce, or medication. Finding out what best eases your baby’s symptoms may take some trial and error, but rest assured…this period will be one that you look back at fondly. Like so many of your baby’s developmental milestones, you will find yourself excited about your baby’s new toothy grin while fondly recalling – and missing – his gummy smile.
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