Complete Guide to Baby Teething: Symptoms, Safe Remedies, and When to Call a Pediatrician
Quick Answer: Teething (daant aana) typically starts between 4-7 months, with the bottom front teeth appearing first. Common signs include excessive drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and mild fever (under 100.4°F). Safe remedies include chilled teethers, gum massage, and teething toys. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine and amber necklaces. If fever exceeds 101°F or baby has diarrhea, it's likely NOT teething - see your pediatrician!
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When Does Teething Start?
Watch: Teething in Babies Explained: Symptoms, Relief & Oral Care Guide
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age, but every baby is different! Some babies are born with teeth, while others don't get their first tooth until after their first birthday.
Teething Timeline
Age
Teeth
Common Names
**6-10 months**
Bottom front 2 teeth
Lower central incisors
**8-12 months**
Top front 2 teeth
Upper central incisors
**9-13 months**
Top side teeth
Upper lateral incisors
**10-16 months**
Bottom side teeth
Lower lateral incisors
**13-19 months**
First molars
Back teeth
**16-23 months**
Canines
Pointed teeth
**23-33 months**
Second molars
Back molars
Reassurance: If your baby's teeth come in a different order or timing, that's usually perfectly normal! By age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth.
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Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Common Teething Symptoms
Symptom
What You'll See
**Excessive drooling**
Soaking through bibs, drool rash on chin
**Gum rubbing/biting**
Baby puts everything in mouth
**Swollen, tender gums**
Red or puffy gums where tooth is coming
**Irritability**
Fussier than usual, especially evenings
**Sleep disturbances**
Waking more at night
**Ear pulling**
Referred pain from gums
**Decreased appetite**
Discomfort while feeding
**Low-grade fever**
Up to 100.4°F (38°C) - NOT high fever
What is NOT Caused by Teething
Many parents attribute these symptoms to teething, but they're usually caused by something else:
❌ High fever (above 101°F)
❌ Diarrhea or loose stools
❌ Vomiting
❌ Severe rash
❌ Cough or congestion
❌ Loss of appetite for more than a few days
Important: If your baby has these symptoms, see a doctor. Don't assume it's "just teething"!
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Safe Teething Remedies
Recommended Relief Methods
Method
How to Use
Why It Helps
**Chilled teether**
Refrigerate (not freeze), give to baby
Cold numbs gums
**Clean, wet washcloth**
Chill and let baby chew
Texture soothes gums
**Gum massage**
Rub gums with clean finger
Pressure relieves pain
**Teething toys**
BPA-free, solid toys
Chewing provides relief
**Cold spoon**
Chill metal spoon
Cold soothes inflammation
**Chilled fruits**
In mesh feeder (6+ months)
Safe way to get cold on gums
For Severe Discomfort
If baby is very uncomfortable:
Infant paracetamol (Calpol) - Follow dosage by weight
Infant ibuprofen - For babies 6+ months, follow dosage
Note: Always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication.
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What to AVOID
Dangerous Teething Products
Product
Why It's Dangerous
**Teething gels with benzocaine**
Can cause serious blood disorder (methemoglobinemia)
**Homeopathic teething tablets**
FDA warnings about inconsistent ingredients
**Amber teething necklaces**
Choking and strangulation hazard
**Frozen teethers**
Too hard, can hurt gums
**Teething biscuits**
Choking risk, sugar content
Also Avoid
Rubbing alcohol on gums
Aspirin or adult pain medications
Tying anything around baby's neck
Leaving baby unsupervised with teethers
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Caring for New Teeth
Start Cleaning Early
Age
What to Use
How Often
**Before teeth**
Damp cloth on gums
After feeds
**First tooth**
Soft baby toothbrush, water
Twice daily
**12+ months**
Rice-grain sized fluoride toothpaste
Twice daily
**3+ years**
Pea-sized fluoride toothpaste
Twice daily
Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Don't put baby to bed with bottle
No juice in bottles
Wean from bottle by 12-14 months
No sharing spoons (to prevent bacteria transfer)
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When to See a Doctor
Call Your Pediatrician If:
Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
Diarrhea lasting more than a day
Rash on body (not just drool rash)
Baby refusing all feeds
Excessive crying that won't stop
Bleeding gums
No teeth by 15 months
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Teething and Sleep
Teething can disrupt sleep, but there are ways to help:
Tips for Better Sleep During Teething
Offer teether before bed - Relieves pressure before sleep
Pain relief at bedtime - If needed, give paracetamol
Extra comfort - More cuddles and soothing
Cool washcloth - Let baby chew before putting down
Reassurance: Sleep disruptions from teething are temporary. Usually just a few nights per tooth.
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Teething Myths Debunked
Myth
Truth
"Teething causes high fever"
Teething only causes low-grade fever (under 100.4°F)
"Teething causes diarrhea"
No scientific link - likely coincides with putting things in mouth
"Amber necklaces relieve teething"
No evidence, and they're a safety hazard
"Rubbing whiskey on gums helps"
Dangerous! Alcohol is harmful to babies
"Drooling means teeth are coming immediately"
Babies drool for months before teeth appear
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby is 4 months old and drooling a lot. Is teething starting?
A: Possibly, but increased drooling around 3-4 months is also normal development as salivary glands mature. Teeth may not appear for several more months.
Q: Can teething cause ear infections?
A: No, but the pain from teething can cause ear pulling, making parents think it's an ear infection. If baby has fever or seems very unwell, check for infection.
Q: My baby has no teeth at 10 months. Should I worry?
A: Usually not! Late teething (up to 15 months) is often genetic. If no teeth by 15 months, consult your dentist.
Q: Is it normal for baby to get teeth out of order?
A: Yes! While there's a typical pattern, many babies get teeth in different orders. This doesn't indicate any problem.
Q: How can I tell if my baby is teething or sick?
A: Teething: Low fever (under 100.4°F), localized to gums, baby can still be consoled. Sick: Higher fever, other symptoms like cough/vomiting/diarrhea, generally unwell.
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Key Takeaways
Teething starts around 4-7 months - but timing varies widely
Drooling, fussiness, and gum swelling are normal teething signs
High fever and diarrhea are NOT from teething - see a doctor
Use safe remedies - chilled teethers, gum massage, infant paracetamol if needed
Avoid dangerous products - teething gels with benzocaine, amber necklaces
Start dental care early - clean gums before teeth, brush from first tooth
Sleep disruption is temporary - usually a few nights per tooth
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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