Teething MADE EASIER

Know what to do when those pearly whites start making an appearance.

- LISA DEWBERRY

Swollen gums, drooling, restlessness and chewing fingers or toys are all signs that indicate your baby may be teething. While some parents sail through the teething process with their babies, others experience frustration. There is no telling how long or uncomfortable the process will be for each baby, but the advice of trusted dentists and other parents will help ease you through this period as your baby’s pearly whites appear.

THE BASICS OF TEETHING

Dentist Marike de Beer says that the first tooth usually appears at around six months old. In some babies, this may occur sooner and even later in others.

“The lower incisors are first to erupt, followed by the 10 upper and 10 lower teeth until about the age of two. In rare cases, a baby might be born with a tooth already in the mouth, which is called a neonatal tooth. This can be removed if it causes irritation for a breastfeeding mother,” Dr de Beer says.