Yes, teething (daant aana) is completely normal and typically starts around 6 months of age. Your baby may be fussy, drool more, and want to chew on everything - this is all part of the natural process. While teething can be uncomfortable, it does NOT cause high fever or severe illness. Don't worry, mummy-papa - this phase will pass!
When Do Babies Start Teething?
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Most Indian babies start teething between 4-7 months, though some may start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Here's the typical daant aana timeline:
Teething Timeline by Age
Age
Teeth Expected
6-10 months
Lower front teeth (incisors) first
8-12 months
Upper front teeth
9-13 months
Upper lateral incisors
10-16 months
Lower lateral incisors
13-19 months
First molars
16-23 months
Canines (pointed teeth)
23-33 months
Second molars
Remember: Every baby is different. Some babies get their first daant at 4 months, others at 10 months - both are completely normal!
Common Teething Symptoms (Daant Aane Ke Lakshan)
Normal Symptoms - Don't Worry About These:
Excessive drooling (raal tapakna): Bibs will become your best friend!
Chewing on everything: Fingers, toys, your dupatta - nothing is safe
Swollen, tender gums: Gums may look red and puffy where tooth is coming
Mild fussiness and crying: Especially in the evening and at night
Disturbed sleep: Baby may wake up more often
Pulling at ears: Due to referred pain from gums
Mild loss of appetite: Gums are sore, so eating may be uncomfortable
Slight increase in temperature: Up to 99.5°F (37.5°C) is okay
Cheek rubbing: Baby may rub their cheeks or chin
What Teething Does NOT Cause:
Many parents and even dadi-nani believe teething causes:
High fever (above 100.4°F/38°C) - No, see a doctor
Diarrhea (loose motions) - No, this needs evaluation
Vomiting - No, consult doctor
Severe rash - No, get it checked
Cold and cough - No, this is a separate infection
If your baby has these symptoms, they may have an infection that needs medical attention - don't blame it on teething!
Age-Specific Teething Guide
4-6 Months: Early Teething
Some babies show signs even before teeth appear
Increased drooling and chewing
May refuse breast or bottle briefly due to gum discomfort
Tip: Chilled teething rings work well
6-12 Months: Peak Teething Time
First teeth usually appear
Multiple teeth may come together
Night waking is common
Tip: Frozen banana pieces or cold cucumber for relief
12-24 Months: Molars Arrive
Molars cause more discomfort (bigger teeth)
Toddler may be extra cranky
Can point to where it hurts
Tip: Teething biscuits like Farex or Cerelac teethers help
Safe Home Remedies for Teething (Gharelu Nuskhe)
1. Chilled Teething Toys
Keep teething rings in the fridge (NOT freezer - too cold can hurt gums)
Silicone teethers are safe and easy to clean
Brands like Chicco, Mee Mee, and Pigeon are good options
2. Cold Washcloth
Wet a clean cloth, wring it out, chill in fridge for 30 minutes
Let baby chew on it
The texture and cold provide double relief
3. Gentle Gum Massage
Wash hands thoroughly
Use clean finger to gently rub baby's gums
Massage in circular motions for 2-3 minutes
The pressure relieves pain
4. Chilled Foods (for 6+ months)
Cold banana slices
Chilled cucumber sticks (thick enough to prevent choking)
Frozen fruit in mesh feeder
Cold gajar (carrot) sticks
Chilled apple slices
5. Teething Biscuits
Farex teething biscuits
Cerelac teethers
Homemade ragi cookies (without sugar)
Always supervise to prevent choking
6. Distraction
Sometimes the best medicine is distraction!
Play with baby, go for walks
New toys can take mind off discomfort
What NOT to Use for Teething
Teething gels with benzocaine: Not recommended for babies - can cause serious problems
Homeopathic teething tablets: Not proven safe or effective
Amber teething necklaces: Choking and strangulation hazard
Frozen teething toys: Too cold can damage gums
Rubbing alcohol on gums: Never do this!
Honey: Not safe for babies under 1 year
When to Give Medicine
If baby is very uncomfortable, you can give:
Paracetamol (Crocin/Calpol): Correct dose based on weight
Ibuprofen (Brufen): For babies 6 months and older
Always consult your pediatrician for correct dosing. Don't give medicine routinely - only when baby is clearly in pain.
When to See a Doctor
Seek Medical Advice If:
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
Diarrhea or vomiting
Rash that doesn't go away
Refusing to eat for more than 2 days
Unusual irritability that doesn't improve
Signs of ear infection (pulling at ears with fever)
Teeth appear discolored or damaged
No teeth by 18 months
Schedule a Dental Visit:
First dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth
Early check ensures healthy tooth development
Caring for New Teeth
Once daant aa jaye (teeth have arrived):
Clean teeth twice daily:
Use a soft baby toothbrush
Just water for babies under 2
Rice-grain sized fluoride toothpaste for 2+ years
Avoid bottle in bed:
Milk pooling causes tooth decay
Give water if baby needs something to sleep
Limit sugary foods:
Avoid giving mithai, chocolate, or sugary biscuits to babies
Fruits are naturally sweet and healthier
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
FAQs
Q: My baby is 8 months old and has no teeth yet. Is this normal?
A: Absolutely normal! Some babies don't get their first tooth until 12-14 months. As long as baby is otherwise healthy and developing well, there's no need to worry. The teeth will come when they're ready.
Q: Does teething cause fever?
A: Teething may cause a slight increase in temperature (up to 99.5°F/37.5°C), but NOT high fever. If your baby has fever above 100.4°F/38°C, it's likely due to an infection, not teething. Please consult your doctor.
Q: Can I give my baby something cold from the freezer to chew on?
A: Avoid frozen items as they can be too cold and damage delicate gums. Chilled (refrigerated) items are safer and just as effective.
Q: My mother-in-law says to rub honey on baby's gums for teething. Is it safe?
A: No, honey should NOT be given to babies under 1 year as it can cause a serious condition called infant botulism. Politely explain this to family members.
Q: How long does teething pain last?
A: Each tooth takes about 8 days to fully emerge (4 days coming in, the day it appears, and 3 days after). The worst discomfort is usually in the 2-3 days before the tooth breaks through.
Q: My teething baby has loose motions. What should I do?
A: Despite popular belief, teething does NOT cause diarrhea. If your baby has loose motions, they may have picked up an infection - possibly from putting things in their mouth during teething. Consult your pediatrician.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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