Published: January 2025
Last Updated: September 2, 2026
Sources Checked: September 2, 2026
By Adel Galal, Parnthub
Medical note: I am not a dermatologist or a doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real-life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Baby teething can feel like a mystery at first.
Your baby may drool all day. They may chew every toy they can reach. Their gums may look sore. Sleep may suddenly become harder.
Then you start wondering: Is this really teething? Is my baby sick? What can I safely use for the pain?
As a father of four and a grandfather of four, I have seen how different teething can look from one child to another. One baby may be very fussy. Another may get a new tooth with almost no warning.
The most useful thing is not trying every remedy. It is knowing what is normal, what is safe, and what should make you call a healthcare professional.
Quick Answer About Baby Teething
Baby teething often begins around 6 months, although some babies start earlier or later.
Common signs include drooling and teething, chewing, tender gums, mild fussiness, and a rash around the mouth from saliva.
A true fever, repeated diarrhea, vomiting, breathing trouble, or severe crying should not simply be blamed on teething.
The safest ways to soothe sore gums include a clean finger massage, a firm teether, and a cool damp washcloth.
Avoid benzocaine, lidocaine, amber necklaces, teething jewelry, alcohol, and frozen hard objects.
What Is Baby Teething?
Teething is the process of a baby tooth moving through the gum and appearing in the mouth.
These first teeth are also called primary teeth or milk teeth.
Babies are born with their baby teeth developing inside the jaw. The teeth slowly move upward until they break through the gum.
That movement can make the gum feel tender or swollen.
This is why babies often want to bite and chew. Pressure against the gum can feel soothing.
When Does Baby Teething Start?
Many babies get their first baby tooth around 6 months.
Some start earlier. Some start much later.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that the first teeth often appear between about 6 and 10 months. Signs of teething may begin before the tooth can actually be seen.
The NHS also explains that some babies begin before 4 months, while others do not get their first tooth until after 12 months.
This means the baby teething timeline is a guide, not a deadline.
If your baby is growing well and your healthcare professional has no concerns, being a little early or late is often normal.
For a deeper look at the order in which teeth appear, read our Infant Teeth Growth Guide.
Baby Teething Timeline
Most babies follow a similar pattern, but there can be wide variation.
| Teeth | Common Age Range |
|---|---|
| Lower front teeth | About 6 to 10 months |
| Upper front teeth | About 8 to 12 months |
| Upper side teeth | About 9 to 13 months |
| Lower side teeth | About 10 to 16 months |
| First molars | About 13 to 19 months |
| Canine teeth | About 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars | About 23 to 33 months |
Most children have 20 baby teeth by about age 3.
Molars can feel different because they are larger teeth. If your child is reaching that stage, see our Infant Molar Teething Guide.
What Are the Most Common Baby Teething Signs?
The main teething symptoms in babies are usually mild.
Look at several signs together rather than relying on only one.
1. Extra Drooling
Drooling is one of the most common signs.
You may notice wet bibs, damp shirts, or saliva running down the chin more often.
Keep in mind that babies also drool for reasons that have nothing to do with teeth.
If drooling seems unusual or is linked with trouble swallowing, breathing, or feeding, get medical advice.
For more detail, see our Infant Drooling Guide.
2. Chewing on Everything
A teething baby may chew fingers, toys, clothing, or almost anything within reach.
This is not just curiosity.
The pressure may help calm the gum.
Give your baby a clean and safe object made for chewing.
3. Red or Tender Gums
You may notice swollen gums where a tooth is moving through.
The area may look a little red or raised.
Sometimes you can see or feel a firm white point under the gum.
Wash your hands before touching your baby's mouth.
4. Mild Fussiness
Your baby may seem more clingy or irritable.
They may want more cuddles.
They may become upset faster than normal.
Teething discomfort should usually remain mild.
Strong or nonstop crying deserves more attention.
5. Trouble Sleeping
Teething at night can feel worse because there are fewer distractions.
A baby who normally settles well may wake more often.
Before blaming teething, still check the usual reasons for waking.
Look at hunger, temperature, illness, diaper needs, and the sleep environment.
6. Mouth or Chin Rash
Extra saliva may irritate the skin around the mouth.
This is sometimes called drool rash.
Gently pat the skin dry.
Do not scrub it.
A widespread body rash is not a normal teething sign.
7. Cheek Rubbing or Ear Pulling
Some babies rub a cheek or touch an ear when their mouth feels uncomfortable.
Do not assume every ear pull is caused by teeth.
An ear infection can also cause pain.
Contact your baby's healthcare professional if ear pulling comes with fever, discharge, strong crying, poor feeding, or a baby who seems ill.
Does Teething Cause Fever?
This is one of the most important teething questions.
Teething should not be used to explain a true fever.
A baby may feel warm or have a small temperature rise around the same time that a tooth appears.
But a temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher should not simply be blamed on baby tooth eruption.
Babies get infections too.
Teething often happens at the same age when babies put many objects in their mouths. This can expose them to more germs.
If your baby has a fever, look for another cause.
Get medical advice based on your baby's age and symptoms.
A fever of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher in a baby younger than 3 months needs prompt medical evaluation.
Does Baby Teething Cause Diarrhea?
No good evidence shows that teething itself causes diarrhea.
Babies may have changes in stool for many reasons.
Diet changes, infections, medicines, and feeding changes can all affect stool.
Do not ignore repeated watery stools because a tooth is coming in.
Call a healthcare professional if diarrhea continues, your baby is not drinking well, or wet diapers become less frequent.
Does Teething Cause Vomiting?
Vomiting is not a normal teething symptom.
A baby who vomits again and again may have an illness or another problem.
Contact your healthcare professional if vomiting is repeated, forceful, green, bloody, or linked with poor feeding or unusual sleepiness.
Does Teething Make Babies Stop Eating?
A sore gum may make feeding less comfortable for a short time.
Some babies prefer cooler foods after they have started solids.
Some babies want shorter feeds.
But your baby should still be able to drink enough.
A baby who refuses most fluids needs attention.
Watch wet diapers and alertness.
Safe Baby Teething Remedies That Can Help
The best safe teething remedies are often very simple.
You do not need a cabinet full of special products.
1. Massage the Gums
Wash your hands well.
Use one clean finger to gently rub the tender area.
Soft pressure can give quick teething pain relief.
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend gum massage as a simple way to soothe discomfort.
2. Offer a Firm Teether
Choose a teething toy that is easy to hold and made for babies.
A firm rubber teether can give the gum safe pressure.
Check it often for damage.
Throw it away if pieces are coming loose.
The FDA recommends firm teethers rather than liquid-filled ones.
3. Chill the Teether
A cool teether may feel good on tender gums.
Place it in the refrigerator according to the product instructions.
Do not freeze it solid.
A frozen object can become very hard and may hurt tender gum tissue.
4. Use a Cool Damp Washcloth
Wet a clean soft washcloth.
Cool it in the refrigerator.
Let your baby chew it while you watch closely.
The cool cloth gives both pressure and gentle cooling.
5. Give Extra Comfort
Do not underestimate simple comfort.
Hold your baby.
Sing.
Walk around the room.
Play quietly.
Give more cuddles.
Pain from teething often comes and goes.
Distraction can help during the uncomfortable moments.
6. Offer Appropriate Cool Foods After Solids Begin
If your baby is developmentally ready for solid foods, cool soft foods may feel soothing.
Examples may include chilled puree or yogurt when these foods are already appropriate for your baby.
Always use safe textures.
Always supervise eating.
Avoid hard chunks that can cause choking.
7. Ask About Medicine If Pain Is Strong
Most babies do not need medicine every time they teethe.
If your baby seems very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist whether an age- and weight-appropriate pain medicine is suitable.
Acetaminophen may sometimes be recommended.
Ibuprofen may be appropriate for some older babies, but age rules can differ by country and individual health history.
Never guess the dose.
Use your baby's current weight and follow professional advice or the product instructions.
Never give aspirin to a child unless a doctor has specifically prescribed it for a medical reason.
How to Help Baby Teething Pain at Night
Teething at night can be tiring for the whole family.
Start with the simplest steps.
- Check that your baby is not hungry, too hot, too cold, or sick.
- Offer a cool teether before bedtime.
- Massage the gum with a clean finger.
- Use a calm bedtime routine.
- Give extra comfort if your baby wakes.
- Ask your healthcare professional about medicine if pain is making sleep very difficult.
Keep normal safe sleep rules in place.
Do not put teethers, necklaces, loose cloths, toys, or other objects in your baby's sleep space.
What Should You Never Use for Baby Teething?
Some products are sold as quick fixes.
That does not make them safe.
Do Not Use Benzocaine Teething Gels
The FDA warns against using benzocaine for teething pain in children.
Benzocaine can cause a rare but very serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia.
This condition reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Numbing gels also do not stay on the gum for long because saliva quickly washes them away.
Do Not Use Lidocaine on Baby Gums
Prescription oral lidocaine should not be used as a home teething treatment.
The FDA has linked incorrect use in infants and young children with seizures, heart problems, severe brain injury, and death.
Do Not Use Amber Teething Necklaces
Amber necklaces are not proven to stop teething pain.
They can create a strangulation or choking risk.
The same warning applies to teething bracelets and other jewelry.
Do Not Use Homeopathic Teething Tablets or Gels
The FDA and pediatric experts have warned about some homeopathic teething products.
They may contain ingredients in unsafe or inconsistent amounts.
There are safer ways to soothe a baby.
Do Not Rub Alcohol on the Gums
Alcohol is not a safe teething treatment.
Do not use alcoholic drinks or rubbing alcohol on your baby's mouth.
Do Not Give Frozen Hard Objects
Cold can help.
Frozen solid objects are different.
They may become too hard and hurt the gum.
Use cool, not rock hard frozen, teethers.
Be Careful With Herbal and Essential Oil Remedies
Natural does not automatically mean safe for a baby.
Do not put essential oils, clove preparations, herbal mixtures, or unknown products directly on your baby's gums unless a qualified healthcare professional has advised you to do so.
Babies are small. A dose that seems tiny to an adult can still be too much for an infant.
Are Teething Biscuits Safe?
Teething biscuits are not needed for teething relief.
Some products contain added sugar.
Some can break into pieces.
This may increase choking or tooth decay risk.
If your baby has started solids, choose age-appropriate foods and textures.
Stay close during every meal.
How Long Does Teething Pain Last?
Teething is not usually one long period of constant pain.
Discomfort often becomes stronger around the time a tooth is moving through the gum.
It may then improve after the tooth appears.
Later, the next tooth starts its own cycle.
This is why parents may feel that teething stops and starts for months.
What should not happen is severe pain every day for weeks with no clear reason.
If discomfort seems strong or persistent, ask your baby's doctor or dentist to check the mouth.
What Does a Teething Gum Look Like?
A teething gum may look slightly swollen or red.
You may see a pale bump where the tooth is close to the surface.
Sometimes the shape of the tooth can be felt through the gum.
Do not try to cut or open the gum.
The tooth should erupt naturally.
Call a dentist or doctor if you see pus, strong swelling, significant bleeding, a bad smell, or a sore area that is getting worse.
Can Teething Cause a Drool Rash?
Yes.
Saliva sitting on the skin can make the chin and area around the mouth red or irritated.
Gently pat away wetness.
Change wet bibs.
A simple barrier product may sometimes help, but ask your baby's healthcare professional if the skin is broken, infected, painful, or not improving.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Teething is normal.
Illness can happen at the same time.
Get medical advice if your baby has:
- A temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher
- Repeated vomiting
- Significant diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Very poor feeding
- Much fewer wet diapers
- Unusual sleepiness
- Severe or nonstop crying
- A widespread rash
- Strong swelling in the mouth or face
- Pus or signs of infection around the gum
- Symptoms that keep getting worse
Trust what you see.
You know your baby's normal behaviour better than anyone.
If something feels different from ordinary teething, call your healthcare professional.
When Should Baby Teeth Be Brushed?
Baby oral care begins before the first tooth appears.
You can gently wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth.
Our Newborn Gum Care Guide explains the simple routine.
Once the first tooth erupts, start brushing it twice each day with a soft child-sized toothbrush.
The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than 3.
Think of an amount about the size of a grain of rice.
Do the brushing for your baby.
Do not leave a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or another sugary drink in the mouth during sleep.
For a complete oral care plan, see our Newborn Dental Care Guide.
When Should a Baby First Visit the Dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends a first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also recommends establishing a dental home during the first year.
The visit can help with:
- Checking tooth development
- Finding early tooth decay
- Learning how much toothpaste to use
- Discussing fluoride
- Talking about feeding habits
- Getting advice about teething
Baby Teething Myths Parents Should Know
Myth: Every Fever Is From Teething
Fact: A true fever should not be blamed on teething.
Myth: Diarrhea Is a Normal Teething Symptom
Fact: Teething does not directly cause diarrhea.
Myth: Amber Necklaces Naturally Stop Pain
Fact: There is no good evidence that they work, and they can cause choking or strangulation.
Myth: Numbing Gel Is the Fastest Safe Treatment
Fact: Benzocaine and lidocaine products can be dangerous for infants and young children.
Myth: Frozen Teethers Work Better
Fact: Very hard frozen objects can hurt tender gums. Cool is enough.
Myth: Every Baby Has Bad Teething Pain
Fact: Some babies show very few symptoms.
A Simple Baby Teething Checklist
- Look for chewing, drooling, and tender gums
- Remember that a true fever needs another explanation
- Use a clean finger for gum massage
- Offer a safe, firm teether
- Cool teethers in the refrigerator
- Use a cool damp washcloth
- Supervise all chewing and eating
- Ask before giving pain medicine
- Avoid benzocaine and lidocaine
- Avoid amber necklaces and teething jewelry
- Start brushing when the first tooth appears
- Plan the first dental visit by age 1
Conclusion
Baby teething is a normal part of growing up, but you do not have to guess your way through it.
Look for simple signs such as drooling, chewing, and tender gums.
Use safe pressure, cool teethers, and comfort first.
Avoid risky products.
Most important, do not blame fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a very sick baby on teething.
If your baby's symptoms do not look like ordinary baby teething, contact a qualified healthcare professional.
Your next step: Save this guide, check your baby's teether for damage today, and start a simple twice-daily mouth care routine when the first tooth appears.
References and Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren: Teething Pain Relief
- US Food and Drug Administration: Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
- NHS: Baby Teething Symptoms
- American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Baby Teeth
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Early Childhood Oral Health and Dental Home Guidance
Related Parnthub Guides
Continue with these focused guides:
- Infant Teeth Growth and Baby Tooth Timeline
- Infant Molar Teething
- Infant Drooling
- Newborn Gum Care
- Newborn Dental Care
Baby Care Hub: Explore feeding, sleep, health, skin, development, safety, dental care, and more in the Complete Baby Care Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teething
What are the first signs of baby teething?
The first signs often include extra drooling, chewing, mild fussiness, and tender or swollen gums. Some babies show very few symptoms.
What age do babies start teething?
Many babies get their first tooth around 6 months. Some start earlier and some later. The lower front teeth are often the first to appear.
What is the safest way to relieve baby teething pain?
Start with a clean finger gum massage, a firm teether, or a cool damp washcloth. Ask your healthcare professional about medicine if your baby remains very uncomfortable.
Can baby teething cause a fever?
Teething should not cause a true fever. A temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or higher should not simply be blamed on teething.
Can teething cause diarrhea?
No good evidence shows that teething directly causes diarrhea. Contact your healthcare professional if diarrhea is significant or continues.
Is Orajel safe for a teething baby?
Do not use benzocaine teething products for babies. The FDA warns that benzocaine can cause a serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. They are not proven to relieve teething pain and can cause choking or strangulation.
Can I freeze a teething ring?
It is safer to chill a teether rather than freeze it solid. Very hard frozen objects can injure tender gums.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Start brushing twice a day as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft child-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste according to current dental guidance.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
Arrange the first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday.
