Teething Symptoms and Remedies

Teething is a big milestone for babies and a common challenge for parents. Most babies start teething around 6 months, though it can start a bit earlier or later. Each child is different, and the process can last well into toddler years.

During this stage, you may notice your baby chewing on toys, drooling more than usual, or fussing more often. It’s normal to feel unsure about what’s happening and how to help. This guide covers what signs to watch for and safe, proven ways to soothe teething pain so you can support your child with confidence and care.

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in Babies

Teething comes with a handful of recognizable signs, but some symptoms are often misunderstood. Knowing the difference helps parents stay calm and reach out for help when something doesn’t seem right. Teething typically causes mild discomfort, while some symptoms mean something more serious is going on. Here’s how to tell what’s expected—and what deserves a closer look.

Typical Signs of Teething

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Most babies show similar symptoms when teeth start pushing through the gums. Parents often notice:

• Drooling: Teething usually brings loads of drool. It’s common to see damp shirts, wet chins, and sometimes minor drool rashes.
• Gum swelling and tenderness: Gums may look red or puffy where a tooth will pop up. Babies may wince if you rub their gums.
• Chewing behavior: Chewing is a natural way babies soothe sore gums. You’ll notice them gnawing on toys, their own hands, or anything they can grab.
• Fussiness or crankiness: Discomfort makes babies irritable, especially in the evenings or at nap time.
• Mild temperature elevations: Some babies have a slight rise in temperature (generally less than 100.4°F/38°C). If the temperature goes higher, it’s probably not teething.
• Flushed cheeks: Sometimes, one cheek looks redder than the other.

These symptoms can last a few days before and after a tooth appears. For most babies, this pattern repeats with each new tooth.

Symptoms That Aren’t Caused by Teething

It’s easy to blame every new symptom on teething, but some signs just aren’t connected to new teeth. If your baby has any of these, reach out to your doctor:

• High fever: A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is not caused by teething.
• Vomiting or frequent diarrhea: These signs point to illness or infection—not teething.
• Widespread rash: A mild drool rash is common, but a whole-body rash, especially with other symptoms, could mean something else.
• Cold-like symptoms: Cough, congestion, or runny nose are more likely from a cold or allergy, not from new teeth.
• Refusal to eat or drink: It’s normal for a teething baby to be a little off their feeds, but complete refusal for more than a day is cause for concern.
• Unusual drowsiness or persistent lethargy: A tired baby is normal, but if your child is unusually hard to wake or less responsive, call for help.

Rely on your instincts—if your baby seems much sicker than usual, acts very differently, or just doesn’t seem right, it’s always okay to consult your doctor. Spotting the difference can make a stressful time smoother and keep your child safe.

Safe and Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

Teething can make even the happiest baby cranky. Sore gums, swollen cheeks, and endless drool can leave your little one fussy day and night. As a parent, you want proven, gentle ways to ease their pain. Below you’ll find practical, evidence-based solutions for soothing teething discomfort without unnecessary risks.

Non-Medication Comfort Techniques

Photo by Abhinav Vaghela

Most babies find comfort from simple, hands-on remedies. Give these trusted ideas a try:

• Chilled Teething Rings
  Place a firm, rubber teething ring in the refrigerator—not the freezer. A cold (not frozen) ring soothes sore gums with gentle pressure and coolness. Avoid rings filled with liquid or plastic beads, which can break and pose a choking risk.
• Cold Washcloths
  Wet a clean washcloth, wring out the excess water, and chill it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes. Babies love to chew and suck on the cold fabric, which eases the discomfort and gives them something soft to gnaw on.
• Gum Massage
  Rub your clean finger gently in circles on your baby’s gums. Mild pressure relieves pain much like rubbing a stubbed toe. Try a chilled finger or damp gauze pad for extra comfort.
• Safe Teething Toys
  Offer teething toys made from solid, nontoxic material. Choose teethers large enough to avoid choking hazards and free from small parts. Rotate toys to keep things interesting. Always supervise your baby while they’re chewing to prevent accidents.

Simple comfort techniques not only ease pain but distract your little one from teething struggles. Save hard foods or biscuits for older babies who are ready to eat solids and can sit up without help.

When and How to Use Medication

Sometimes teething pain makes your baby truly miserable. If comfort techniques aren’t enough, medicine can help—but only when used carefully.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  Safe for babies over two months (specific brands and guidelines may vary by country), acetaminophen can reduce pain and calm fussiness. Always check the dose for your baby’s exact weight and age or ask your doctor. Use the dropper included with the medicine for an accurate dose.
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  Suitable for babies over six months. Ibuprofen not only relieves pain but also calms mild swelling. Like with acetaminophen, proper dosing is crucial. Give it with food to avoid upsetting your child’s stomach.
• When Is Medicine Needed?
  Medication is best for nights when your baby just can’t sleep or eat, or when comfort methods aren’t enough. Use medicine for the shortest time possible. If your child seems very sick, has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or their symptoms don’t improve, call your pediatrician.

Important safety notes:

• Never use adult medicines or doses.
• Avoid products containing benzocaine, lidocaine, or homeopathic teething gels with unproven or unsafe ingredients.
• Don’t turn to teething necklaces, bracelets, or amber beads—these increase the risk of choking and strangulation.

With clear guidelines, you can offer comfort while keeping your baby safe. Stick to proven tips, watch for signs that don’t fit with teething, and trust your instincts.

Teething Remedies and Practices to Avoid

When your baby is in pain, it’s tempting to reach for whatever promises relief the fastest. Some products advertise quick fixes and even sound “natural” or “gentle,” but not all teething remedies are safe. Pediatricians and health authorities have warned against several commonly used items due to real risks for babies. Let’s sort fact from fiction and keep your little one safe—here’s what to strictly avoid.

Dangerous Teething Products and Substances

Teething parents want to soothe pain, but some remedies create bigger problems than they solve. Here are the most important teething products and substances to avoid:

Topical Anesthetics: Gels and Creams

Products that numb gums—like teething gels and creams with benzocaine or lidocaine—may seem like an easy solution but are off-limits for infants and toddlers. These anesthetics can cause a rare, life-threatening blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, which prevents the blood from carrying oxygen properly. The FDA and pediatricians say never use these for teething. Even a small amount can be dangerous.

• Brands to skip: Orajel®, Anbesol®, and generic ‘numbing’ gels or creams.
• Why: Babies may swallow or absorb more than adults realize, risking severe toxicity.

Teething Necklaces and Bracelets

Teething necklaces—often made from amber, silicone, or wood—claim to soothe pain or provide sensory relief. The truth? These items are not effective and are extremely unsafe.

• Choking hazard: Beads can break off.
• Strangulation risk: Babies can get tangled, especially if necklaces are worn during naps or sleep.
• Infections: The jewelry can injure the delicate skin around the neck and mouth.

The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advise against anything worn around the neck for pain relief.

Frozen Teething Toys and Hard Objects

Chilling teething rings gives safe relief, but never give your baby anything frozen solid or rock-hard to chew.

• Frozen objects can damage sensitive gum tissue or break tiny teeth just coming in.
• Always use chilled—not frozen—teething rings, and skip any item that could splinter, break, or become a choking hazard.

Homeopathic Teething Tablets & Gels

Just because something is labeled “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Homeopathic teething tablets and gels have caused severe side effects, hospitalizations, and even deaths. The main issue is with ingredients like belladonna (deadly nightshade), which aren’t reliably controlled from batch to batch and can be highly toxic in small amounts.

• Risks include: Seizures, breathing problems, muscle weakness, and more.
• The FDA has issued strong warnings to avoid ALL homeopathic teething remedies, no matter what’s on the label.

Inappropriate Substance Application

Never apply aspirin, rubbing alcohol, whiskey, or any other “folk” remedies directly onto your baby’s gums. These substances carry real dangers:

• Aspirin: Can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness in children.
• Alcohol: Even tiny amounts can poison a baby, leading to seizures, slowed breathing, or worse.

Quick reference of teething dangers:

• OTC numbing gels (benzocaine/lidocaine)
• Amber or silicone necklaces and bracelets
• Frozen objects (use only chilled)
• Homeopathic teething tablets/gels
• Applying aspirin or alcohol to gums

Stick to safe, simple solutions. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician. Avoiding these products keeps teething a little less stressful—and much safer for your child.

Promoting Oral Health During the Teething Phase

Keeping your baby’s mouth healthy during teething does more than fight discomfort. Good oral care routines set up healthy teeth and habits for a lifetime. From wiping little gums to knowing when to visit the dentist, small steps make a big difference during these early months.

Gentle Oral Hygiene for Babies: How to clean a baby’s gums and early tooth care routines

Photo by MART PRODUCTION

Oral hygiene starts before the first tooth peeks out. Bacteria can collect in the mouth even in babies who haven’t started solids. Cleaning those tiny gums keeps the mouth fresh and gets your child used to mouth care from day one.

• Before teeth appear:
  Use a clean, damp washcloth or a soft silicone finger brush. Gently wipe your baby’s gums after feedings and before bedtime. This removes milk residue and keeps the gums healthy as teeth push through.
• When the first tooth pops through:
  Transition to a baby-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Moisten it with water only. Brush gently twice a day, aiming for morning and bedtime. At this stage, toothpaste isn’t needed yet.
• With more teeth (around age 1):
  Introduce a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste—the size of a grain of rice. Fluoride strengthens new enamel and helps prevent the first cavities. Make tooth brushing part of your regular routine, and always supervise to be sure your child doesn’t swallow toothpaste.

Other healthy habits:

• Let your baby drink water after meals and snacks.
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with milk, formula, or juice bottles. Sugary liquids can cling to teeth and gums, leading to decay.
• Swap sugary snacks and drinks for water and fresh fruits as your child gets older.

These steps won’t just protect teeth—they help your child see brushing and oral care as a normal, stress-free part of the day.

When to Consult a Pediatric Dentist: Guidelines on timing for the first dental visit and monitoring tooth eruption milestones

Most parents wonder when to book that first dentist appointment. Experts recommend seeing a pediatric dentist by your baby’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting—whichever comes first. Early visits are key in checking development, answering questions, and stopping potential problems before they start.

Why start so early?

• Dentists look for any early signs of decay or oral issues.
• They help parents understand and plan for tooth eruption patterns.
• Professional guidance makes it easier to know what’s normal—and what’s not.

What to expect at the first visit:

• A gentle examination of your baby’s mouth, gums, and first teeth.
• Personalized advice on teething comfort, diet, and cleaning routines.
• Tips on how to manage common concerns, such as thumb-sucking or white spots on teeth.
• Sometimes, a fluoride varnish is applied to protect the new teeth’s enamel.

Monitor your child’s dental development by:

• Keeping track of when each tooth appears (most often between 6 and 12 months for the first ones).
• Noting the order: bottom center teeth often come in first, followed by the top front.
• Watching for delays: If no teeth have appeared by 15 months, ask your dentist or pediatrician.

Early dental visits build trust with the dentist and encourage a lifetime of confident smiles. Regular checkups every six months help keep your baby on track through the toddler years and beyond.

Conclusion

Teething is a normal part of your baby’s development, and while it can be challenging, most symptoms are mild and pass with time. A few simple remedies, like chilled teething toys, gum massages, and lots of cuddles, can go a long way. Avoid using numbing gels or unsafe products—your baby’s comfort and safety always come first.

If you ever feel unsure or your child’s symptoms seem unusual, call your pediatrician. Trust your instincts and lean on your care team for guidance. Every child’s teething journey is unique, and you’re not alone in wanting the best for your baby.

Thanks for reading—your dedication to your child’s comfort and health matters. If you found this helpful or have a tip of your own, share it below and help other parents through this stage, too.

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