How Long Will Your Toddler’s Teething Pain Last?

November 18, 2019

Teething can be a trying time for both toddlers and parents. Babies begin to get their first tooth anywhere from four to seven months old, but teeth could begin to appear anywhere from two months to one year of age.

In addition to having a fussy baby during the teething process, it can be difficult to see your child experiencing discomfort. How long can you expect your toddler’s teething pain to last, and what can you do about it in the meantime?

Teeth Erupt Over a Period of Three Years

Your baby’s gums will likely feel sensitive before their first tooth erupts, and the process could take a few days. Once the tooth appears through the gumline, you can expect them to start feeling better.

A total of about 20 primary teeth will eventually appear throughout a period of roughly three years [1]. By the age of three, most children have all their baby teeth in. So while you can expect the process to last a few days or so for each tooth, you can expect teeth to appear here and there until your child reaches their third birthday.

Symptoms Your Toddler May Be Teething

How can you know if your baby’s first teeth are about to appear? Common symptoms for children about to get their primary teeth include [2]:

 Sensitive or sore gums
 Frequent or excessive drooling
 Being picky about eating
 Trouble sleeping
 General irritability

While these symptoms are considered normal and will subside once your toddler’s teeth are in, you should be on the lookout for uncommon symptoms of teething, including a fever, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Don’t hesitate to contact your child-friendly dentist or pediatrician with questions!

How Can You Help?

While your baby’s teething discomfort won’t last for long, it helps to know a few ways you can help your child feel better during this time. Consider firm teething toys, such as wood or rubber, but avoid liquid-filled teething objects, as your baby can potentially puncture them and ingest the liquid [3].

Try gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger. The pressure can help alleviate discomfort for some children! You can also try chilled items such as fruit or a wet washcloth, but always give to your child under supervision, and never give completely frozen items, as they can be too harsh for your baby’s mouth.

Don’t Forget Your Baby’s Dental Checkup!

It’s a good idea to schedule a checkup for your baby around the time that he or she gets their first tooth in. Your child-friendly dentist can ensure that your baby’s teeth are on track and that they are healthy and free of decay. Your dentist can also provide you with more tips on dealing with your child’s teething pain to help you both get through this trying time!