Teething
Every baby is different, and while teething can start at different times, you can expect teething to begin during their first year. Teething symptoms, however, may start long before that.
By familiarising yourself with the common teething signs you can ease your baby’s discomfort and better prepare for your baby’s first tooth.
When do babies start teething?
It can be difficult to predict when your baby will start teething. In rare cases, babies are born with teeth (natal teeth), have their teeth grow in shortly after birth (neonatal teeth), some will start teething early, others late. A 4 month old teething is just as normal as a 12 month old starting to teeth. For most babies, however, you can expect teething to start around six months of age.
What order do baby teeth emerge?
Baby teeth typically emerge in this order:
- Bottom incisors, or the bottom front teeth, typically emerge first between the ages of 5 to 7 months.
- Top incisors, or top front teeth, typically emerge next between the ages of 6 to 8 months.
- The top lateral incisors, or the teeth on either side of the top front teeth, usually grow between the ages of 9 to 11 months.
- Bottom lateral incisors, or the teeth on either side of the bottom front teeth, grow in around 10 to 12 months.
- First molars or back teeth grow in around 12 to 16 months.
- Canines grow in between the lateral incisors and the first molars between the ages of 16 to 20 months.
- Second molars or back teeth grow in between 20 and 30 months.
When will children have all of their baby or milk teeth?
Children will typically have all of their baby teeth or “milk teeth” by the time they are 2 ½ years old.
Can teething start earlier than six months?
Yes. Teething can start at any time, and a very small percentage of children are even born with their first teeth.
Can teething start later than six months?
Yes. Teething can start later and can even take up to 12 months before the first teeth grow in.
Common Teething Symptoms
Teething can cause pain and discomfort. You may notice these common baby teething symptoms in your baby:
Inflamed, sore, or red gums
If your baby’s gums look inflamed, red, or sore, then this is a common sign that a tooth is about to emerge. You may even notice gum hematoma, which looks like a bluish lump underneath your baby’s gums. This lump is simply excess blood that is trapped underneath the gum and is there because a tooth is about to emerge. It is not a cause for concern. If the hematoma keeps growing and looks worse, however, make a visit to your paediatric dentist for advice.
Loss of appetite
Teething can make babies seemingly lose their appetite. The good news is that they are not actually losing their appetite. Instead, the suction motion can irritate their gums and cause discomfort or pain. This may make it difficult for them to properly nurse. They may become fussy or difficult during feeding time and more irritable as they also get hungry.
Mild fever
Teething babies may have a mild temperature increase to 38C. This can occur if your baby is feeling dehydrated, which is a common side effect of being fussy around eating and refusing to nurse due to teething. Keep an eye on their temperature and try to increase the frequency of feeds to avoid dehydration. If the higher temperature persists or increases to 39C, get in touch with your medical provider or visit your local surgery.
Rubbing or pulling their ears or cheeks
Your child may rub their chin, cheeks, or ears. This is common, especially when the molars grow in, as the ache can be felt elsewhere. This is because gums, ears, and cheeks all share the same nerve pathways. Do keep an eye on the ears, however, as ear pulling is also a sign of an ear infection.
Drooling
Teething can stimulate a lot of drooling. You can expect drooling to start between 10 weeks and 4 months and can expect it to continue for as long as it takes for the teeth to come in. Drooling in and of itself is not a problem. However, constant drooling can cause a skin or teething rash.
Teething Rash
A teething rash around the mouth is another common symptom of teething. It occurs because the baby drools more, and the constant liquid can cause redness, chafing, or chapped skin. A teething rash can occur around the mouth, the chin, the neck, and even the chest. Wipe away drool as you see it, use a bib to collect and protect the neck and chest, and use a product like Multi-Mam Protect balm to moisturise and protect the skin around their neck or chin.
Gnawing, chewing, and biting
Teething babies tend to relieve pressure caused by gnawing, chewing, or even biting. This is a counter-pressure measure meant to reduce the pressure caused by teeth about to emerge.
Crying and discomfort
Crying, whining, and being generally discomforted or fussy are all common signs of teething. The teeth that typically hurt the most are the first teeth and molars. However, the good news is that babies do tend to become accustomed to the sensations associated with teething and aren’t usually as fussed about it later on.
Difficulty sleeping
The pain and discomfort of teething can wake your baby up at night. This can occur at random, even if they previously slept through the night beforehand.
Abnormal Teething Symptoms
Many believe that diarrhoea in babies is another common symptom of teething, but there is no clinical evidence to support this claim. Teething can result in infants drinking or nursing more, which would cause looser stools, but not diarrhoea.
Vomiting, a fever higher than 38C, a cough, or congestion are also abnormal signs of teething. If your child is experiencing any of these abnormal symptoms throughout the day, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional.
Teething Treatment for Babies
How do you soothe a teething baby? There are many tips for helping your teething baby.
Teething Gel
You can use a teething gel that is based on natural ingredients, such as Multi-Mam Babydent. It will effectively give relief, and is not dangerous to swallow.
Cool compress for inflamed gums
If your baby has inflamed gums, gum hematoma, or if their gums look red and sore, then a cold compress or washcloth can provide teething pain relief. In some cases, such as when your baby has hematoma, it may even help them heal faster.
Use teething toys
Teething toys for babies are designed specifically for soothing sore gums. These teething toys are usually made of rubber and are bumpy to the touch. You will want to regularly clean these. For extra relief, you can try refrigerating the toys so that it helps cool and even numb the inflamed gums.
Cold drinks and food
Cold drinks and food are great ways to reduce inflamed gums and an effective way to soothe red, swollen gums in baby that is older than 6 to 9 months. Cold drinks like chilled water or refrigerated snacks like yoghurt or apple puree can help soothe a baby’s irritated gums while keeping them fed and hydrated.
Pain relievers
Pain relievers can also be used to help soothe babies. Before you use pain treatment, get in touch with your GP.
Teething Treatments to Avoid
There are some teething treatments that should be avoided.
- Numbing agents like rubbing alcohol, benzocaine, or lidocaine on your baby’s gums. This can reduce blood oxygen levels in children under the age of 2.
- Teething necklaces can be a choking hazard and should never be used without supervision.
Teething Treatment for Breastfeeding Mothers
Teething can result in an increase in biting and gnawing. If you are still breastfeeding, then this can cause sore and irritated nipples. Multi-Mam Nipple Compresses offer triple action relief for breastfeeding mums. It works to cool and soothe inflamed nipples, reduce and treat cracks, sores, swelling and infections, and speed up the natural healing process. Multi-Mam gel is natural and harmless if accidentally swallowed by your baby, so your nipples do not need to be washed before feeding.
What are the first signs of teething?
- Drooling
- Teething rash
- Chewing or gnawing
- Teething fever
- Inflamed or red gums
A baby’s first teeth are usually their lower front teeth. Inflammation, gum hematoma, and other symptoms will be focused in this area.
Do babies get sick when teething?
Symptoms last until the tooth has emerged. They will typically repeat once the next set of teeth starts to grow in or continue. Most children stop teething at 2 ½ years once all of their baby teeth or milk teeth have grown in.
Cold drinks and food
Cold drinks and food are great ways to reduce inflamed gums and an effective way to soothe red, swollen gums in baby that is older than 6 to 9 months. Cold drinks like chilled water or refrigerated snacks like yoghurt or apple puree can help soothe a baby’s irritated gums while keeping them fed and hydrated.
Pain relievers
Pain relievers can also be used to help soothe babies. Before you use pain treatment, get in touch with your GP. If your baby is over 2 months you may be recommended baby acetaminophen, or if they are over 6 months you may be recommended ibuprofen.
Teething FAQs
What are the first signs of teething?
There are several teething symptoms signs to watch out for.
- Drooling
- Teething rash
- Chewing or gnawing
- Teething fever
- Inflamed or red gums
A baby’s first teeth are usually their lower front teeth. Inflammation, gum hematoma, and other symptoms will be focused in this area.
Do babies get sick when teething?
Babies may experience a slight increase in body temperature, but they should not get sick. If your baby has a teething temperature over 38C, is vomiting, coughing, or is experiencing diarrhoea, then see a GP immediately.
How long do teething symptoms last?
Symptoms last until the tooth has emerged. They will typically repeat once the next set of teeth starts to grow in or continue. Most children stop teething at 2 ½ years once all of their baby teeth or milk teeth have grown in.
How do I know if my baby is in teething pain?
Your baby may cry, whine, be fussy about eating, or wake up at night if they are in pain.
How do I know if my baby is experiencing teething pain?
Some babies do not experience pain while teething. If they are experiencing teething pain, they may cry, rub their faces, be fussier than normal, or refuse to eat or chew more.
Do teething babies poop more than normal?
Teething babies may drink or nurse more. An increase in liquid may make a baby’s stools softer and more frequent.
What helps a teething baby sleep?
Teething can result in sleep regression. Keep comfort brief and avoid overnight feedings to encourage your baby to return to their perfect sleeping habits. If they are in extreme pain or wake frequently, talk to your GP about using baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help.
Does teething cause loss of appetite in babies?
Teething doesn’t cause a loss of appetite, but it can make feeding more painful, and as a result, your baby may refuse to eat or be fussy during feeding.
How many teeth do babies have in total?
Babies typically will have 20 baby teeth or “milk teeth.” These start growing when they are around 6 months old. Adults, in comparison, have between 28 and 32 teeth, depending on whether or not there is space for the wisdom teeth or molars to grow.
Does teething always hurt?
No. Teeth occasionally emerge without pain or discomfort. If your baby’s teeth are growing in without issue, then there is no need to worry.
Can my baby be born with teeth?
Babies can be born with teeth. These teeth, called natal teeth, are uncommon. Typically develop on the local gum line and are wobbly to the touch. They are not often well-formed, and can cause irritation to both the baby and the mother. If the tooth or teeth are loose and at risk of being “breathed in” by the infant, the hospital will typically remove the at-risk teeth while you are still in the hospital.
What causes natal teeth?
In most cases, natal teeth are not a teething issue you need to be concerned with. They are not usually related to a medical condition. Occasionally, however, they may be associated with:
- Cleft palate
- Pierre-Robin syndrome
- Soto syndrome
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Your doctor will be able to determine if the natal teeth are part of a larger health concern or not.
How can I care for my baby’s natal teeth?
Care for natal teeth by gently cleaning the gums and teeth with a clean, damp cloth. You will also want to monitor these natal teeth to see if they are causing soreness, redness, or irritation on the tongue or mouth. If your baby is experiencing a soreness teething problem due to natal teeth, then contact your health care provider for removal or treatment.
How common are natal teeth?
Natal teeth or neonatal teeth, which show up shortly after birth, are seen in less than 1% of infants.
How can I care for my baby’s new teeth?
All teeth need to be cared for. A small smear of toothpaste is enough for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old. You will want to clean their teeth twice a day. The easiest way to clean a baby’s teeth is to keep them on your lap or knee with their head resting against your chest. You will want to brush their teeth in small circles.
Links & Sources
- https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/media/638134/a practical guide to children’s teeth.pdf
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/health/how-to-take-your-babys-temperature/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/looking-after-your-babys-teeth/#:~:text=The%20easiest%20way%20to%20brush,spit%20the%20toothpaste%20out%20afterwards.
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zakirulla-Meer/publication/278003460_Teething_trouble_and_its_management_in_children/links/564ca33c08ae7ac727e20377/Teething-trouble-and-its-management-in-children.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071026/
- https://europepmc.org/article/med/22925538
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jpc.14769
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-019-0715-7
