There is no set age for the onset of teething. Indeed, some babies can be born with a tooth already through while others might not cut their first tooth until they are twelve months. Screaming, crying and excessive saliva are all tell tale signs that teething has started. As there is no determined schedule for a baby to begin cutting teeth, it is therefore sometimes hard to be sure of the exact nature of the infant's discomfort, but there are various signals that can let us know whether or not teething is the cause of irritability.

Teeth Usually Arrive In Pairs

Most babies start showing signs of teething between the ages of six and nine months, It can take several months for all 20 of the insidious teeth to appear, and the order in which they appear is rarely different from child to child. First come the lower front teeth followed by the upper front teeth. Then come the upper side teeth followed by the lower side teeth. Next are the first molars - upper then lower. The upper eye teeth are next. These are followed by the lower eye teeth. The second molars then emerge in the lower jaw and finally in the upper jaw.

Typical signs of teething include fretfulness and excessive dribbling. You will probably notice the first tooth coming through as it forms a pale bump as it starts to push through the gum. Offer your baby something firm to bite on like a raw carrot or rusk. By allowing the child to chew on items specifically designed for teething infants, some of the gum pain can be reduced and can help the teeth work their way up. Sucking can sometimes cause a problem so it may help to offer your baby a drink from a cup at this time.

Remember, that a baby's immune system is not as mature as an adult's so when giving the child something on which to chew it must be clean to prevent diseases. While the child may want to chew on certain objects, such as car keys, they harbor a host of bacteria that can cause numerous infections in the baby's mouth.

If you go out in the winter try and cover most of the baby's face and head as the cold wind can make the pain worse. Try and avoid medication such as gels and powders where possible, and if using water-filled teething rings chill them in the refrigerator
rather than the freezer.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - The Natural Process of Teething

About the Author

Lisa Davies is a freelance writer. For more information about babies and teething visit our site Baby Development Stages at http://www.babies2toddlers.com