Teething (daat aana) is uncomfortable but temporary - and there's a lot you can do to help! Most babies start teething between 4-7 months, though timing varies widely. Symptoms include drooling, irritability, and wanting to chew everything. Safe remedies include cold teething toys, gum massage, and age-appropriate pain relief. Importantly: high fever, diarrhea, and severe symptoms are NOT normal teething signs - see a doctor if these occur.
When Do Teeth Come? (Daat Kab Aate Hain)
Watch: How to Know When Your Baby Is Sleepy 😴 | Baby Sleep Cues Every Parent Should Know
Typical Teething Timeline
Teeth
Typical Age
Notes
Lower front teeth (central incisors)
6-10 months
Usually first to appear
Upper front teeth (central incisors)
8-12 months
Usually second
Upper lateral incisors
9-13 months
Beside front teeth
Lower lateral incisors
10-16 months
Beside front teeth
First molars
13-19 months
Back teeth - often more painful
Canines (eye teeth)
16-23 months
Pointed teeth
Second molars
23-33 months
Back-most baby teeth
Important: These are averages! Your baby may be earlier or later - both are normal.
What's Normal?
Early teething: Some babies get first tooth at 3-4 months
Late teething: Some babies don't get first tooth until 12-14 months
Family pattern: Teething timing often runs in families
Full set: All 20 baby teeth usually by age 3
Don't worry if: Your baby is 10+ months with no teeth - usually just late bloomer. Mention to pediatrician at next visit but usually no concern.
Teething Symptoms (Daat Aane Ke Lakshan)
Normal Teething Symptoms
What to expect:
Symptom
Why It Happens
What to Do
Drooling (raal aana) - excessive
Saliva production increases
Bib, wipe gently, apply barrier cream
Chewing everything
Pressure helps pain
Provide safe teething toys
Swollen, red gums
Tooth pushing through
Gum massage, cold items
Irritability, fussiness (chidhchidha)
Discomfort and pain
Comfort, pain relief if needed
Disturbed sleep (neend kharab)
Pain worse at night
Comfort, pain relief before bed
Ear pulling/cheek rubbing
Pain refers to these areas
Normal, doesn't mean ear infection
Slightly reduced appetite
Gums sore
Offer cool foods, continue feeding
Low-grade fever (below 100.4F/38C)
Mild inflammation
Monitor, should be brief
Drool rash
Saliva irritates skin
Keep dry, barrier cream
What's NOT Normal Teething
These symptoms need doctor visit - they're NOT from teething:
Symptom
Why It's Concerning
High fever (above 100.4F/38C)
Likely infection, not teething
Diarrhea/loose stools (loose motion)
Not caused by teething
Severe vomiting
Not a teething symptom
Rash on body (not just face)
Not teething related
Inconsolable crying for hours
Something else is wrong
Refusing all feeds
May be ill
Lethargy, unusual drowsiness
Sign of illness
Common myth: "Daat aane se loose motion hota hai" - This is NOT true! Research shows teething does NOT cause diarrhea. If your baby has diarrhea, look for other causes (infection, food).
Step-by-Step: Soothing Teething Pain
Step 1: Cold Items (Thanda Lagaao)
Cold numbs the pain - very effective!
Safe cold options:
Cold teething ring - Refrigerate (NOT freeze - too hard)
Cold wet washcloth - Wet, wring out, refrigerate
Chilled spoon - Metal spoon from fridge
Frozen fruit in mesh feeder - For 6+ months (started solids)
Banana, mango, apple work well
Cold water in sippy cup - For babies drinking water
Safety tips:
Refrigerate, don't freeze (frozen items too hard, can hurt gums)
Always supervise with any teething item
Check for cracks or damage regularly
Step 2: Gum Massage (Masoode Ko Malish)
Pressure on gums provides relief!
How to do it:
Wash your hands thoroughly
Use clean finger (or clean cold washcloth)
Gently rub baby's gums in circular motion
Focus on areas that seem most swollen
Let baby bite down on your finger if they want
Tip: Some babies love this, others don't. Follow your baby's cues.
Step 3: Safe Teething Toys (Teething Toys)
What to look for:
BPA-free, non-toxic materials
Easy for baby to hold
Different textures
Can be refrigerated
Good options in India:
Fisher-Price teethers
Mee Mee teething rings
LuvLap teethers
Pigeon teething toys
Silicone teethers
Avoid:
Amber teething necklaces (choking hazard, no proven benefit)
Teething jewelry (choking hazard)
Anything that can break into small pieces
Step 4: Distraction and Comfort
Sometimes the best medicine is comfort!
Extra cuddles and holding
Feeding (breastfeeding is comforting)
Play and distraction
Going outside for change of scene
Cool bath
Step 5: Pain Relief Medication (When Needed)
When home remedies aren't enough:
Safe options:
Medicine
Age
Dose
Notes
Paracetamol (Crocin, Calpol)
2+ months
Weight-based - ask pediatrician
Can give every 4-6 hours
Ibuprofen (Brufen)
6+ months
Weight-based - ask pediatrician
Can give every 6-8 hours
Important:
Check correct dose with pediatrician
Don't exceed recommended doses
Useful for nighttime when pain disrupts neend
AVOID:
Teething gels with benzocaine - Can cause serious side effects
Homeopathic teething tablets - Not proven safe or effective
Aspirin - Never for children
Alcohol on gums - Dangerous for babies
Any numbing gel without doctor advice
Tips for Success
During the Day
Have multiple teething toys available
Rotate toys to keep them interesting
Keep baby's face dry to prevent drool rash
Offer cold foods if baby has started solids
For Better Sleep (Neend Ke Liye)
Give pain relief 30 minutes before bedtime if needed
Teeth coming in unusual order or with unusual appearance
You're concerned about something
Taking Care of New Teeth (Naye Daaton Ki Dekhbhal)
Even before teeth appear:
Wipe gums with soft, damp cloth after feeding
Once teeth appear:
Use soft baby toothbrush or finger brush
Tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (rice grain size)
Brush twice daily
No bottle in bed (causes decay)
First dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Baby bahut ro raha hai - daat aa rahe hain ya kuch aur?
A: Teething causes fussiness but usually baby can be comforted and has periods of happiness. If baby is inconsolable for hours, has high fever (above 100.4F), refusing all feeds, or seems very unwell, this is NOT just teething - see doctor. Also, daat aane se loose motion NAHI hota - if baby has diarrhea, look for other causes.
Q: Daat late aa rahe hain - 10 mahine ke hain, abhi tak ek bhi nahi. Kya karun?
A: Don't worry! Teething timing varies hugely. Some babies don't get first tooth until 12-14 months - completely normal. Often runs in families (ask parents when your teeth came). Mention to pediatrician at next routine visit, but usually no concern. If no teeth by 18 months, then evaluation needed.
Q: Raat ko bahut jagta hai jab daat aa rahe hote hain. Neend kaise sudhaarun?
A: Teething can definitely disturb neend because pain often feels worse at night. Tips: give paracetamol 30 minutes before bed (ask doctor for dose), offer cold teether before bed, extra comfort at bedtime. But be careful not to create new sleep habits (like feeding to sleep) that you'll need to break later. Teething phases usually last 1-2 weeks per tooth, then sleep improves.
Q: Teething gel lagana safe hai kya?
A: Avoid teething gels with benzocaine (numbing agent) - they can cause serious side effects in babies. If you want to use a gel, ask your pediatrician for specific recommendations. Better options: cold teethers, gum massage, and if needed, paracetamol. Many "natural" teething gels and tablets are also not proven safe or effective.
Q: Kitne din tak dard rehta hai ek daat ke liye?
A: Usually the worst discomfort is 3-5 days before the tooth breaks through the gum and 1-2 days after. Once the tooth is through, pain reduces significantly. So each tooth = roughly 1 week of symptoms. But babies get 20 teeth over 2-3 years, so there are many teething episodes! Molars (back teeth) often cause more discomfort than front teeth.
Q: Baby khaana nahi kha raha daat aane ki wajah se. Kya karun?
A: Slightly reduced appetite during teething is normal - sore gums make eating uncomfortable. Tips: offer cool, soft foods (chilled dahi, mashed banana from fridge, cold cucumber sticks for older babies), continue breastfeeding (provides comfort too), don't force eating. If baby refuses ALL feeds for more than a day, or shows signs of dehydration, see doctor - might be something other than teething.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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