Baby Teething Symptoms and Remedies

This article will help you understand: 

1. Common baby teething symptoms
2. Safe teething remedies for babies
3. Baby teething age and timeline
4. Teething pain relief and safety
5. When to consult a paediatrician

Extra drooling, constant chewing and unsettled nights can leave parents wondering whether their baby is teething or feeling unwell. The good news is that simple comfort measures can often help, provided you know which symptoms are typical and which need medical attention.

This guide covers common teething signs, safe home remedies and practical ways to care for your baby during this milestone.

When do babies start teething?

Most babies get their first tooth at around six months, although teething can begin earlier or later. The lower front teeth commonly appear first, followed by the upper front teeth and, over time, the remaining baby teeth. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by around three years of age.

There is no single timetable that every baby follows. A late first tooth does not automatically indicate a problem, but discuss concerns about your baby's dental development with a healthcare professional.

What is happening during teething?

Teething occurs when a developing tooth moves through the gum. The surrounding tissue may become tender, causing temporary discomfort.

What parents should know

Teething is a normal developmental process, not an illness. Babies may need extra comfort for a few days around a tooth's emergence, but persistent or severe symptoms should not automatically be blamed on teething.

What are the common symptoms of teething?

The most recognisable baby teething symptoms include increased drooling, chewing on objects and mild gum discomfort. Some babies show very few signs, while others become temporarily fussier than usual.

Look for these common signs:

1. More drooling: Saliva may run onto the chin, neck and clothing.
2. Chewing and biting: Babies may gnaw on fingers, toys or teethers to apply pressure to their gums.
3. Tender or swollen gums: The area where a tooth is emerging may look red or feel sensitive.
4. Mild irritability: Your baby may need extra cuddles or reassurance.
5. Facial irritation: Frequent contact with saliva can irritate the skin around the mouth.
6. Temporary sleep disruption: Discomfort may make settling or staying asleep harder.

Not every symptom means a tooth is coming through. Changes in feeding, sleep and behaviour can have other causes, too.

How can you tell if your baby is teething?

Teething is more likely when a baby has increased drooling, frequent chewing, tender gums and mild fussiness, particularly when a tooth is beginning to emerge. These signs alone cannot confirm the cause of discomfort, so watch for other symptoms and seek medical advice when needed.

Does teething cause fever or diarrhoea?

Teething may coincide with a slight rise in temperature, but a true fever of 38°C or higher should not be dismissed as teething. Diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, significant feeding difficulties and marked lethargy also warrant attention because they may indicate another condition.

The NHS explains that teething symptoms vary between babies and that there is no good evidence that teething causes diarrhoea. Read its guidance on baby teething symptoms.

How can you soothe a teething baby?

The safest teething remedies for babies are simple, supervised measures that ease gum discomfort without introducing choking or medication risks.

1. Massage the gums gently

Wash your hands and gently rub the sore gum with a clean finger. Light pressure may temporarily relieve discomfort. Stop if your baby resists or seems uncomfortable.

2. Offer a chilled teething ring

Use a teether designed for infants, following the manufacturer's instructions. Cooling it in the refrigerator may soothe tender gums.

Do not freeze a teether until it becomes hard, as this can injure delicate gums. Check it regularly for cracks, loose pieces or damage.

3. Try a cool, clean washcloth

Dampen a clean washcloth, chill it in the refrigerator and let your baby chew on it under close supervision. Keep the cloth intact and remove it if it starts to fray.

4. Comfort and distract your baby

Gentle rocking, cuddling, quiet play and familiar bedtime routines may help when your baby is unsettled. Comfort does not need to be complicated; your presence can be reassuring.

5. Manage drooling and protect the skin

Pat saliva away with a soft, clean cloth instead of repeatedly rubbing the skin. Change damp clothing when needed and keep the chin and neck folds as dry as practical.

A soft, absorbent bib can help manage everyday drooling, especially during periods of heavy teething-related saliva.

Expert guidance

The American Academy of Paediatrics’ teething guidance, including advice from paediatrician Barton D. Schmitt, MD, FAAP, supports measures such as gentle gum massage and appropriate teething rings. If discomfort seems significant, consult your child's paediatrician about suitable pain relief rather than guessing the dose.

Which teething remedies should you avoid?

Not every product marketed for teething is suitable for infants. Avoid remedies that numb the mouth, introduce choking hazards or rely on unproven claims.

Never tie a teether around your baby's neck or attach it with a cord that could become a strangulation hazard.

What parents should know: A product labelled natural, herbal or baby-friendly is not automatically safe. Check the ingredients, age guidance and intended use, and ask your paediatrician before using medication or medicated oral products.

For additional safety information, consult the American Academy of Paediatrics’ guide to teething pain relief.

When should you call a paediatrician?

Most teething discomfort is mild and temporary. However, certain symptoms need medical assessment rather than home remedies alone.

Contact your child's healthcare professional if your baby has:

• A temperature of 38°C or higher.
• Persistent diarrhoea or repeated vomiting.
• Refusal to feed or significantly fewer wet nappies.
• Unusual sleepiness, marked weakness or persistent, inconsolable crying.
• Symptoms that worsen, continue unexpectedly or concern you.

Seek urgent medical care if your baby has difficulty breathing, is difficult to wake or shows signs of severe dehydration.

If your baby seems unwell, do not assume teething is responsible simply because a tooth is emerging.

What should parents look for in baby essentials?

Teething can increase the need for drool management, frequent clothing changes and comfortable everyday essentials. The right choice depends on what your baby actually needs; no bib, diaper or clothing product can treat gum pain or prevent every skin irritation.

Consider these factors before buying:

1. Material: Look for a soft fabric that feels comfortable against your baby's skin.
2. Absorbency: Choose a bib that can manage the amount of drool your baby produces.
3. Fit: Neck openings and fastenings should fit appropriately without being tight.
4. Skin care: Change damp bibs and clothing regularly, and clean saliva from the skin gently.
5. Washing and durability: Check care instructions and whether the product can withstand regular laundering.
6. Price and repeated use: Compare upfront cost, expected lifespan and washing requirements when choosing reusable essentials.

Which option suits your baby's needs?

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Some parents notice loose stools during teething, but diarrhoea isn't a proven teething symptom. Consult your paediatrician if your baby has frequent watery stools or other signs of illness.

What is the practical solution?

Problem: Your baby is drooling more, chewing constantly and becoming unsettled.

Solution: Offer a suitable chilled teether or gentle gum massage, provide comfort, and manage saliva with regular wiping and changes of damp clothing.

Why it helps: These measures address common sources of temporary discomfort and keep everyday care manageable while the tooth emerges.

A soft, absorbent cloth bib can help protect clothing during heavy drooling. Choose one based on fit, material and ease of washing rather than expecting it to relieve teething pain.

Practical parent checklist

1. • Check for tender gums and increased drooling.
2. • Wash your hands before massaging gums.
3. • Keep a clean, suitable teether available.
4. • Avoid frozen-solid teethers and teething necklaces.
5. • Change damp bibs and clothing promptly.
6. • Monitor temperature, feeding and wet nappies.
7. • Ask a paediatrician before giving pain medication.
8. • Arrange dental care and start brushing when the first tooth appears.

Teething is a normal milestone, and most babies need only gentle, simple comfort measures. Watch your baby's symptoms, use safe ways to soothe sore gums, and remember that fever or significant illness should not be attributed to teething without medical advice.

Choose everyday essentials that suit your baby's needs, and consult your paediatrician whenever symptoms are concerning.

Key takeaways

1. Recognise common teething signs, but don't assume every symptom is caused by teething.
2. Use gentle gum massage and suitable chilled teethers for temporary relief.
3. Avoid unsafe remedies and seek medical advice for concerning symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

1. When do babies start teething?

Most babies get their first tooth at around six months, although some start earlier or later. The lower front teeth usually appear first.

2. What is the best home remedy for a teething baby?

Gentle gum massage with a clean finger and a suitable refrigerator-chilled teether are practical first options. Never give a baby a frozen-solid teether or an unapproved teething remedy.

3. Can teething cause fever or diarrhoea?

Teething is not considered a cause of true fever or diarrhoea. Contact your paediatrician if these symptoms occur, especially if your baby is feeding poorly or appears unwell.

4. How can I manage excessive drooling during teething?

Gently pat your baby's chin and neck dry, change damp clothing and use a comfortable bib to help protect clothes. Seek medical advice if the skin becomes severely irritated or symptoms persist.