Understanding 7-Month-Old Teething: A Milestone in Seven-Month-Old Infants

Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development and can be a time of discomfort and anxiety for both the child and the parents. Around the age of 7 months, many babies start to experience the emergence of their first teeth. This process can bring a host of symptoms and behaviors that signal the arrival of those tiny pearly whites.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 7-month-old teething, covering the signs, symptoms, and ways to alleviate teething pain. We’ll also touch on the common concern of teething fever and equip you with the knowledge to navigate this developmental phase with confidence.

What is Teething?

Teething is the process by which an infant’s teeth sequentially appear by emerging through the gums. It typically begins around the age of 6 to 9 months, but it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors (the bottom front teeth), followed by the upper central incisors (the top front teeth).

7-Month-Old Teething Signs and Symptoms

As a parent, recognizing the signs and symptoms of teething can help you provide the necessary comfort and care your baby needs. Here’s what to look out for:

• Gum Rubbing and Biting: Your 7-month-old may start to chew on just about anything they can get their hands on, including their fingers, toys, or even the crib railing. This is because the pressure from biting can counteract the pressure from the emerging teeth and provide relief.
• Drooling: You might notice an increase in saliva production, which can lead to a lot of drooling. This can cause a rash around their mouth, chin, and neck if the skin remains wet for extended periods.
• Fussiness and Irritability: Discomfort from teething can make your baby more irritable or fussy than usual. They might have trouble sleeping or be reluctant to feed.
• Swollen, Tender Gums: The area where a tooth is coming in may look red and swollen. Sometimes, you can even see or feel the outline of the teeth below the surface of the gums.
• Ear Rubbing: Babies sometimes rub their ears when they are teething. This is because the pain from the jaw gets transferred to the ear canal.
• Decreased Appetite: Because their mouth hurts, a teething baby may eat less than usual or be picky with food.

Managing 7-Month-Old Teething Pain

Teething pain can be distressing for your baby, but there are several ways to help soothe their discomfort:

• Teething Rings: Offering a teething ring made of firm rubber can provide pressure that relieves pain. Avoid ones filled with liquid which may break, and always supervise your baby while they use a teething ring.
• Cold Items: Chilled (not frozen) teething toys or a cold, wet washcloth can be soothing on a baby’s gums. Frozen items can be too harsh on an infant’s sensitive gums.
• Gentle Pressure: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a soft, moistened gauze pad can provide relief.
• Safe Medications: If your baby is especially cranky, talk to your pediatrician about using children’s pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over six months). Always follow the doctor’s advice on dosages.
• Comfort and Cuddles: Sometimes, a little extra comfort and cuddle time can help distract your baby from the discomfort of teething.

It’s essential to avoid remedies that could harm your baby, such as teething tablets, amber necklaces, or numbing gels that contain benzocaine or lidocaine.

Does Teething Cause Fever?

A common concern among parents is whether teething causes fever. While some babies might have a slightly elevated temperature during teething, a true fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F or 38°C) is not typical and is usually a sign of illness or infection. If your baby has a high fever or other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash, it’s crucial to contact your pediatrician as these are not normal signs of teething and may indicate a more serious condition.

Teething Timeline and Order of Appearance

The order in which teeth appear can vary from child to child, but they typically emerge in the following sequence:

• Lower central incisors: 6-10 months
• Upper central incisors: 8-12 months
• Upper lateral incisors: 9-13 months
• Lower lateral incisors: 10-16 months
• Upper first molars: 13-19 months
• Lower first molars: 14-18 months
• Upper canines (cuspids): 16-22 months
• Lower canines (cuspids): 17-23 months
• Lower second molars: 23-31 months
• Upper second molars: 25-33 months

By the age of 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth

Once your baby’s teeth start to appear, it’s important to begin caring for them right away:

• Brushing: Use a baby toothbrush with a small, soft head. Initially, you can just use water, but as more teeth come in, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste can be used.
• Regular Dental Visits: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth emerges.
• Healthy Eating Habits: Minimize your baby’s intake of sugary snacks and drinks to prevent tooth decay.

When to See a Doctor

While teething is a natural process, it’s important to be aware of symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor:

• High fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash
• Signs of dehydration (such as a dry mouth or fewer wet diapers)
• Teething symptoms that seem excessively severe
• Any other symptoms that concern you or are out of the ordinary for your child

Conclusion: Navigating the Teething Journey

In conclusion, while teething is an unavoidable part of a baby’s growth, understanding the signs, symptoms, and ways to alleviate discomfort can make the process more bearable for your 7-month-old. Remember, every baby is different, and they may experience teething differently. Keep an eye out for 7-month-old teething signs such as gum rubbing, drooling, and fussiness. Be ready to soothe your little one’s 7-month-old teething pain with safe and effective remedies, and consult your pediatrician if you’re ever unsure about symptoms or when to use medication.

Teething doesn’t typically cause a fever, so if your baby has a high temperature, it’s best to seek medical advice. With a little patience and a lot of love, you and your baby will get through this milestone together.

Originally posted 2023-09-23 10:03:33.