Snuggling and cuddling with your baby is like unlike anything else. Soothing a crying baby can be challenging, but it's not usually too bad. Caring for a teething baby, on the other hand, can really test a mom's nerves. Here you will find tips on how to detect the signs of teething, the best remedies ... and how to get through it. It may comfort you to know that, for some babies, cutting teeth occurs quickly with relatively little pain. I share this because this could be true of your baby! Either way, stay calm during this difficult time, since your baby will be counting on you to carry him or her through this uncomfortable period.

Signs of a Teething Baby:

• Most babies begin cutting teeth between 6 or 7 months of age. However, some babies start as early as 3 months, or as late as 11 or 12 months. Most babies complete their teething by the time they are 3 or 4 years old. No two babies are alike, so don't worry if your baby has not yet begun to cut teeth while other infants the same age have.
• If you see that your baby is not sleeping well, is irritable, drooling, crying, biting, chewing ... you just may have a teething baby on your hands.
• Check for a rise or bump in your baby's gums; this is the quickest way to detect when a baby is cutting teeth.
  

Tips to Soothe a Teething Baby:

• You may have heard this tip from your mother or grandmother: Anything COLD is a big help for your teething baby. Think of items such as a chilled washcloth, chilled teething rings and chilled teething toys (preferably firm rubber ones, since they tend to break less often).
• While teething, your baby's gums will be very sensitive. This will make your baby uncomfortable and irritable, and (you can guess the rest) he/she will cry for help and comforting over the pain. So numb your baby's gums. There are many over-the-counter gels and all-natural teething supplements; consult your physician for specific recommendations. Be careful with prolonged use, so as to avoid suppressing your baby's gag reflex.
• While it is not common, some babies might experience a fever while they are teething. Contact your physician immediately before giving your baby any medicines to soothe both gum pain and the fever.

Caring for Baby's Teeth:

• Once the teeth arrive, you must take care of them. Oral health is important.
• Clean your baby's teeth with a soft cloth, gauze pad or baby toothbrush. Clean his/her teeth at least once a day with water, and always clean them before your baby goes to bed. Check with your dentist as to what age she recommends that you begin to use toothpaste.
• Do not let your baby sleep with a bottle of milk or juice in his/her mouth overnight, as it can rot the teeth and lead to tooth decay. Do not leave a bottle in the crib.
• By the time your baby reaches his/her milestone first birthday, it's time to call the dentist for a first appointment.

Teething is a milestone for your baby. While you may not enjoy the process as you're both going through it, celebrate this achievement and rejoice in your baby's newfound smile -- with its beautiful and healthy teeth!