Parents often celebrate when their baby gets their first tooth, but what they don’t see is the struggle and discomfort that comes before it. A teething baby can be quite distressing for both the child and the parents.

It’s common knowledge that babies’ teeth come in a specific order. The front teeth, known as central incisors, are the first to appear on both the upper and lower jaws. This is followed by the lateral incisors, then the canine or cuspids, and finally the molars.

When do Babies Begin Teething?

Most babies start teething between six to twelve months of age. Typically, the last primary molar will come through by the time the child is three years old.

However, some children may start teething earlier, with symptoms appearing two to three months before the tooth actually emerges. This can make the already challenging “terrible twos” phase even more difficult, as children struggle with the pain and lack coping mechanisms.

Here are some symptoms of teething and simple remedies to help ease your little one’s discomfort. Teething can cause irritability, excessive crying, disrupted sleep, and sometimes even a slight fever.

Additional Information on Teething Babies

5. Sore Gums

Babies may experience sore and tender gums as teeth begin to emerge. This discomfort can cause them to be fussy and irritable. Provide gentle massages on their gums using a clean finger or a soft baby toothbrush to help soothe the soreness.

6. Excessive Chewing

Teething babies often have a natural urge to chew on things to alleviate the pressure on their gums. Make sure to offer safe and appropriate teething toys or objects for them to chew on to prevent them from putting harmful objects in their mouths.

7. Increased Drooling

Excessive drooling is a common symptom of teething and can lead to skin irritation around the mouth and chin. Keep a clean cloth handy to wipe your baby’s mouth frequently and prevent skin rashes or chafing.

8. Changes in Sleep Patterns

Teething discomfort can disrupt your baby’s sleep patterns, causing them to wake up more frequently during the night. Comfort your baby by gently rocking them or offering a pacifier to help them fall back asleep.

9. Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing

Sometimes, teething pain can radiate to the ears, causing babies to pull on their ears or rub their cheeks. If you notice these behaviors, it may be a sign of teething discomfort. Consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about ear pain.

Remember, every baby is different, and teething symptoms can vary. Providing comfort, patience, and appropriate teething remedies can help your baby get through this challenging stage with ease.

Signs your baby is teething

If your baby is teething, they may exhibit certain symptoms:

• Flushed cheeks
• Drooling
• Increased chewing on objects
• Tender gums and increased crying
• Nappy rash

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

• Fever over 38 degrees Celsius
• Diarrhoea
• General unwellness

These symptoms are not directly caused by teething.

How to help your teething baby

It can be distressing to see your baby in pain from teething. Comfort and distraction can help alleviate their discomfort.

Tips for helping a teething baby

• Offer a cool teething ring for your baby to chew on.
• Gently massage their gums with sugar-free teething gel.
• Use mild pain relief if needed for nighttime discomfort.
• Provide cold water to keep them hydrated and soothe gums.
• Offer healthy foods to chew on if they are old enough.
• Always supervise your baby while eating to prevent choking hazards.

Teething rings

Teething rings can help soothe gums and distract babies from pain. Ensure the ring is safe and clean, and never tie it around their neck.

Follow product instructions for teething ring hygiene and cooling. Avoid freezing the ring to prevent gum damage.

You can also use a cold, wet facecloth for your baby to chew on, ensuring it is clean and safe.

Teething gels and pain relief

Sugar-free teething gels are available for babies over 4 months old, containing a mild anaesthetic to numb gum pain.

If your baby is still in discomfort even after using teething gels, you can consider providing them with sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen medicine. It’s important to note that ibuprofen should not be used on babies under 3 months old.
For further guidance on safe gel and pain relief usage, don’t hesitate to contact your GP or pharmacist.
Always adhere to the instructions on the leaflet and packaging of the medication, ensuring the correct dosage as advised. In case of uncertainty, consult with your GP or pharmacist.
Avoid resorting to adult or older children’s products for relieving your baby’s teething discomfort.
We strongly advise against using amber teething jewelry for your baby, as it may present a choking hazard. Similarly, refrain from placing any jewelry, cords, or strings around your baby’s neck.
Steer clear of unlicensed homeopathic products for infants, as they could potentially lead to severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, seizures, agitation, excessive sleepiness, and issues with urination and constipation. However, this warning does not apply to Nelson’s homeopathic teething products under the ‘Teetha’ brand sold in Ireland.
Teething babies may develop nappy rash and sore bottoms, so it’s essential to frequently check and change their nappies. Utilize a barrier nappy cream and let the baby have some nappy-free time to soothe them.
If your baby’s crying intensifies due to teething, don’t hesitate to seek help from friends or family, especially when feeling tired and stressed.
Some toddlers find comfort in sucking their thumbs and may start this habit as early as 18 months.
Research indicates that breastfeeding for up to 12 months can lower the risk of tooth decay. Consult your public health nurse or GP for advice on continuing breastfeeding beyond 12 months.
Before your baby’s teeth erupt, make sure to clean their gums twice daily using a soft cloth or gauze. Introduce gentle tooth brushing once the first tooth emerges around 6 months, using only water and a soft brush without toothpaste. Establish a routine of tooth brushing to set a good example for your baby.
Visit the dentist once your baby’s first teeth start appearing around 6 months old for developmental assessments and dental care advice. Seek guidance from the dentist on managing teething-related concerns.
Children with restricted tongue movement due to a tight frenulum may face tooth decay issues. In such cases, a frenectomy procedure might be necessary to release the frenulum.
If your baby has a temperature exceeding 38 degrees Celsius or appears lethargic and drowsy, these symptoms are not linked to teething. While teething may cause a mild rash, it should not be widespread. Look out for signs of dehydration in babies, including reduced fluid intake and fewer wet nappies. Contact your GP for any concerns about your baby’s symptoms and seek advice from a dentist or public health nurse regarding baby dental care.
Ensure to check our latest update on: 4th February 2022 and the upcoming review on: 4th February 2025. This content is funded under Grant Agreement Number 8 by the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019.
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For precise and current information on teething, consult a healthcare provider. Our resources are based on research, clinical experience, and community feedback. Please note that affiliate commissions may be earned through links on this page.
Teething can be a trying time, but understanding the symptoms, remedies, and comforting techniques can help alleviate discomfort.
The teething process typically lasts from 5 to 30 months, with peak pain lasting 24 to 72 hours before the tooth appears.
Signs of teething include swollen gums, irritability, chewing on objects, increased drooling, and behaviors that may resemble normal development. However, the confirmation of teething is only when a tooth becomes visible.
To ease teething discomfort, offer cold washcloths, massage the gums, provide comfort, seek advice for homeopathic treatments, and use age-appropriate pain relievers.
Babies with a solid sleep routine may handle teething-related sleep disruptions better.
Establish early sleep routines to promote healthy sleep habits and effectively manage teething-related disruptions. Receiving guidance on sleep strategies can help ensure that your baby sleeps well during teething, regressions, and other disturbances.
If your baby’s crying is particularly intense, consider seeking advice to address underlying issues beyond teething. Maintain consistency in routines and comfort your baby during teething pain until it subsides. Consistency is crucial during the teething phase. Provide comfort as needed, knowing that sleep routines will resume once teething discomfort diminishes.
Teething may appear daunting, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can effectively manage it.
For additional information, refer to resources from Healthy Children and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Remember, this blog offers informational content and not medical advice. Consult your doctor for any concerns regarding your child.
As a mother, neonatal nurse, pediatrician’s spouse, and sleep expert, I aim to empower parents with the tools to support their baby’s sleep for the well-being of the entire family. Let me guide you through the sleep journey with confidence. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or uncertain, rest assured that I’ve been there too, and I can help you navigate your baby’s sleep challenges effectively.
Teething marks one of the earliest stressful experiences for babies and parents. Recognizing the signs and addressing them appropriately can make this phase more manageable. Milton’s sterilising products can aid in maintaining clean objects in your baby’s mouth, reducing the risk of inflammation and infection.
Babies usually commence teething between 6 and 12 months as part of their normal development. Teeth start erupting through the soft gum tissue, with fully-formed teeth usually visible by the first birthday. Lower teeth typically emerge first, followed by upper teeth, and molars at the back of the mouth are the last to come through.
Teething discomfort can manifest in various ways, including red or sore gums, low-grade fever, disrupted sleep, cheek redness, chewing urges, increased drooling, fussiness, and ear rubbing. Most of these symptoms are part of the normal teething process. However, if symptoms occur alongside vomiting or diarrhoea, consult a paediatrician as these are not typical signs of teething.
Watching your baby endure teething pain can be challenging, but there are several non-medical methods to help alleviate it. Provide safe items for your baby to chew on, massage their gums gently, offer distractions, serve cold beverages or food, and reduce drooling to prevent skin rashes.
During teething, babies are inclined to put objects in their mouths, making it imperative to keep these items clean to prevent infections. Milton’s sterilisation products meet stringent standards and have been instrumental in fighting off infections since 1916, making them a reliable choice for parents seeking to eliminate bacteria from their baby’s belongings.
Explore our range of sterilising and hygiene products available at retailers like Boots, Amazon, Tesco, and major supermarkets to safeguard your baby from germs and ensure a hygienic environment.
In summary, teething is a natural process that babies go through, and with the right knowledge and tools, parents can support their little ones effectively during this phase.