Coping with teething

What are the signs?

Most babies cut their first teeth at around six months; others may be a year old before a tiny tooth starts breaking through the gum. When it happens you may notice a speck of white, feel a sharp edge when you run your finger over her jaw or even get a nip when you're breastfeeding.

Grizzling and dribbling are classic signs of teething. Others include a rash, rosy cheeks, gnawing on toys and fingers, red gums, irritability and a raised temperature. Anything up to 38°C (100°F) is not unusual.

If she's inconsolable, has a prolonged raised temperature and/or diarrhoea, see your GP to rule out other illnesses, as these symptoms are not teething-related.

How can I ease the pain?

Rub your baby's gum with a clean finger or a little sugar-free teething gel, and give her a teething biscuit or a chilled teething ring to chew on. Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain. Use a dose appropriate for her age.

Smooth a light barrier cream around your baby's chin and neck to prevent dribbled saliva making skin sore.

Do I need to do anything else?

Yes, brush them. As soon as your baby's milk teeth start coming through, get into the routine of brushing twice a day until she's old enough to do it properly herself; when she's about seven.

To start with, you may find it easier to rub her teeth with a clean finger, or a finger wrapped in a piece of fine cloth, such as muslin.

But as more teeth appear, switch to a baby toothbrush. Squeeze a minute amount of toothpaste (one that's specially formulated for babies and young children) onto it and gently massage it over your baby's teeth and gums. The idea is to get her used to the sensation.