No, teeth should not hurt once they have fully cut through the gums, though some discomfort may occur during the cutting process.
Understanding Teething and Discomfort
The process of teeth erupting through the gums, known as teething, can cause discomfort and fussiness in babies. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Before Eruption:
- Baby gums may develop a small, swollen, or bubble-like area, which can be tender to the touch. This indicates a tooth is about to emerge.
- During Eruption:
- As the teeth cut through the gums, babies often become more irritable, drool more, and are generally fussy. This is due to the pressure and discomfort of the tooth breaking through the gum tissue.
- After Eruption:
- Once the tooth has fully emerged through the gums, the discomfort and fussiness should start to decrease.
Why The Pain Resolves
The primary pain associated with teething occurs while the tooth is pushing through the sensitive gum tissue. Once the tooth is fully out, the pressure is relieved, and the inflammation subsides, causing the pain to resolve. It's the actual cutting process that causes the discomfort, not the presence of the tooth itself.
Signs a Tooth is Cutting Through
Here are some signs that your baby might be teething:
- Increased drooling
- Irritability and fussiness
- Chewing on objects
- Swollen gums
- Slight temperature increase
When To Seek Advice
While most teething symptoms are normal, if you notice:
- High fever
- Severe pain or swelling
- Lethargy
You should contact your doctor.
In short, while the process of teeth cutting through the gums can be painful, the pain typically subsides once the tooth has fully emerged, as noted in the reference that "After the teeth cut through, the fussiness and pain should begin to resolve".
