Typically, babies begin to show signs of teething when they are around 13 weeks old, with their teeth usually coming in around 6 months.

By the time a child reaches 2 and a half years old, they should have most of their 20 baby teeth.

Teething can cause symptoms such as drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and a slight increase in temperature. However, if your baby has a fever above 100.4°F, diarrhea, or a rash, it may be a sign of illness rather than just teething. Trust your instincts as a parent and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s health.

Signs your baby is teething

If your baby is teething, they may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Red, flushed cheeks
• Increased drooling
• Chewing on fists or toys
• Sore gums and increased crying
• Developing a nappy rash

Non-urgent advice: Contact your public health nurse or GP if your child:

• High temperature
• Diarrhoea
• General feeling of unwellness

It’s important to note that these symptoms are not solely caused by teething.

How to help your teething baby

When your baby is experiencing discomfort from teething, offering comfort and engaging in play can help distract and soothe them.

Tips for helping a teething baby

• Provide a cool teething ring
• Massage sore gums with sugar-free gel
• Use mild pain relief if necessary
• Offer cold water for drinking
• Offer healthy foods for chewing
• Stay close by your baby during mealtimes

Teething rings

Chewing on a teething ring can provide relief and diversion from the pain of teething.

Make sure the ring is big enough to prevent choking and store one in the refrigerator.

Avoid tying a teething ring around the baby’s neck.

Refer to product instructions for proper hygiene practices and cooling recommendations.

Use a cold wet facecloth for chewing, ensuring it’s clean.

Teething gels and pain relief

Sugar-free teething gels containing mild anaesthetics can help numb pain for babies over 4 months old.

If the discomfort persists, consider sugar-free pain relief medications and consult with a healthcare professional for safe usage.

Always adhere to dosage instructions and avoid using adult products on babies.

Amber teething jewellery

Avoid using amber teething jewelry as it can be a choking hazard.

Never place jewelry, cords, or strings around the baby’s neck.

Homeopathic teething products

Be cautious when considering unlicensed homeopathic products sold online, as they may have serious side effects, with the exception of Nelson’s homeopathic teething products.

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Agitation
• Excessive sleepiness
• Digestive issues

Nappy rash and teething

Teething babies may develop nappy rash; ensure to check and change diapers frequently.

Using a barrier nappy cream can help, and allowing nappy-free time can be soothing.

It’s also important to keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent nappy rash from worsening. Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it after cleaning and avoid using harsh soaps or wipes that may irritate the skin.

Teething and crying

It’s common to feel distressed seeing your teething baby in discomfort; seek support and assistance from friends or relatives.

Thumb-sucking and soothers

Some children find comfort in sucking their thumb, which may begin around 18 months of age.

Thumb-sucking is a common behavior in young children and is often a way for them to self-soothe. While it is a natural instinct, parents should monitor thumb-sucking to ensure it does not continue past the age of 4 or 5, as it can affect the development of teeth and mouth structure.

For children who use soothers, it is recommended to gradually wean them off by limiting the use of the soother to certain times, such as naptime or bedtime. This can help prevent any negative effects on teeth alignment and speech development.

It is important for parents to provide alternative comfort measures for their child, such as cuddling, rocking, or offering a favorite toy, to help reduce the reliance on thumb-sucking or soothers for comfort.

Breastfeeding

Continuing breastfeeding up to 12 months can help reduce tooth decay; seek guidance for extended breastfeeding practices.

In addition to reducing tooth decay, breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants from various illnesses and infections. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby and can aid in the development of the baby’s immune system.

For mothers, breastfeeding can help with postpartum recovery, as it helps shrink the uterus and can aid in weight loss. It also reduces the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

It is important for mothers to seek guidance from healthcare professionals on proper breastfeeding techniques and practices, especially if considering extended breastfeeding beyond 12 months.

When to start brushing your baby’s teeth

Before the appearance of teeth, gently clean your baby’s gums twice daily with a soft cloth; introduce gentle toothbrushing once the first tooth emerges.

Establish teeth brushing as part of your baby’s daily routine.

Lead by example by brushing your teeth in front of them.

First dentist appointment

Take your baby for a dental check-up when their first teeth start to appear around 6 months old for monitoring and advice.

Babies with tongue tie

Some infants may have limited tongue movement due to a tongue tie, affecting dental health; consider frenectomy if necessary.

When to get medical advice

Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if your baby:

• Has a high temperature
• Is lethargic

If your baby displays worrying symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.

Related topic

It is important to trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical advice if you are ever unsure about your baby’s health. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your little one’s well-being.

More in Caring for a new baby

Page last reviewed: 4 February 2022
Next review due: 4 February 2025

This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 8.

When caring for a new baby, it’s important to remember to always support their head and neck when handling them. Make sure to wash your hands before touching your baby to prevent the spread of germs. Additionally, ensure your baby is dressed appropriately for the weather and that their sleep environment is safe and secure.

Signs of Teething:

• Excessive drooling
• Irritability
• Swollen gums
• Chewing on objects

Signs of Illness:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Coughing or congestion

It’s important to monitor your baby’s symptoms closely and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Trust your instincts and seek medical advice if necessary.

Isn’t it always “teething”?

Teething is often held responsible for various baby discomforts, but the appearance of teeth is the real indicator.

Don’t be fooled by “teething” symptoms that are not actually due to teething.

At around 3 months old, babies undergo developmental changes frequently mistaken for teething symptoms.

• Isn’t it always “teething”?
• When do babies start teething?
• How can I tell if my little one is teething?
• How to help a teething baby sleep better
• Signs your baby is unwell
• My personal experience with Charlie at 4 months old

Get your little one’s sleep back on track.
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Get our Baby Sleep App

Babies experience a significant regression in their sleep around 4 months old. This change has nothing to do with their teeth. The age when babies get their first teeth can vary, with most getting their first tooth around 6 months of age. Baby teeth can emerge with no pain, but sometimes babies may have symptoms such as a sore red gum, mild temperature, flushed cheek, rash on the face, ear rubbing, increased drooling, gnawing on objects, irritability, and disrupted sleep. If your baby is sick, it is unlikely to be caused by teething. Teething can cause a slight temperature increase, but if it is over 102°F, it is unlikely to be due to teething. If your baby seems unwell, it’s important not to attribute all symptoms to teething. Teething discomfort is usually only present when the tooth is breaking through the gum surface and should not disrupt sleep significantly.

To help manage teething discomfort, establish a good sleep and feed routine using our Little Ones App. Trust your instincts and seek medical help if you suspect your baby is unwell. Remember that every baby’s teething timeline is different, with most children getting their teeth between 6 and 9 months. Look out for signs such as biting or gnawing, increased clinginess, nasal discharge, swollen gums, ear tugging, slight fever, smelly nappies, and decreased appetite for solids. Seek medical advice if you have concerns, especially if your baby has a high fever or diarrhea.

Teething in Babies: Tips and Advice
If your baby is experiencing some symptoms like drooling, putting fingers in their mouth, or being unsettled, they might be teething, but not all babies show these signs. Here are some popular ideas to help your baby cope with teething:
1. Offer cold drinks and foods such as cucumber or fruits.
2. Use cold teething rings or gently rub their gums with a cool, damp face washer.
3. Ensure your baby has a balanced diet and a settled routine.
4. Be cautious with teething gels and consult a healthcare professional before using them.
Remember to provide your baby with extra love and comfort during this time. If needed, you can also consider giving them pain relief medication as advised by a healthcare professional.
When it comes to cleaning your baby’s teeth, start early and gradually progress as they grow:
– Start cleaning their teeth and gums with a damp face washer or rubber finger cover.
– Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water when they reach 6 months.
– Switch to low-fluoride baby toothpaste around 18 months.
– Introduce flossing around 2 years of age.
To prevent tooth decay, make sure to clean your baby’s teeth before bed, especially if they consume milk or juice. It’s also essential to schedule a dental check-up once their first tooth appears or around 1 year of age.
Each baby is different, so stay positive and find what works best for your little one during this teething phase.