It’s an exciting moment when your baby’s first teeth appear, because it means that soon they’ll be able to start eating solid food. However, the downside of the teething process is that it can cause gum irritation and discomfort for your bub.
In this article, we’ll outline the most common teething signs and provide tips for alleviating baby teething pain. We’ll also look at teething timelines, and explain how to care for your baby’s new teeth.
What is teething?
The word ‘teething’ is used to describe the process of a baby's first teeth emerging from their gums. Baby teething happens because of a hormone known as the ‘odontogenic hormone’, which regulates teeth growth and development. This hormone causes inflammation in the gums, which breaks down tissue so the tooth can ‘erupt’.
Teething is a highly significant part of a baby’s development, since teeth help toddlers to chew solid food. A nutritious and complete diet is essential for good health and growth – plus teeth also play an important role in speech development.
When do babies start teething?
Babies usually start teething at around six months, although this timing can vary greatly. Sometimes babies can start teething as early as three months, while other babies don’t get their first teeth until around twelve months.
You might start to see signs baby is teething a couple of months before the tooth actually appears. It’s also common for your baby’s first tooth to appear without warning – sometimes resulting in mum receiving an unexpected bite!
The timing of teething is largely influenced by genetics. Nutritional factors can also play a part, as can your baby’s overall health. The most important thing to remember is that all babies are different, and there’s no definitive standard when it comes to teething timelines.
What are common teething signs and symptoms?
During the teething stages, inflammation in your baby’s gums can cause tenderness and discomfort. This is normal, although it can result in a grumpy bub and concerned parents.
In this section we’ll look at common signs of teething, so you can know what to look for.
Red, swollen, tender gums
During teething, a baby's gums can appear swollen, red, and slightly bruised. This is due to the hormonally-induced inflammation, which can make the gums sore and sensitive.
In some cases, you might notice a small white or bluish bump over the emerging tooth. Known as an ‘eruption cyst’, these are fairly normal, and usually resolve on their own. However, if you’re concerned, you should seek advice from a doctor.
Fussiness and crying
As you might expect, teething can be an unpleasant time for your little bub. Crying is one of the first signs of teething – it’s your baby’s way of letting you know that they’re feeling a bit uncomfortable and out of sorts.
While some babies might sail through the teething phase without much trouble, others will become fussy and irritable. Similarly, some babies might be upset for a day or two, while others might experience extended periods of pain and discomfort.
Slight fever
Your baby might develop a mild fever while teething – a symptom that’s associated with gum inflammation. A slight fever can also make your baby's cheeks red when teething, which is a result of increased blood flow.
According to the Australian health information service HealthDirect, a fever in children is defined as any temperature above 38°C. If your baby’s temperature exceeds 38°C, or you notice symptoms such as vomiting, persistent diarrhoea or severe irritability, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Dribbling
One of the most common teething signs is increased drooling, which can start sometimes as early as 10 weeks. This is totally normal and natural – it’s the body’s way of keeping the gums lubricated to ease the pressure of emerging teeth.
This is where a good supply of bibs will come in handy: it helps to keep a fresh stack on hand to prevent drool from soaking into your bub’s clothes. You should also try to wipe away excess drool when possible, to prevent rashes around the mouth and chin.
Pulling the ear on the same side as the erupting tooth
If you notice that your baby is pulling their ear or rubbing their cheeks, this could be connected to the pain of teething. The nerves in the gums are closely connected to the ear nerves, and babies have a natural impulse to tug at their ears in an attempt to relieve their discomfort.
Ear pulling is one of the most common signs baby is teething, but it could have other causes. It could also be due to an ear infection, or simply a sign that your baby is tired. Keep an eye out for other teething signs, and if in doubt, seek advice from your doctor.
Sucking fingers and fists
Babies often suck their fingers and fists during teething as a natural way to soothe their gums. This self-soothing behaviour helps alleviate the pain and irritation in their gums, making them feel more comfortable.
Additionally, sucking is a natural reflex for babies and can be comforting in general. During teething, this reflex becomes particularly beneficial as it helps to massage the sore gums.
Refusing to eat
Refusing to eat is one of the more distressing signs of teething. Not only is it frustrating for parents, it can also cause even more problems when your baby becomes irritable from hunger.
If your bub refuses the bottle or breast, it might be because the suction of nursing is making their sore gums feel worse. Babies who have progressed to solid food might also refuse to eat during the teething phase.
In our next section, we’ll explore some of the ways you can help to soothe teething-related gum discomfort, to help your baby through this tricky time.
How do you soothe a teething baby?
Gently rubbing gums
One method you might like to try is massaging your baby’s gums by using a clean finger to apply some gentle pressure. This can work to distract your bub from the pain, and create a calming effect.
Teething rings
A natural impulse babies have when teething is to chew on things. This naturally helps to relieve gum discomfort while providing a welcome distraction.
Teething rings are chewable toys that babies can hold and put in their mouths. If you put the teething ring in the fridge before you offer it to your bub, the cool temperature can help to alleviate gum swelling.
You should make sure that the teething ring is made from non-toxic materials, and you’ll also need to inspect it regularly for cracks or scratches. Make sure to follow the instructions that come with the teething ring, and wash it frequently.
Keeping their face clean
Excessive saliva can cause the skin around your baby’s mouth, chin, and neck to become chapped and sore. To prevent this from happening, wipe the drool away with a clean, soft cloth when needed.
Comforting your baby
Extra cuddles and love during the teething phase will help your baby to feel soothed and secure. Playing games with your bub can also distract them, while helping to strengthen your bond.
What order do baby teeth come in?
On average, your baby’s first tooth will usually appear at around six months. However, don’t worry if your baby’s teeth are taking their time – sometimes it can take up to a year for the first tooth to come in.
Most children will have all of their baby teeth by the age of three (although again, this can vary). A full set is twenty teeth – ten on the top, and ten on the bottom. This tooth arrival chart provides a good visual guide.
Average baby tooth arrival times are as follows:
| Teeth | Age Range (Months) |
| Lower Central Incisors | 6-10 |
| Upper Central Incisors | 8-12 |
| Upper Lateral Incisors | 9-13 |
| Lower Lateral Incisors | 10-16 |
| Upper First Molars | 13-19 |
| Lower First Molars | 14-18 |
| Upper Canines | 16-22 |
| Lower Canines | 17-23 |
| Upper Second Molars | 25-33 |
| Lower Second Molars | 23-31 |
What time of day is teething pain worse?
Baby teething pain tends to intensify at night. One theory for this is that babies have fewer distractions during evenings, resulting in a greater awareness of gum pain. Additionally, the body’s natural circadian rhythms can influence the perception of pain, making discomfort feel more pronounced at night.
Another contributing factor is that inflammation tends to increase during periods of rest. The body's immune response can cause more swelling and pressure on the gums when a baby is lying down, leading to greater discomfort.
What stage of teething hurts the most?
The initial teething stage (usually occurring around six months) tends to be the most uncomfortable, since it’s the first time your baby will be experiencing pain in their gums.
Baby teething pain can also be significant during the eruption of larger teeth (such as the first molars at around 13 to 19 months). This stage can lead to increased drooling, irritability and disrupted sleep.
How to care for baby’s new teeth
Looking after your infant’s oral hygiene is vital for healthy dental development. Even before their first tooth arrives, you can get them ready for brushing at around three months by gently wiping their gums with a damp, clean face washer twice a day.
When the first tooth arrives, you can start to use a toothbrush that’s designed specifically for babies under two (with extra soft bristles). Using a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, brush twice a day with a toothbrush and water.
Treatments to avoid when your baby is teething
Amber beads
Although there have been claims that necklaces made from amber beads relieve teething pain, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Some people believe that amber releases succinic acid when it’s worn near the skin, however this is largely unsubstantiated.
Amber necklaces and bracelets are a potential choking and strangulation hazard for babies. To keep your child safe from these risks, it is best to avoid using amber beads at all – they’re simply too dangerous.
Red Nose provides useful information about this topic here: Is it OK for Babies to Wear a Necklace or Beads?
Teething gels
The use of numbing teething gels is controversial – as this news article demonstrates, over-the-counter gels can cause side effects that might potentially harm your child.
Although teething gels can provide temporary relief from discomfort, there’s a chance that your baby might swallow the gel. This can make their throat numb and increase the risk of choking. If you’re concerned about your baby's gums when teething, seek medical advice before using any kind of gel product.
Dummy
Dummies (also known as ‘pacifiers’) are commonly given to babies to provide relief from teething pain. This can be an effective way to help your infant feel soothed and comforted, however it’s important to be aware of these safety concerns:
- Don’t dip the dummy in honey or jam, because this could increase the risk of tooth decay
- Try not to offer a dummy to your baby until breastfeeding has been established
- Make sure the dummy complies with Australian safety standards
- Keep the dummy clean, and check frequently for cracks or damage
How long does teething last?
The teething timeline typically begins around six months of age and continues until about three years old. The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors around eight to twelve months.
Next, the lateral incisors come in between 9 and 16 months, followed by the first molars appearing between 13 and 19 months. The canines (cuspids) usually emerge between 16 and 23 months, and finally, the second molars come in between 23 and 33 months. This process can vary slightly for each child, with some experiencing earlier or later teething.
When to call the doctor about teething?
Teething isn’t considered an illness, although it can cause inflammation and irritability. However, you need to stay alert to your baby’s symptoms, to make sure that there isn’t anything more serious going on.
If you notice any of the following, you should seek immediate medical advice:
- A fever over 38°C
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Severe rash
- Coughing
- Seizures
For 24 hour health information, call the Maternal and Child Health Line on 13 22 29.
Frequently asked questions
Can babies be sick when teething?
Teething symptoms in babies can sometimes be mistaken for signs of illness. These include a slight increase in body temperature, drooling, gum swelling, and irritability – all of which are normal for a teething baby.
However, there are some symptoms that should not be dismissed as signs of teething. A fever over 38°C is a major cause for serious concern, as is prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea. If you’re concerned about any of your baby’s symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
What does teething cry sound like?
The cries of a teething baby tend to be more persistent and intense. It might sound like your baby is distressed, and you might find that it’s more difficult to calm them down – especially at night.
You might also notice that your baby is crying during feeding times, because the inflammation in their gums is making feeding feel uncomfortable. If your baby is crying in a way that’s particularly insistent and distressing, you should seek advice from a health professional to rule out more serious health issues.
Does teething pain stop once the tooth cuts?
Once a tooth erupts, baby teething pain usually starts to subside. When the tooth finally breaks through the gum line, this relieves a lot of the underlying irritation. At this point, your bub should become a bit calmer, and will hopefully return to their normal sleep routine.
Do babies sleep more when teething?
Babies may experience changes in their sleep patterns during teething, but this can vary from child to child. Some babies might sleep more than usual as their body copes with the teething process. However, it’s more common for babies to have disrupted sleep due to the pain and irritation in their gums.
While teething, your bub may wake more frequently during the night and be more difficult to settle back to sleep. Parents often notice increased fussiness and restlessness, particularly during the peak of teething discomfort.
What is the best position for a teething baby to sleep?
Red Nose – Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep for babies – advises that back sleep is safest for babies aged 0-12 months. Putting your baby to sleep on their back will reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
To help alleviate discomfort from teething, you can slightly elevate the head of the crib mattress by placing a small, rolled-up towel under one end (under the mattress, not in the sleeping area) to help with any drooling. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can also promote better sleep during teething.
More information about nutrition and caring for your baby can be found here:
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