Teething in Babies | LYGOS DENTAL
Teething In Babies: Symptoms, Timeline, And Safe Relief For Parents
Teething is when your baby’s first teeth move through the gums, most often starting around 4–7 months. Common signs include drooling, gum tenderness, and a strong urge to chew. Comfort usually improves with gentle gum massage, cool (not frozen) teething toys, and extra cuddles. If your baby has a true fever (38°C/100.4°F or higher) or seems very unwell, contact a clinician.
What Teething Is And When It Starts
Teething is the normal process of a baby’s primary (baby) teeth breaking through the gums. Many babies start between 4 and 7 months, but a few begin earlier or later and still fall within a healthy range. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by about age 3.
Common Teething Signs
Teething looks a little different from baby to baby. These signs are common around the time a tooth is about to appear.
- More drool than usual
Extra saliva can cause a rash on the chin, cheeks, or chest. Keep the area dry and use a gentle barrier cream if needed.
- Chewing and biting
Babies often chew hands, toys, or fingers to press on sore gums.
- Fussiness
Sore, tight gums can make your baby irritable, especially in the evening.
- Tender, puffy gums
You may see swelling or mild redness where the tooth is coming in.
- Changes in sleep
Some babies wake more often for a day or two around tooth eruption.
- Changes in feeding
Sucking can feel uncomfortable, so a baby may nurse or bottle-feed in shorter bursts.
Teething Timeline By Age
The ages below are typical ranges, not strict deadlines. Teeth often come in pairs, and it’s normal for the order to vary.
- 0–3 months
No teeth yet, but babies explore their mouths and may chew on hands.
- 4–7 months
First teeth often appear (usually the lower front teeth).
- 8–12 months
More front teeth come in; drooling and chewing can increase.
- 12–18 months
First molars may appear, which can bring more gum soreness.
- 16–24 months
Canines and additional molars may erupt.
- 24–33 months
Second molars usually complete the set of 20 primary teeth.
Safe Ways To Soothe Teething Discomfort
Most teething discomfort is mild and comes and goes. Try these options first, and use what your baby responds to best.
Gum Pressure And Massage
Wash your hands, then gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for 1–2 minutes. Some babies also like biting down on a clean, damp washcloth.
Cool (Not Frozen) Teething Items
A chilled teething ring or a cool washcloth can numb sore gums. Skip freezing teething toys, since extreme cold can irritate delicate gum tissue.
Teething Toys And Safe Chewing
Choose one-piece teething toys made of firm rubber or silicone. Avoid toys that can break into parts, and check for damage often.
Pain Relief Medicine When Needed
If your baby is very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about infant-appropriate pain relief. Dosing depends on your child’s weight and age. Never use adult medicines or combination cold products for teething.
Natural Remedies: Helpful Ideas And Common Risks
Many “natural” approaches can still cause problems if they aren’t used carefully. Use close supervision and choose the safest option for your baby’s age and feeding stage.
- Chamomile (topical use only, with guidance)
A cooled chamomile tea bag can be gently pressed on the gums for short periods, but check with your clinician first—especially if your baby has allergies.
- Cold fruit in a mesh feeder (for babies already on solids)
This can soothe gums, but it requires constant supervision to reduce choking risk. Use soft fruits and follow safe-feeding guidance.
- Clove oil
Clove oil can irritate the mouth and is easy to overuse. Avoid it unless a clinician specifically recommends a baby-safe product and dilution.
- Amber teething necklaces
These are not recommended because they can create choking or strangulation hazards. Safer options work just as well.
Teething Treatments To Avoid
Some popular teething products carry real safety risks and provide little benefit. These are best avoided.
- Benzocaine or lidocaine numbing gels
Health authorities have warned against using benzocaine products for teething in children under 2, and topical anesthetics can be dangerous if swallowed.
- Homeopathic teething tablets or gels containing belladonna
These products have been associated with serious side effects and have been the subject of FDA safety warnings.
- Alcohol, honey, or rubbing substances on the gums
Alcohol is unsafe for infants, and honey can cause infant botulism in babies under 12 months.
- Tying teething items around the neck
Anything worn around the neck can increase strangulation risk.
Teething Or Illness: When To Worry
Teething can cause gum soreness, drooling, and mild crankiness. A true fever (38°C/100.4°F or higher), diarrhea, vomiting, or significant congestion are more likely to point to an illness than teething.
Contact a clinician if you notice any of the following:
- Fever of 38°C/100.4°F or higher
- Persistent crying that you can’t soothe
- Poor feeding or signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, very dry mouth)
- Ear pain signs that persist (repeated ear tugging, worsening sleep, or ear drainage)
- Rash that spreads or looks infected
Teething Vs. Ear Infection
Babies sometimes tug at their ears while teething, especially when the gums are sore. Ear infections more often involve ongoing ear pain, marked fussiness, and sometimes a higher fever. If symptoms last more than a day or two or your baby seems unwell, it’s worth getting checked.
How To Care For Your Baby’s New Teeth
Good oral care starts before the first tooth. Wipe gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds and before bed. Once a tooth appears, brush twice daily with a soft, baby toothbrush.
Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) unless your dentist advises otherwise. Try to avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle, since frequent exposure to milk or juice can raise cavity risk.
Plan the first dental visit by your child’s first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does teething pain last?
Discomfort often peaks for a day or two before a tooth breaks through and eases soon after. Some babies feel on-and-off soreness for several days around eruption.
Can teething cause diarrhea?
Loose stools are common in infancy for many reasons. If your baby has ongoing diarrhea, fever, or signs of dehydration, treat it as an illness and seek advice.
What are the best teething toys?
Look for one-piece, easy-to-clean teething rings made of firm silicone or rubber. Avoid liquid-filled toys if they can leak, and avoid items that can snap or shed pieces.
When should I call the pediatrician?
Call if your baby has a fever, seems unusually sleepy, refuses feeds, shows signs of dehydration, or you suspect an ear infection or another illness.