How Long Do Teething Symptoms Last for Kids? – A General Timeline

It feels like it has been years since your baby has been teething, even though it has only been a few days. You are miserable, and your baby is miserable. And you sit there in your misery and wonder:

“Can someone please tell me how long do teething symptoms last for kids?” 

Teething can be painful for babies as well as parents. Knowing how long teething symptoms last for kids can help you be better equipped to handle this stage and mentally prepare for the time you will need to invest in your child’s teething. 

What Symptoms to Expect During Teething 

Some common teething symptoms that your baby will exhibit during the process include:

• Gnawing or Chewing on Objects: You might observe your baby grabbing onto anything within reach and gnawing on it, such as toys, fingers, or even crib rails.
• Increased Drooling: You may notice your baby drooling more than usual, which can sometimes cause skin irritation around the mouth and chin.
• Irritability & Fussiness: Your baby may seem crankier than usual, have trouble sleeping, or be harder to soothe. 
• Swollen or Tender Gums: You may notice your baby’s gums are red or swollen where the teeth are erupting. Your baby might be more sensitive to touch or pressure in those areas. 
• Changes in Eating & Sleeping Patterns: Your baby might eat less due to sore gums or have difficulty nursing or sucking on a bottle. Teething can also disrupt sleep, causing more frequent night waking or shorter naps.
• Ear Pulling or Cheek Rubbing: Babies may tug on their ears or rub their cheeks to relieve the pain radiating from teething.
• Mild Temperature Elevation: Some babies may experience a slight increase in body temperature when they’re teething, typically low-grade and around or less than 100.4°F (38°C). 

How Long do Teething Symptoms Last for Kids?

Knowing how long do teething symptoms last for kids can help you be mentally prepared to deal with the grief that comes with it. 

Below is a general timeline of how long teething symptoms last for kids. 

Birth to 4 Months 

Babies are born with a set of 20 baby teeth beneath the gums. During the first few months of life, there are typically no visible signs of teething, although some babies may experience mild discomfort or increased drooling.

4 to 7 Months 

Teething typically begins when the baby is 4 to 7 months, with the eruption of the lower central incisors, the two front teeth on the bottom jaw. Babies may exhibit signs of teething, such as increased drooling, irritability, and gnawing on objects.

Over the next few months, the two front teeth on the top jaw and the teeth adjacent to them usually follow.

8 to 12 Months 

The first set of molars, located at the back of the mouth, begin to emerge when the baby is around 8 to 12 months old. These large, flat teeth can cause more discomfort than the incisors due to their size and location. 

During this time, you may find your baby experiencing heightened symptoms of teething, including irritability, swollen gums, and disrupted sleep patterns.

12 to 18 Months 

The canine teeth start to emerge when the baby is around 12 to 18 months old, typically appearing on either side of the upper and lower incisors. Teething symptoms may continue as these pointed teeth push through the gums, leading to further discomfort and irritability.

18 to 24 Months 

The second set of molars, positioned behind the first molars, begins to erupt at the age of 18 to 24 months. These molars are larger than the first molars and could cause considerable discomfort during teething. By the age of 2, most children have a full set of primary teeth. The timing and experience may vary between babies.

2 to 3 Years 

Teething typically subsides by the age of 2 to 3 years, as all 20 primary teeth have usually erupted by this time. Once the teething process is complete, you can take a sigh of relief (only for a bit), and your children can enjoy a period of relative relief from teething discomfort.

When Can You Expect Relief From Teething Symptoms? 

Most children experience relief from teething symptoms every time a tooth erupts through the gum tissue. This relief may come relatively quickly for some children within a few days of the tooth breaking through the gum.

For others, especially those with more severe symptoms or multiple teeth erupting simultaneously, the discomfort may take longer to subside. Once the tooth has fully emerged, the surrounding gum tissue may heal, and the symptoms can gradually diminish.

Tips to Manage Teething Symptoms 

Managing teething symptoms can help alleviate discomfort and soothe your baby during this challenging time. 

Here are some useful tips to manage teething symptoms in your baby. 

• Provide Teething Toys: Silicone or rubber teething rings, chilled teething toys, or textured teethers can help relieve gum pain and provide sensory stimulation.
• Do Gentle Gum Massage: Use clean fingers to massage your baby’s gums gently. The gentle pressure can help reduce discomfort and provide relief. You can also try using a clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator to give more comfort.
• Cold Foods: Offer cold, soft foods such as refrigerated fruit purees, yogurt, or chilled applesauce. The cool temperature can provide relief while also offering hydration and nutrition.
• Comforting Techniques: Comfort your baby with gentle rocking, cuddling, or babywearing. The soothing rhythm of motion can help calm your baby and relieve teething discomfort.
• Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine: Stick to your baby’s regular sleep routine as much as possible, even if teething disrupts their sleep patterns. Avoid creating new sleep habits that may be difficult to break once teething is over.
• Consult a Pediatric Dentist: If your baby’s teething symptoms are unusual or delayed, or if you have concerns about their health, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatric dentist. They can offer guidance, evaluate your baby’s condition, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Conclusion 

Teething symptoms will be a part of your child’s life for the first two years. Your child’s teething may seem like a never-ending process, but we assure you that it will end, and you will emerge victorious. Time passes quickly, and before you know it, instead of searching for “How long do teething symptoms last?” you will be looking for the answer to what you need to do when your child loses a tooth! 

Remain calm and let the process take its course. Learn the remedies that can provide them with comfort and you with relief. Do not hesitate to consult a pediatric dentist if you feel something is wrong. 

Learn More About Teething Symptoms at Little Diamonds Pediatric Dentistry 

Are you seeking expert guidance on managing your child’s teething symptoms? 

Visit our website or schedule a consultation with Little Diamonds Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about common teething symptoms in kids and how long they last. 

Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier smile for your little one!

FAQs 

What age does teething start and end?

Teething typically begins around 4 to 7 months of age, although some babies may start teething earlier or later. The teething process continues until the kid is around 2 to 3 years old. That is when most children have a full set of primary teeth. The exact timing can vary between babies. 

Are babies in constant pain during teething? 

While the term “erupting teeth” might sound extremely painful, babies are not in constant pain during teething. The symptoms associated with teething come and go. They could also vary in intensity, depending on your child. Knowing how to relieve the symptoms and soothe your baby can help ease any pain the child is in.