Teething

How to treat teething

• Teething rings
• Comforting your baby

What is teething?

Teething happens when your baby’s teeth start pushing through the gums, which can leave the gums sore and painful.¹

Teeth develop when the baby is in the womb and carries on after birth, in fact, some babies are born with their first teeth.^2,3 There are no set rules to this. When it comes to teething, babies experience the process in different ways³ A good way to prepare for this phase in your baby’s growth is to know the signs when you see them.

Some questions to consider helping you understand if your child is teething include:¹

• Does your baby have flushed cheeks?
• Are their gums sore and tender?
• Are they dribbling more than usual?
• Are they chewing whatever they can find?
• Are they crying more than normal?
• Do they have nappy rash?

Always seek medical advice if you are concerned about your baby’s symptoms.

The teething process:

Most children will have all 20 of their primary or “milk” teeth by around 2-and-a-half years.² Every baby is different, but here’s the average age that different baby teeth start to appear:²

• 6.5 months – the bottom front teeth (central incisors)
• 7 months – the top front teeth (central incisors) and the teeth either side of the bottom front teeth (the lateral incisors)
• 8 months – the top lateral incisors at either side of the front teeth
• 12–16 months – the first back teeth (first molars)
• 16–20 months – the canines (these are the longest teeth and are in the corners of the mouth)
• 21–30 months – the very back molars (second molars).

From as early as 5 years of age, your child can start to get their first permanent teeth.² You might not notice though, as the first to appear are molars that sit behind your child’s existing back teeth.²

How to relieve teething discomfort

Different comforts help different babies. Through trial and error you can find what works for your baby. Some things to try include:

Teething rings:

If your baby feels the need to chew something, a teething ring might be a good option. It can ease their discomfort and distract them from any pain.¹ Carefully follow the instructions that come with your teething ring of choice.¹ Use a big teething ring so your baby doesn’t choke and never tie one around their neck.¹ Also, avoid your teething jewellery, such as necklaces or bracelets, as these can cause choking.¹

Teething rashes:

If your baby is dribbling more than usual, be sure to gently wipe away the dribble to help prevent a rash.⁴ Your baby might also get a nappy rash too, in which case, change their nappies often and use a barrier cream to help protect their bottom¹

Comforting your baby:

Extra cuddles, hugs and play help to comfort and distract your baby¹ You can also give cold water to help soothe their gums and healthy snacks to chew, such as apples or breadsticks, provided they are 6 months or older – and stay close by to make sure they don’t choke¹

Why ibuprofen can help

Ibuprofen can be given to young children aged 3 months and older weighing over 5kg to help relieve pain associated with teething¹

Why Nurofen for Children can help your child

Nurofen for Children contains ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory which helps reduce the pain linked to inflammation of the gums during teething in children from 3 month of age. It relieves fever for up to 8 hours and starts to work in 15 minutes.^5,6

It’s also available in either strawberry or orange flavour and is sugar-free (always important for teeth!) and colour-free.

Ask your pharmacist for advice on which Nurofen for Children product is right for your child.

BABIES

Nurofen for Children 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension 100ml/150ml/200ml

• Suitable for children from 3 months and weighing over 5 kg
• Available in strawberry and orange flavours
• 150ml contains a syringe for use in children who won’t or can’t use a spoon, particularly young babies

Nurofen for Children 100mg/5ml 16 x 5ml Sachets

• Suitable for children from 3 months and weighing over 5 kg
• Orange flavour

Nurofen for Children Suppositories 10 x 60mg

• Suitable for children from 3 months and weighing over 6 kg
• Good for children who might be struggling with taking oral formulations because of vomiting, regurgitation or sore throat

TODDLERS

Nurofen for Children 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension 100ml/150ml/200ml

• Suitable for children from 3 months and weighing over 5 kg
• Available in strawberry and orange flavours
• Measuring spoon included in 100ml and 200ml for accurate dosing

This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

References:

1. Health Services Executive. Baby teething and gums. Last reviewed September 2018. Accessed May 2021. https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/child-health/baby-teething-and-gums.html
2. Oral Health in Ireland. A Handbook for Health Professionals. Second edition. 2014. https://www.dentalhealth.ie/assets/files/pdf/ohil_final.pdf
3. NHS. Baby teething symptoms. Last reviewed February 2019. Accessed May 2021. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/
4. NHS. Tips for helping your teething baby. Last reviewed February 2019. Accessed May 2021. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/tips-for-helping-your-teething-baby/
5. Kelley MT, et al. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1992;52:181–189.
6. Pelen F, et al. Ann Pediatr (Paris). 1998;45:719–728.