Understanding the common baby teething symptoms can help parents recognise the early signs and make their little ones more comfortable. In this guide, we will explain five common symptoms that a baby is teething, when the first tooth usually appears and how to soothe teething discomfort safely.
What Are 5 Symptoms That a Baby Is Teething?
Teething happens when a baby’s first teeth begin to emerge through the gums. Most babies get their first tooth around six months of age, although some start earlier or later.
1. Excessive Drooling
One of the earliest signs of teething is increased drooling. Parents may notice that their baby’s chin, clothes and bib become wet more frequently. During teething, babies may produce more saliva, which can lead to constant drooling.
- More saliva around the mouth.
- Wet bibs and clothes throughout the day.
- Mild redness or irritation around the chin.
- Frequent mouth movements.
How to help: Gently wipe your baby’s mouth with a soft, clean cloth. Keeping the skin dry can help prevent drool-related irritation.
2. Swollen or Sensitive Gums
Another common symptom is swollen or sensitive gums. As a new tooth moves towards the surface, the surrounding gum area may become slightly red, tender or swollen. Your baby may become uncomfortable when something touches the affected area.
- Slightly swollen gums.
- Redness around the area where a tooth is emerging.
- Increased sensitivity while feeding.
- A small white spot where the tooth is appearing.
How to help: Wash your hands and gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Use gentle pressure to provide temporary comfort.
3. Chewing or Biting on Objects
If your baby suddenly starts putting toys, fingers or other objects into their mouth, teething may be one possible reason. Chewing and biting can help babies relieve pressure and discomfort in their gums.
- Frequently chewing on fingers.
- Biting soft toys or teething rings.
- Putting objects into the mouth.
- Wanting to chew more than usual.
How to help: Offer a clean, age-appropriate teething ring or a cool, damp washcloth. Avoid frozen teething toys and small objects that could cause choking.
4. Irritability and Increased Crying
Teething discomfort can make some babies more irritable than usual. Your normally happy baby may become fussy, cry more frequently or want extra attention. This may happen because the pressure and tenderness in the gums make the baby uncomfortable.
- More frequent crying.
- Increased fussiness during the day.
- Wanting to be held more often.
- Difficulty settling down.
How to help: Give your baby extra cuddles, gentle attention and a comfortable environment. A gentle gum massage may also help ease discomfort.
5. Changes in Sleeping Patterns
Parents may notice that their baby wakes up more frequently during the night or becomes restless before bedtime.
- Waking up more often at night.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Increased fussiness before bedtime.
- Shorter daytime naps.
How to help: Maintain a regular bedtime routine, offer comfort and gently massage the baby’s gums when needed.
When Do Babies Usually Start Teething?
Most babies start teething at around 6 months of age, but the timing can vary. Some babies develop their first tooth before four months, while others may not get one until after their first birthday.
The two lower front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to appear, followed by the upper front teeth.
| Baby teeth | Approximate age |
|---|---|
| Lower front teeth | 6–10 months |
| Upper front teeth | 8–12 months |
| Side front teeth | 9–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines | 16–23 months |
| Second molars | 23–33 months |
Every baby develops differently, so these ages are only a general guide.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby Safely
Seeing your baby uncomfortable can be difficult, but a few simple steps may help ease teething discomfort.
1. Gently massage the gums: Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s sore gums with a clean finger.
2. Offer a chilled teething ring: Use a firm, age-appropriate teething ring cooled in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it.
3. Use a cool washcloth: Give your baby a clean, damp and cool washcloth to chew on under supervision.
4. Keep the mouth area clean: Wipe away excess drool gently to prevent skin irritation around the mouth and chin.
5. Provide extra comfort: Hold your baby, offer cuddles and maintain a familiar daily routine.
Avoid teething necklaces, amber beads, alcohol-based remedies and numbing gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These products can pose serious safety risks for babies.
FAQs
1. What is the first sign of teething in babies?
Increased drooling and a desire to chew on fingers or toys are common early signs. Some babies may also develop tender or swollen gums.
2. At what age do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething around six months of age. However, some babies develop their first tooth earlier or later.
3. How long do teething symptoms last?
Teething discomfort can vary between babies. Symptoms around an emerging tooth may last a few days, although the overall teething process continues as more teeth appear.
4. Do babies get a fever when teething?
Teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature, but it does not cause a true fever of 38°C or higher. Contact your paediatrician if your baby develops a fever.
5. Do babies cry more at night when teething?
Some babies may become unsettled or have difficulty sleeping because of gum discomfort. However, frequent or excessive crying should not automatically be blamed on teething.
Conclusion
Teething is a natural part of your baby’s growth. Excessive drooling, swollen gums, chewing on objects, irritability and changes in sleep are common signs of teething. Every baby experiences this stage differently, so parents should provide comfort and use safe teething methods.
Once the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday to support healthy teeth and gums.
At Agrawal’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic, Ahmedabad, we believe early dental care plays an important role in building healthy smiles. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene guidance can help give your child a healthy start.
