Teething symptoms and treatment

New teeth usually erupt from about 6 months, but there is often gum discomfort preceding this. Baby’s first teeth can take up to 16 months to emerge. There are 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth.

A full set of primary teeth is usually present by 2 to 3 years of age.

Symptoms of teething include:

• Irritability – usually as teeth are about to emerge
• Drooling – often from 3 to 4 months, well before teeth appear
• Biting and gnawing
• Chin rash from excess saliva
• Ear pulling – gum pain may be transmitted to ear and cheeks, and babies will often fidget more in this area

Helpful treatments for teething discomfort:

• Chilled rubber teething rings
• Cooled foods such as yoghurt, apple sauce, etc.
• Local relief with teething gell
• Paracetamol (5ml per 10kg weight)