Baby Gums Before Teeth Erupt: Signs of an Incoming Tooth

Dentistry on 88 • October 21, 2022

Did you know that some babies are actually born with teeth? While this occurrence is relatively rare - one in every 2000 births - it can happen. For the most part, though, an infant's teeth start to make an appearance around the four-month mark.

During the first year of a baby's life, many will develop at least one tooth. However, it's not uncommon for an infant's teeth to start emerging around their first birthday, or even thereafter. There is no need to panic if your child still has no teeth by 12 months old!

But what do baby gums look like during teething, and what are the tell-tale signs of an emerging tooth? Find out more in this blog.

A Rough Timeline of Teething

There are plenty of variables that affect when, why, and how a child develops their teeth. Each child is unique, which means there's no real way to tell how early on they might develop teeth. As a general rule of thumb, children can develop teeth from four months old, while most tend to develop at least one tooth around six months old. As a first-time parent, it's understandable to expect your child's teeth to erupt around this timeline. But the reality is that often doesn't happen that way.

What's most important to remember is that your child's teeth will grow and emerge, when they're ready. Over two-three years, your child will develop their first set of baby teeth, which includes 20 primary teeth. Most children have a full set of 20 teeth by the age of three years old, but this too can vary.

For the most part, an infant's teeth tend to erupt in pairs, with the bottom-two middle teeth emerging first.

What Do Baby Gums Look Like During Teething?

A teething baby will display several different symptoms. Understandably, it's an uncomfortable process (think about having a toothache or sore gums as an adult!). For each tooth that breaks through the gum, these symptoms can last a good few days.

It's worth mentioning that all children experience teething differently. While some infants display an array of symptoms, others breeze through the process with tender gums. There are no hard and fast ''rules'' when it comes to teething and the exact symptoms, but some of the most common include:

An increase in drool
A heightened interest in sucking and chewing on just about everything to soothe sore gums
A red rash around the mouth, brought on by excessive drooling
Flushed cheeks
Pulling or swatting of the ears
A repressed appetite
Rubbing of the cheeks
Easily irritated or frustrated

When it comes to your baby's gums, they tend to look inflamed/swollen and a little more red than usual. You might even be able to see a faint whiteness at the gum line where the tooth is about to cut through. If you touch the area it should feel rigid. As the tooth breaks through, it will feel sharp to the touch.

There are certain symptoms that are not normal during teething. If your child has a fever, diarrhea, or a rash other than one around the mouth, this is most likely the result of something else. If they're particularly cranky or lethargic, book an appointment with your pediatrician.

How To Comfort Your Teething Baby

Teething is a period in every child's life that parents might dread, and understandably so. If your child really struggles, it's super stressful because you might feel helpless in trying to ease their discomfort. Just know that teething is temporary and it will pass. If your child is in visible discomfort, here are a few proven remedies that could help a teething baby:

Give your baby something cool to suck or gnaw on. This might include a cold washcloth, a teething ring placed in the fridge for a while, or a chilled spoon
Massage your baby's gums with your index finger -- just make sure your hands are clean and always use light pressure
Give your child a teething toy to chew on. This includes soft toys that are non-toxic and BPA-free
If your child eats solids or is interested in them, give them hard, cold food to suck on. An example is a piece of chilled cucumber, apple, or carrot
To keep your baby's skin dry and prevent a drool rash, use a drool cloth or bib and wipe away the drool as often as you can

There are also over-the-counter medications you can use if your child is particularly fussy and cannot sleep. Some of these include ibuprofen or Tylenol. Just make sure to avoid medications that contain lidocaine or benzocaine.

When To Begin Tooth Brushing

Yes, it's time to start brushing your child's teeth as soon as they make an appearance -- even if it's just one tooth. Here are a few tips to help you start and maintain a good oral hygiene regimen with your child:

Invest in a baby-friendly fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush (ask your dentist for recommendations)
Only use a grain-sized bit of toothpaste for each brush
Brush your child's teeth/tooth once in the morning and after their last meal of the day (where possible)
Once they turn three, you can increase to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste

It's important to monitor your child's teeth-brushing habits until they're about eight years old. This way you can ensure they don't use too much toothpaste, spit out excess toothpaste, and always brush thoroughly.

When To Book a Checkup With Your Dentist in Bradford, Ontario

Is it necessary to book your child a dentist appointment, even if they only have one tooth? Absolutely! Ideally, you should schedule a general checkup once your child has their first tooth, or by their first birthday.

Your dentist will perform a routine inspection of their baby gums to ensure all teeth are developing as they should. They will also look for any signs of potential dental issues, and offer advice on good oral hygiene practices for infants and toddlers.

It's a good idea to get to know your local dentist from an early age in order to establish a comfortable relationship for future dental visits. If you're looking for a dentist in Bradford, Ontario, get in touch with Dentistry on 88 to book an appointment.

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Comprehensive Guide: From Consultation to Post-Treatment Care With Clear Aligners

By Dentistry on 88 • May 28, 2025

A post by ConsumerAffairs reveals that clear aligners are 80-90% effective for mild to moderate tooth shifts. So you are right if you are considering them to improve your smile. They are better than traditional braces because they are clear, smooth, and removable. They also feel more comfortable and look more natural. You may, however, have questions about clear aligners before and after . You are unsure how the treatment works or what to expect. Before you get clear aligners, you want to know what happens at each stage. Below is a complete guide. It covers every step from consultation to post-treatment care and helps you prepare for your smile journey. Initial Consultation If you plan to get clear aligners, you will need a consultation with your dentist to determine if they are suitable for you. The first step helps them decide if aligners will work for your smile. You will also talk about your goals and what you hope to fix. Your dentist will: Check your teeth and gums Look closely at your bite Ask about your smile goals Review your dental history Explain your treatment choices To get clear and straightforward answers, visit a trusted clinic like Dentistry on 88 . Our team explains everything in easy terms and guides you with care. Digital Scanning and Impressions After your consultation, the dentist takes digital scans or molds of your teeth to begin planning. The step creates a 3D image of your mouth, showing the shape, size, and position of each tooth. The model helps the dentist see how your teeth should move over time and guides the next steps in your treatment. Scans also help design your clear aligners to match your specific needs. The process is safe, simple, and much easier than sticky molds. Most people find it quick and comfortable. Digital scanning ensures your aligners fit well and support smooth, steady changes in your smile. Treatment Planning Your dentist uses the scans to create a step-by-step plan for your smile. They decide how many aligners you will need and how long your treatment will take. The plan also shows how your teeth will move with each set of aligners . You even get to see a preview of your final smile. That is when you start to feel excited about the changes ahead. The treatment plan is a key part of cosmetic dentistry . It gives your dentist the tools to shape your smile most safely. With a clear strategy, each stage becomes easier to follow and understand. Aligner Fabrication Once your plan is ready, it is sent to a specialized lab. There, trained technicians use your scan to design your clear aligners. They shape each set to match your teeth and guide them through small changes. The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic that feels light and fits well. Each tray moves your teeth a little closer to your final smile. You will receive several sets, each one specially crafted for you. Many people ask about the cost of clear aligners at this stage. Your dentist will explain the factors that affect the price and help you understand your payment options. Fitting and Instructions When your aligners arrive, your dentist checks how well they fit your teeth . They provide you with the first set and demonstrate how to wear and remove them correctly. You will also learn how to clean them and store them safely when not in use. Good care helps your aligners work better and last longer. Your dentist will explain how to handle your aligners daily. Following these instructions helps your treatment go as planned. Starting strong makes the rest of your treatment smoother and easier to manage. Regular Wear and Progress Checks Wear your aligners every day for 20 to 22 hours for good results. The longer you wear them, the better your teeth move. You can remove them to: Eat meals Drink anything but water Brush your teeth Floss between teeth Clean your aligners Regular visits to your dentist are essential as they help the dentist see how your teeth are moving. They ensure your progress aligns with the plan. Staying on schedule with visits and wearing your aligners as instructed leads to the best clear aligner results before and after . Following the rules helps you get the smile you want faster. Switching Aligners Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of trays. Each set moves your teeth a bit closer to your goal. Following the schedule helps keep your treatment on track. Changing trays on time ensures steady progress. Missing a change can slow down your results. Wearing each set as planned lets your teeth shift properly. Your dentist will guide you on when to switch. Keeping up with these changes helps your smile improve gradually. Post-treatment Retainers and Care After your treatment ends, your dentist will give you a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Wearing a retainer helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. Following aligners' post-treatment care is just as important as the treatment itself. You will wear your retainer as advised by your dentist. Cleaning your retainer regularly helps keep it fresh and working well. Keeping up with regular dental checkups after treatment helps ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains perfect. Taking care of your retainer and following your dentist's guidance helps protect your new smile for years to come. Clear Aligners Before and After: What to Expect at Every Step The clear aligners before and after the process give you more than a straighter smile. You receive a comprehensive plan from your first visit to post-treatment care. Dentists examine your teeth, design your trays, and help maintain the strength of your results. With the proper support, the journey stays smooth from start to finish. At Dentistry on 88, we guide you every step of the way . Founded in 2019 by Dr. Arif Viran i, we bring over five years of care to Bradford families. Dr. Virani studied at the University of Pennsylvania and treats patients of all ages. Get in touch for clear aligners in a warm and welcoming space.