Where Do Babies Feel Teething Pain? The Surprising Truth

The Journey of Teething: Where Does it Hurt the Most?

Teething. It’s one of those moments every parent dreads – and yet, it’s completely inevitable. If you’ve ever witnessed your little one in discomfort, wriggling and crying from what seems like nowhere, then you know the agony of teething. But where exactly does the pain come from? Why does it seem like they’re uncomfortable all over their face? I know, it can be confusing. So let’s dive into the details and figure it out together.

The First Signs: What Happens When Babies Start Teething?

Swollen Gums: The Root of the Pain

When your baby starts teething, the first thing you'll probably notice is swollen gums. It's the obvious place, right? The teeth are pushing through, so it makes sense that the gums are feeling the brunt of it. I remember when my nephew started teething, I could literally see the little bulges under his gums, and man, you could tell he was uncomfortable.

The gums swell up because the baby’s teeth are trying to break through. The soft tissue gets irritated, which causes pain and inflammation. This is why your baby might be rubbing their gums, drooling, or even refusing to eat. And, trust me, it’s not fun for them—or for you.

Earaches and Cheeks: Surprising Teething Pain Areas

But wait… it’s not just the gums! You’ve probably noticed your baby tugging at their ears or rubbing their cheeks during teething. What’s going on there? This confused me for a while too. Here’s the thing: when babies are teething, the pain often radiates to nearby areas. So, the pressure on the gums can affect the ears and cheeks as well.

I remember a conversation with my friend Sarah, who said her baby would always rub his cheeks and tug at his ears during teething. She was worried he might have an ear infection, but it was just teething-related discomfort. I get it – it can be hard to tell the difference sometimes, but knowing this little trick helps a lot.

How Pain Can Affect Your Baby's Behavior

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Teething pain doesn’t just affect what your baby feels physically; it can also mess with their sleep. That was certainly the case with my cousin’s daughter, Lily. She had a hard time falling asleep and kept waking up every few hours, which made everyone in the house miserable. Teething can make babies restless, especially at night, because the pain often intensifies while they’re lying down.

If your baby is constantly waking up crying or seems extra irritable at night, it’s likely due to the teething pain. The good news is, it’s temporary, but until the teeth come through, you’re in for some sleepless nights.

Excessive Drooling and Biting

Another sign that your baby is feeling the teething pain is excessive drooling. The body produces more saliva to lubricate the gums and help the teeth come through, but it also causes a mess. And, let’s not forget the biting – babies often chew on anything they can find to relieve some of the pressure. It’s their way of trying to numb the discomfort, but it can also make things tricky when you’re trying to keep your baby safe from biting things they shouldn’t.

Honestly, I’ve lost count of the number of times my niece has bitten down on my finger or her toys. It’s a phase, for sure, but it’s their way of coping with the pain.

How Long Does Teething Pain Last?

A Few Weeks or Months?

Now, you might be wondering, how long does this pain last? Will I have to deal with this for months? Well, here’s the deal: teething pain typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks for each tooth. Some babies breeze through it without a hitch, while others, like my friend Jessica’s little one, can have a really tough time for a few months.

It’s worth mentioning that each baby is different. Some babies might show signs of teething pain only a few days before the tooth emerges, while others could struggle with it for longer. And honestly, it’s all part of the journey. I was frustrated at first, but I’ve learned that patience and some gentle soothing go a long way.

Does the Pain Ever Stop?

Well, the good news is that once those teeth come through, the pain stops. The problem? It takes time. Your baby will likely go through several rounds of this, as new teeth appear. After the first set of baby teeth comes in, the pain usually settles down until the molars start coming in around age two or three. But by then, you’re probably a teething pro, right?

How to Help Alleviate Teething Pain?

The Magic of Teething Rings and Gels

Now, let’s talk about what you can do to help your little one through this tough phase. First, teething rings are a lifesaver. They give babies something to chew on that can help soothe their gums. Pop one in the fridge for a little extra cooling effect, and your baby will appreciate the relief.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a teething baby calm down after chewing on a cold ring. It’s almost like magic. But, of course, keep an eye on them, as they tend to chew on anything and everything during this time!

Gentle Massage and Pain Relievers

Also, gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can offer some relief. It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try when nothing else seems to soothe them. If you’re really struggling, a bit of teething gel (look for one recommended by your pediatrician) or an infant pain reliever could help ease the discomfort.

I learned this the hard way with my friend Kevin, who tried all the natural remedies but eventually had to turn to a little pain relief to make things more manageable for his baby.

Conclusion: Understanding Teething Pain and Helping Your Baby

Teething pain can be tough to witness as a parent, but knowing where babies feel the pain and understanding how it affects them makes the process a little easier. From the swollen gums to the unexpected ear and cheek pain, it’s clear that teething isn’t just about the teeth themselves – it’s about the whole experience. Be patient, keep the teething rings close by, and try not to stress out too much when the pain seems unbearable.

Remember, this phase will pass – and before you know it, your baby will have a full set of teeth ready to chew their way through new foods. Keep calm and teething on!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.