Teething advice
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Stay cautious
Don’t confuse illness with teething.
It’s important to trust your instincts. If you have any concerns about your baby’s symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. A fever and other symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and widespread rashes are unlikely to be caused by teething. You can call NHS 111 or your GP for support.
Symptoms of teething
Baby teeth can sometimes move and break through the gums without causing any pain or discomfort, but sometimes you may find that your baby has:
- Sore and red gums where the tooth is pushing through
- A mild temperature of less than 38°C
- A flushed cheek or cheeks
- A rash on their face
- Difficulty sleeping
Your baby might also:
- Rub their ears
- Dribble more
- Gnaw and chew on objects
- Be more fretful and unsettled
It’s important to note that while some people think that teething may cause other symptoms like diarrhoea, there isn’t any evidence to support this.
What order do baby teeth appear in?
Here’s a general timeline for when babies typically get their teeth:
- Bottom front teeth (bottom incisors) usually appear first, around 5 to 7 months
- Top front teeth (top incisors) tend to emerge at about 6 to 8 months
- The teeth either side of their top front teeth (top lateral incisors) tend to come in around 9 to 11 months
- The teeth either side of the bottom front teeth (bottom lateral incisors) tend to appear around 10 to 12 months Back teeth (molars) come in around 12 to 16 months The teeth between the lateral incisors and first molars (canines) tend to emerge around 16 to 20 months
- Second molars usually appear around 20 to 30 months
By the time your child is between 2 and 3 years old, they’ll likely have all of their milk teeth.
When do babies start teething?
Some babies are born with their first teeth, but most babies begin teething around six months. Others might start teething before four months or after twelve months.
By the time your baby reaches three years old, their complete set of first teeth are usually visible. These are commonly called baby teeth or milk teeth, but the medical term is deciduous teeth since they eventually fall out.
Despite being temporary, your baby’s first teeth play a crucial role in their health. They aid in eating solids, developing speech and boosting self-esteem.
Is my baby teething or sick?
There are some symptoms that your baby might have around the time that they’re teething, that aren’t linked to teething.
These can include:
- Congestion and coughs
- Disturbances in their sleep
- A reduced interest or appetite for liquids
- Rashes
- A fever over 38°C
- Vomiting
- Nappy rash
- Diarrhoea
It’s important not to assume that these symptoms are due to them teething, as they could indicate a more serious condition that needs medical attention.
Myth
Ear pulling is a sign of teething
Truth
Babies often pull their ears when they’re teething.
This is because the nerves around the teeth and mouth extend to the ears. Ear pulling can also be a sign of an ear infection.
Myth
Teething causes fevers
Truth
Some people think that teething can cause a fever (temperature of 38oC or more), but there isn’t any evidence to support this. If your baby has a fever and you’re worried about their symptoms, make sure to seek medical advice.
If you suspect your baby has earache or any other symptoms of an ear infection, make sure to speak to your pharmacist for support or GP. If your child is over 1 year old, you can access advice and treatment, where appropriate, for earaches from your pharmacist, through Pharmacy First Service.
Soothing a teething baby
Teething can be challenging for some babies, but we've put together some ways to help soothe their discomfort.
Every baby is unique so you might need to try a few different methods to find what works best for your little one.
Comforting or playing with your baby can help distract them from gum pain.
You can also try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger to help provide relief. You can, however, also purchase teething specific products to support your baby, these include:
Myth
Amber teething necklaces work
Truth
There isn’t any proof that amber jewellery helps to soothe teething pains. Teething jewelleries are a choking hazard and a strangulation risk to your baby. They shouldn’t be used.
Teething rings
Teething rings can provide safe chewing relief for your baby, ease discomfort and serve as a distraction. Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge. You should always follow the instructions on how long to chill the ring, but never put it in the freezer as this can harm your baby’s gums. Also, never tie a teething ring around your baby’s neck – this is a choking risk.
Chewing babies
One sign of teething is when your baby starts chewing on fingers, toys or other objects. For babies six months or older, you can offer them healthy items to chew on, like raw fruits and vegetables. Soft fruits like melon can be particularly soothing. Bread crusts and breadsticks are also good options, but it’s important to always supervise them with food to help prevent choking. Avoiding rusks (hard, dry biscuits) and sugary foods can also help to prevent tooth decay.
Pain relief for teething
Baby paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in children aged three months or older (if it’s suitable for them). It’s important to always read the label and follow the instructions on the pain relief you choose to give them. Make sure to never give aspirin to children under 16 years old. If you’re ever unsure, you can speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Teething gels
There’s a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective. It’s recommended to try non-medicinal options like teething rings before trying a teething gel. If you choose to use a gel, make sure it’s specifically designed for babies, as general oral pain relief gels aren’t suitable. Teething gels with mild local anaesthetic are only available from pharmacies. It’s important to speak to a pharmacist for advice and only use UK-licensed homeopathic gels if you do choose that route.
Teething rashes
If teething is causing increased drooling, gently wiping their face can help to prevent rashes.
Things to avoid
There are some things to avoid when it comes to soothing your baby:
- Never tie a teething ring or toy around your baby’s neck as it could be a choking hazard
- Amber teething necklaces aren’t recommended as they’re also a choking risk
- Don’t put teething toys in the freezer as anything frozen can damage your baby’s gums. Similarly, also be cautious with frozen foods
Oral hygiene for teething
You don’t need to wait until a tooth has appeared to begin good oral hygiene. Gently wiping your baby’s gums with a soft cloth or a clean finger can help to reduce bacteria along the gum line. This can also help your baby to get used to the sensation.
Brushing
As soon as you notice a tooth emerging, start brushing your baby’s teeth twice a day. Gently brush the tooth in circular motions, covering both sides. You can use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Make sure the toothpaste you choose is suitable for baby teeth and age appropriate.
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Frequently asked questions
When your baby starts teething, their gums can swell and become tender. You might notice their gum starting to split slightly to make way for the new tooth. With molars (and sometimes their incisors), you might also see a blistering on the gum or a smooth bluish swelling before the tooth appears. We’ve covered more in the ‘Symptoms’ section of the page.
Yes, they can. Some babies start teething before they’re four months old, but most babies start teething at around six months old.
There isn’t a ‘worst’ age for teething. Teething can be challenging between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old as this is when most of their primary teeth come in. However, every baby is different and some babies might experience more discomfort than others.
Teething can make your baby grumpy which can be hard on you too. Fortunately, there are ways to help soothe them like:
- Teething toys
- Offering specific foods
- Giving plenty of comfort
We’ve covered more in the ‘Soothing a teething baby’ section of the page.
Teething isn’t a continuous process from five months. Each tooth or pair of teeth typically causes discomfort for just over a week. Your baby might show signs of teething about three to five days before a tooth appears.
It's understandable to worry if your baby cries hysterically while teething. While some babies may experience significant discomfort and cry more than usual, this is a normal part of the teething process. If you have concerns or feel that the crying is excessive, don't hesitate to reach out to your GP for guidance and support.
