Is your baby suddenly cranky all the time?
Are you constantly pulling random objects out of their mouth because they want to chew everything in sight?
Add in the endless drool, and you start wondering, could this be teething?
For most parents, this stage sneaks up out of nowhere. One day, your baby seems fine, and the next you’re trying to figure out why they won’t settle, why they refuse their usual foods, or why sleep has suddenly gone out the window. That’s why knowing how to know if baby is teething becomes a must-do for parents.
The most comforting news is that teething is completely normal and temporary. And once you know the real teething symptoms in baby to watch for, you’ll feel more confident in comforting your little one.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 8 months old, though some may have their first tooth as early as 3 months or as late as after their first birthday.
Pediatricians often give a broad range because every baby’s teething journey is different. So, it usually isn’t a matter for concern, if your little one hasn’t shown signs by 12 months, but it’s worth a checkup at a pediatric dentist. On the other hand, some early teethers surprise parents with their first tooth popping through at just a few months old.
Doctors often use a baby teething chart to make it easier to track. It shows the order and tentative timing of tooth eruption in babies:
- 4–7 months: Bottom front teeth (the little central incisors) usually make their debut.
- 6–10 months: Top front teeth come in, giving your baby that first toothy smile.
- 9–16 months: Side teeth (lateral incisors) follow, filling in the gaps.
- 13–19 months: First molars appear, the larger teeth that can cause more gum pressure.
- 16–23 months: Canines (the pointy teeth) appear.
- 23–33 months: Second molars are the last to break through, completing the set of 20 baby teeth.
What Are the Signs of Teething in Babies?
Just like the timeline, baby teething symptoms can vary a lot. What you noticed with your first child might look completely different with your second one. But that doesn’t mean there are no clear signs your baby is teething to look for. Here are the teething symptoms that are widely recognized, shared by parents and doctors likewise.
Red, swollen, or Tender Gums – Sometimes you can see or feel a tooth just under the surface, like a little white bump trying to break through.
Excessive drooling – Seriously, where does it all come from? You’ll go through more bibs than you thought humanly possible. All that drool often causes a teething rash around their chin and cheeks, too.
Chewing or biting everything – Aside from a child’s natural curiosity to put everything in their mouth, there comes a phase when they’re doing it excessively and desperately. But the real reason is that babies chew and bite because the counterpressure helps soothe their sore gums when a tooth is pushing through.
Changes in sleep patterns – Your previously decent sleeper might start waking up multiple times or refusing to go down at all. Lying flat makes the throbbing worse, so nighttime is when they really feel it.
Crankiness and irritability – Teething can make babies fussy, especially in the evenings when they’re already tired. And since they can’t explain what’s bothering them, they often cry endlessly to express their discomfort.
Eating less than usual – Some babies refuse to eat because their mouth hurts. Others want to be nursed constantly for comfort. Either way, normal eating patterns go out the window.
Slightly raised temperature – You might find your child’s body temperature has risen up which is often called teething fever, especially in the evenings. But keep a check on it, if it goes up about 100.4°F or 38°C using a thermometer to avoid neglecting the hidden reasons.
Ear pulling or rubbing cheeks – Pulling at ears, rubbing cheeks, generally looking uncomfortable. The pain from their gums can radiate, making them try to find relief however they can.
Normal Teething Symptoms vs. Unusual Signs that Need a Checkup
There’s a fine line between what we recognize as normal signs of teething in baby and what could actually point to something more serious.
This is normal:
- Sore or swollen gums
- Extra drooling, sometimes causing a small rash
- Chewing or biting on anything nearby, even your fingers or nipples, while nursing
- Crankiness or irritability, especially at night
- Trouble sleeping
- Reduced appetite or fussiness with feeding
- Rubbing ears or cheeks
- Mild temperature rise
But call your pediatrician if you see:
- High fever, i.e 103°F or above
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- A rash that spreads beyond the chin or drool area
- Constant ear pulling paired with fever, because that could be an ear infection, not teething
- Extreme fatigue, dehydration, or refusal to eat/drink
How Long Does Teething Last?
Teething is a gradual process that can feel never-ending when you’re in the thick of it. Each new tooth can cause symptoms for about 1–7 days on average, before finally erupting through the gum. Some babies breeze through in just a couple of days, while others struggle for a whole week with every tooth.
Since symptoms tend to come and go in phases, like things might settle down after the first tooth, but you might feel all the symptoms coming back again when it’s time for the next tooth.
It has been generally front teeth, like the bottom and top incisors, that cause less pain and discomfort, but when it comes to molars, your child will be suffering the most.
How to Help Teething Baby Sleep?
The most common issue faced by parents is to make their babies sleep peacefully while teething. And we understand it better because when your child is already dealing with a lot of pain, and the least you want for them is to go to sleep for a temporary relief.
So, here are a few tips that might help:
Try a gentle gum massage – Use a clean finger or damp cloth to lightly rub their gums to ease the pressure. This works especially well right before bedtime.
Offer something cool to chew on – You can also use a chilled teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth to soothe sore gums.
Stick to a calming routine – A warm bath before bed, soft lullabies, or dim lights can help them find comfort in their sleep.
Consider temporary sleep adjustments – Maybe they need an extra feeding or longer rocking time, but do what works, even if it’s not your usual routine.
Know when to get help – If sleep becomes completely impossible for several nights running, talk to your pediatrician.
How to Comfort a Teething Baby?
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe ways to help your little one through this rough patch.
Safe options for teething relief for baby:
- Chilled teething rings, frozen washcloths, even cold fruit in those mesh feeders if they’re eating solids. The cold numbs the pain and feels good on inflamed gums.
- Wash your hands and gently rub their sore spots with your finger.
- Keep them distracted. Sometimes getting their mind off the pain works better than trying to treat it.
- Protect that poor skin. All that drool will wreck their face if you don’t stay on top of it. Gentle barrier creams or just frequent cleaning can prevent painful rashes from making everything worse.
What about a teething necklace for babies?
You may see amber teething necklaces recommended online or on social media. While trendy, they’re not considered safe since necklaces can pose choking and strangulation risks. Pediatricians strongly advise against using them.
If your baby is very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician whether a baby-safe pain reliever like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen is appropriate. But must avoid numbing gels, teething tablets, or home remedies with alcohol, as they can be unsafe for infants.
Bottom Line
Teething is rough, but it’s the phase that every parent has to endure with their child. But the key is having realistic expectations and a few reliable comfort strategies.
You’ll get through this phase, your baby will get their teeth, and eventually you’ll sleep through the night again. And then, just when you think you’re done with teeth drama, they’ll start losing these baby teeth. However, if you still have more questions to ask specific to your child, you can consult our pediatric dentist, and we’ll help you get through this phase more confidently.
FAQs
- What are the signs baby is teething?
Swollen gums, extra drooling, chewing on everything, irritability, pulling ears, cheek rash, and disrupted sleep are some of the common symptoms seen in babies during the teething phase.
- How to know if baby is teething or sick?
Teething usually causes mild symptoms like drooling, crankiness, and sore gums, but if your baby has a high fever, severe diarrhea, or extreme fatigue, then you must rush to the dentist.
- Does teething make a baby tired?
Teething phase is the most painful period as it often disturbs your child’s sleep, making them tired and cranky.
- Can a baby get 103 fever from teething?
No, a slight temperature rise is common in teething, but not a high fever like 103°F.
- How to help a teething baby sleep better?
Offer something cool to chew on before bedtime, give extra comfort like rocking or feeding, and keep the room calm and dark. Temporary adjustments to routine are fine during teething phases.
- What baby teething medicine is safe?
Pediatricians may recommend infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the discomfort is severe.
