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When do babies start teething, and how can you help?
Most babies start teething between four and seven months, usually with the bottom front teeth. Drooling, sore gums and disturbed sleep are normal. A high fever is not, and needs a doctor.
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When does teething start?
Most babies begin teething between four and seven months, though some start as early as three months and others not until around twelve. All of that is within normal range.
The lower central incisors — the bottom front teeth — usually appear first, followed by the upper central incisors. By age three, most children have their full set of twenty primary teeth.
What are the signs of teething?
Not every baby shows every sign, but the common ones are:
- Increased drooling
- Swollen or red gums
- Irritability and fussiness
- Frequent chewing on objects
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of appetite
Teething does not cause high fever, diarrhoea or serious illness. This is worth knowing, because assuming a fever is 'just teething' can delay treatment for something else. If your baby has a temperature above 38 °C, see a doctor.
How can you soothe a teething baby?
Cold and gentle pressure do most of the work. A teething ring or toy made from soft, non-toxic material can be chilled in the fridge — not the freezer, which makes it hard enough to bruise the gums.
A clean washcloth cooled in the fridge works just as well and costs nothing: the cold numbs, the fabric massages. Rubbing the gums gently with a clean finger gives immediate relief.
If your baby is already on solids, chilled fruit in a mesh feeder combines the cold with something to chew. Watch for choking hazards with anything given loose.
Drooling irritates skin, so wipe excess saliva away and keep the area moisturised. Offer fluids regularly, particularly if your baby is eating less than usual.
Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine — these are not considered safe for babies. Ask before using any gel.
When should you see a dental professional?
The first dental visit should be by your baby's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing — whichever comes first.
Come sooner if the pain seems excessive, if teeth are coming through in an unusual pattern, or if you notice white spots or discolouration on any tooth.
How do you care for baby teeth?
Care starts before the first tooth does.
- Clean the gums with a soft, damp cloth before any teeth appear
- Once the first tooth erupts, use a soft baby toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice
- Do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle — pooled milk against the teeth causes early decay
- Keep sugary drinks and snacks to a minimum