If your baby has been unusually cranky, drooling more than usual, and gnawing on absolutely everything in sight, chances are the teething symptoms have begun. It is one of those parenting milestones that nobody warns you is quite so exhausting and with so much conflicting advice floating around, it can be hard to know what is normal and what actually helps.
The good news? Teething is temporary, and there is plenty you can do to comfort your little one along the way. This guide will walk you through when babies start teething, what signs and symptoms of teething in infants to look out for, and our best baby teething tips to get you both through it.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies begin teething somewhere between four and seven months of age, although it is perfectly normal for teething to start a little earlier or later than this. Every baby follows their own timeline, and starting at three months or not until nine months does not signal a problem.
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, which are those two small teeth in the centre of the bottom jaw. The upper front teeth tend to follow shortly after, with the full set of 20 baby teeth usually in place by around three years of age.
One thing worth knowing: you may notice your baby’s teething symptoms several weeks before a tooth actually breaks through the gum. That means some babies seem to be teething for what feels like forever before you spot anything. Completely normal, and a good reason to have a teething strategy ready early.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething in Infants
Knowing what to look out for makes the whole experience far less stressful. Here is what the teething process commonly looks like, and what it does not.
Common Baby Teething Symptoms
The following are all well-recognised signs and symptoms of teething in infants:
- Increased drooling – often the very first sign, and it can be surprisingly prolific
- Swollen or tender gums – you may notice a red, slightly raised area where a tooth is pushing through
- Chewing and gnawing on objects – babies instinctively apply counter-pressure to sore gums
- Irritability and fussiness, particularly in the evenings when discomfort tends to peak
- Disrupted sleep and difficulty settling
- A mild temperature – a slight rise is common, but see below for when to be concerned
- Pulling at the ear or rubbing the cheek on the side where a tooth is emerging
- Reduced appetite due to gum tenderness
What Is NOT a Symptom of Teething?
This one is important. Teething is often blamed for a wide range of symptoms that are actually signs of illness rather than tooth eruption. High fever (above 38°C), persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or a baby who seems seriously unwell are not teething symptoms and should not be brushed off as such.
If your baby has a high temperature or appears genuinely sick, please see your GP rather than assuming it is teething-related. And if you are ever unsure, our team can address your infant’s dental emergencies if you have concerns about your child’s oral health.
Baby Teething Tips: How to Soothe a Teething Infant
There is no way to speed up the teething process, as those teeth will arrive in their own time. What you can do is make your baby as comfortable as possible while you wait. Here are our tried and trusted tips for teething infants:
- Chill a teething ring. A refrigerated teething ring (not frozen!) provides gentle cooling relief and counter-pressure against sore gums. Avoid rings with liquid filling that could leak, and always check for any cracks or damage before giving it to your baby.
- Massage the gums. A clean finger or a damp piece of gauze rubbed gently along the gum line can ease soreness and help the tooth work its way through more comfortably. Keep it light and gentle.
- Try a cold, damp cloth. A clean face washer that has been chilled in the fridge gives your baby something safe to gnaw on and offers a simple, effective source of relief.
- Offer cold foods if baby is on solids. Chilled purees, yoghurt, or a cold piece of cucumber (supervised closely) can provide temporary comfort for babies who have started solids. Avoid hard foods that could pose a choking risk.
- Manage the drool rash. All that extra saliva can cause irritation and a rash around the mouth, chin, and neck. Pat the area dry gently throughout the day and apply a gentle, fragrance-free barrier cream to protect the skin.
- Lean into comfort and cuddles. Sometimes the most effective teething baby tip is also the simplest. Extra holding, gentle rocking, and a calm environment can do a great deal to settle an unsettled baby when gums are at their worst.
- Speak to your pharmacist or dentist. If your baby is really struggling, age-appropriate teething gels or infant paracetamol may be suitable. Always seek professional advice on the right product and dosage for your baby’s age and weight before using any medication.
When Should You Take Your Baby to the Dentist?
A question we hear often from parents: when does my baby actually need to see a dentist? The answer is earlier than most people think. We recommend booking your baby’s first dental visit around 12 months of age, or when their first tooth appears – whichever comes first.
This first visit is a gentle, low-key check of the emerging teeth and gums. It is also a chance for our team to guide you on brushing technique, fluoride use, and what to expect as more teeth come through. Perhaps most valuably, it introduces your child to the dental environment in a positive, relaxed way – laying the foundation for a lifetime of comfortable dental visits.
At Dental Spot, we are proud to be a genuinely family-friendly dental practice in Croydon. We take our time with little ones and are experienced at making children feel at ease from their very first appointment. Our check-ups and cleaning service covers patients of all ages, and we have written more about what great children’s dental health looks like if you would like to read further.
Caring for Your Baby’s First Teeth
Good oral hygiene habits start before the first tooth even arrives. Here is what to do at each stage:
- Before teeth appear: wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds. This removes milk residue and helps your baby get used to having their mouth cleaned.
- Once the first tooth arrives: introduce a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste formulated for babies. Brush gently twice a day.
- Avoid bottle feeding to sleep: putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice allows sugary liquid to pool around the new teeth, which is one of the most common causes of early childhood tooth decay.
If you are unsure about the right products to use or how much fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for your baby’s age, our general dentistry team is always happy to advise.
Final Thoughts: Teething Is Tough, But It Does Not Last Forever
Teething is one of those phases that can feel relentless in the thick of it: sleepless nights, a grumpy baby, and the nagging feeling that you should be doing something more. But armed with the right knowledge and a few good strategies, you will get through it.
Know the signs and symptoms of teething, use the tips that work for your baby, and do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. If you are ready to book your little one’s first dental visit, we would love to welcome you to Dental Spot. Book an appointment online or give us a call. We are here for every stage of your family’s dental journey.
As parents, we always want the best for our kids. That’s why when it comes to their dental health, it’s important to foster good oral Read more
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