Professional Teething Guidance in Arrowood, NC
- Most major insurance accepted
- NC Medicaid provider
- In-house dental savings plan
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Every parent knows the signs well: the drooling, the fussiness, the tiny hands constantly shoved into a wide-open mouth. Teething is one of the earliest milestones in a child’s oral development, and while it is completely natural, it can leave parents with a lot of questions about what is normal, what is not, and how to make their little one more comfortable. Understanding what to expect during teething and knowing how to respond can make the process much smoother for the whole family.
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists have been supporting families throughout Charlotte, Arrowood, and Southwest Charlotte since 2014 with warm, knowledgeable guidance at every stage of their child’s oral development. We love being a trusted resource for parents navigating these early milestones, and we are always happy to answer questions at any visit. All Kids. All Smiles.
When Do Baby Teeth Start Coming In?
Most babies begin teething around six months of age, though it is completely normal for the first tooth to arrive as early as four months or as late as twelve. The lower front teeth typically appear first, followed by the upper front teeth, and the process continues until your child has a full set of 20 primary teeth, usually by around age three. Every child follows their own timeline, and variations are very common.
HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, notes that babies are actually born with all 20 primary teeth already present in their jaws, waiting beneath the gums to emerge. Keeping track of which teeth have come in helps us monitor your child’s development during dental exams and cleanings and catch anything worth watching early on.
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What Are Normal Teething Symptoms?
Teething affects children differently, and some babies sail through it while others are noticeably uncomfortable for a few days at a time. Knowing which symptoms are expected helps parents feel more confident and prepared.
Common signs of teething include the following:
- Increased drooling: One of the earliest and most consistent signs. Drool can also cause mild redness or a rash around the mouth and chin.
- Swollen or tender gums: The gum tissue around an emerging tooth may look puffy or feel sore to the touch.
- Chewing and gnawing: Babies often bite down on fingers, toys, or other objects to relieve the pressure building under the gums.
- Irritability: Some fussiness around the time a tooth is pushing through is normal and usually passes within a few days.
- Disrupted sleep: Teething discomfort can occasionally make it harder for a baby to settle at night.
It is important to note that teething does not cause true fever, diarrhea, or significant illness. If your child develops these symptoms, something else may be going on, and a call to your pediatrician is a good idea.
How Can Parents Help a Teething Baby?
There are several safe, effective ways to soothe a teething baby at home. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger can provide noticeable relief by applying light pressure directly to the sore area. A chilled, not frozen, teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth kept in the refrigerator is another option that many babies respond well to.
It is worth knowing that teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants and young children, as they carry potential safety risks and tend to wash away quickly with saliva anyway. Amber teething necklaces are also strongly discouraged, as they pose a choking and strangulation hazard without offering any proven benefit. If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, speak with your pediatrician about whether an age-appropriate pain reliever is appropriate.
When Should You Start Oral Hygiene During Teething?
The arrival of your baby’s first tooth is the right time to begin a simple oral hygiene routine. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, to gently clean the new tooth twice a day. Establishing this habit early helps your child get comfortable with brushing and sets a strong foundation for lifelong preventive care.
We also recommend that children be seen by a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. That first visit gives our team a chance to assess how the eruption is progressing, answer any questions you have about teething and oral hygiene, and help your child build a positive relationship with the dental office from the very beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teething
Parents come to us with a lot of teething questions, and we welcome every single one of them.
Is It Normal for Teething to Cause a Fever?
No. Research consistently shows that teething does not cause a true fever. A slight, temporary rise in body temperature may occur as a tooth pushes through, but a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is not related to teething and should be evaluated by your pediatrician.
My Baby Is Almost a Year Old and Still Has No Teeth. Should I Be Concerned?
Not necessarily. Some babies teethe later than others, and it is not uncommon for a first tooth to appear closer to twelve months. If no teeth have appeared by fifteen months, we recommend scheduling a visit so our team can take a look.
How Do I Know If a Teething Symptom Needs Dental Attention?
If your child has a tooth that appears discolored, seems to be erupting in an unusual position, or if you notice any growths or unusual changes in the gums, give us a call. Our team is happy to take a look and provide reassurance or guidance as needed.
What If My Child Refuses to Let Me Brush Their New Teeth?
This is very common, and persistence pays off. Try making brushing a fun, consistent part of the routine. Our team can offer hands-on tips during your child’s visit to help make brushing easier for both of you.
Get Teething Guidance From All Kids Pediatric Dentistry
From the first tooth to the last baby tooth, All Kids Pediatric Dentistry is here to support your family at every stage. Our pediatric dentists serve families throughout Charlotte, Arrowood, Plaza Midwood, Southwest Charlotte, and the surrounding communities, and we offer care in Spanish, Russian, and Portuguese so more families can feel at home with us. We accept virtually all insurance plans and offer a dental savings plan for those without coverage. Visit our financial information page to explore your options.
To book an appointment, call our Arrowood office at (980) 263-2330, our Plaza location at (980) 425-3100, or our Indian Trail office at (704) 684-4451. You can also book online at any time. We look forward to meeting your family.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!
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Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
