Chewing isn’t just about eating—it’s a vital part of your baby’s oral development. From strengthening jaw muscles to supporting speech and even influencing future tooth alignment, chewing plays a key role in early growth. Whether your baby has teeth or not, introducing the right textures at the right time helps develop essential skills for eating, breathing, and speaking. Learn how to encourage healthy chewing habits and set the foundation for strong oral health!
What is Teething?
Teething is the natural process of a baby’s teeth emerging through the gumline for the first time. While this milestone is exciting, it can also be uncomfortable for babies, making it essential for parents to monitor their child’s teething journey and provide appropriate relief. Healthy baby teeth development lays the foundation for strong, well-aligned adult teeth.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months old, though some may start earlier or later. Every baby develops at their own pace, so a slight variation in timing is completely normal.
Early teething typically isn’t a concern unless it affects feeding. However, if your baby has no teeth by 12 months, it’s a good idea to visit a paediatric dentist for an evaluation. Delayed teething could impact the alignment of permanent teeth and increase the risk of dental cavities or decay later on.
The Order of Baby Teeth Eruption
Here’s a general timeline of when baby teeth typically emerge:
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Bottom incisors (front teeth): 4–7 months
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Top incisors (front teeth): 6–8 months
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Top lateral incisors (beside front teeth): 9–11 months
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Bottom lateral incisors: 10–12 months
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First molars (back teeth): 12–16 months
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Canines (between lateral incisors and first molars): 16–20 months
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Second molars: 20–30 months
Most children will have their full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are 2 to 3 years old.
Common Teething Symptoms
Not all babies experience discomfort when teething, but some may show the following symptoms:
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Sore, red gums where a tooth is emerging
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A mild temperature below 38°C
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Flushed cheek on one side
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A slight facial rash
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Increased drooling
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Chewing or gnawing on objects more frequently
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Rubbing their ears
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Increased fussiness and irritability
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Trouble sleeping
⚠ When to Consult a Doctor
If your baby experiences high fever (above 38°C), bleeding gums, diarrhoea, or unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional to rule out other possible causes.
How to Help a Teething Baby
1. Using Teething Aids
There are several teething aids available to help relieve discomfort:
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Natural teethers – Teething biscuits like hard wheat rusks can help stimulate the gums and encourage chewing. Choose ones with no added sugar or salt to prevent early dental issues. For babies over 6 months, you can also offer raw vegetable sticks, breadsticks, or firm fruits under supervision.
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Plastic or silicone teethers – Cooling a teething ring in the fridge (not freezer) can provide soothing relief.
2. Medication for Teething Relief
If your baby is especially uncomfortable, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to help relieve symptoms in children over 3 months old. Always follow the dosage instructions and consult a GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
By understanding the teething process and having the right remedies on hand, you can help your baby through this milestone with less discomfort and a healthy start to oral development.
