Key health professionals for delivering this care:
Midwives
Health visitors
Nursery nurses
Key messages:
The first teeth (baby or milk teeth) to appear are usually the bottom front teeth (incisors) around 5-7 months, followed by the top front teeth. After that come the other incisors, first molars, canines and second molars. They should have 20 baby teeth by the time they are two and a half years old
Baby teeth sometimes come through with no pain or discomfort at all. At other times, you may notice:
your baby's gum is sore and red
one cheek is flushed
they are rubbing their ear
your baby is dribbling more than usual
they are gnawing and chewing on things a lot
they are more fretful than usual
Some people think that teething causes other symptoms, such as diarrhoea and fever, but there's no evidence to support this. Please arrange for your baby to see a doctor if they seem unwell
They may find it a relief to chew on something e.g. a teething ring. Teething gels don’t usually help, but if you decide to try one, make sure it is suitable for a baby and sugar-free. Sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older