How Do I Know If My Baby Is Teething? Signs, Remedies & Tips

As a new parent, you may be wondering, “When do babies start teething?” Some babies get their first tooth too early or too late, which is nothing to worry about! However, baby teething usually follows a timeline. Knowing at what age do babies start teething can help you prepare. Read on to learn the signs to look for and make your little one comfortable during the period. Discover the best ways to care for your child’s primary teeth when they come in.

A baby’s first teeth, called the primary or milk teeth, develop under the gums before birth. Teething happens when those teeth start to break through the baby’s gums. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the first tooth usually appears when the baby is around 9 months old. However, for some babies, it can appear anywhere between 3 months and their first birthday. Moreover, the different types of teeth erupting on either jaw follow an order. 

If you are wondering, “When does teething start and how long does it last?”, below is the typical timeline for a quick view:

• 6 to 12 months: The four front teeth (central incisors), starting with the bottom two.

• 9 to 16 months: The two teeth on either side of the front teeth, the lateral incisors.

• 13 to 19 months: A pair of first molars (back teeth) on either side of the upper jaw, followed by the bottom pair.

• 16 to 23 months: The top two canines, shortly followed by the bottom pair.

• 23 to 33 months: The final top pair of second molars, followed by the bottom pair.

By the age of 3, your child will likely have all 20 milk teeth in their mouth. It is important to start dental visits as soon as the first tooth erupts.

Baby teething is an important growth milestone that parents keenly look forward to. Knowing what to expect can make it hassle-free. Symptoms of teething often vary among babies. Some infants show clear discomfort due to pain or soreness, while others feel no pain. Knowing the various signs of teething can help parents understand what their toddler needs and comfort them on time.

The first signs of teething often appear weeks before teething starts. More evident symptoms often show up just before the baby tooth comes in through the gums.

The first signs of teething are subtle hints parents may observe before full-blown symptoms show up. Early hints of baby teething usually appear around 4 to 7 months of age, although the timing can vary among babies. If you are wondering, “When do babies start teething?”, the following indications can help:

• Increased Drooling or Dribbling: Some toddlers may drool or dribble excessively when teething is around the corner. The saliva may soak their clothes. Excess moisture may result in red or flushed cheeks or rashes on the chin.

• Rubbing Their Gums: Babies often tend to put things in their mouths. However, rubbing things on their gums may increase when the teething process is about to begin.

• Chewing or Biting on Objects: Babies tend to bite toys, clothing or fingers to ease the pressure on their gums.

• Crankiness: If your baby seems cranky or fussy without any other health issues, it may be an early sign of teething. Your toddler may become irritable even when fed and rested.

• Rubbing Cheeks or Pulling at Ears: Sometimes, your baby’s discomfort in the gums may spread to their cheeks and ears. As a result, they may pull their ears or rub their cheeks.

• Wakefulness: When teething is about to begin, many babies tend to stay awake at night or refuse to take naps, unlike usual.

• Change in Appetite: Sore or swollen gums can make your baby uncomfortable. They may refuse to nurse or eat.

Teething can be uncomfortable for babies and stressful for parents, but it does not have to be. There are simple ways to make your teething toddler comfortable. These baby teething remedies focus on gentle relief from pain, soreness or discomfort. You may consider them once you notice the early signs of teething or when the process has already begun. Some remedies can soothe your baby’s sore gums, while others can distract your toddler from an uncomfortable moment.

A gentle gum massage, a cold spoon or teething toy to chew and giving them enough attention and cuddles can help. A soft, kids-friendly toothbrush can soothe the baby’s gums while helping build early dental care habits. Moreover, a dental healthcare professional can offer pain relief medicines that are safe for your child. If you are wondering how to help with teething symptoms of your little one, below are some simple, practical options to consider.

A gentle gum massage can help your baby relax. It can ease the pressure on their gums and soothe the soreness. Here is how to do it:

• Wash your hands well.

• Use a clean finger or soft, wet washcloth.

• Gently rub your baby's gums in small circles.

You may give a cold (not frozen) teething ring or teething toys to your little one to chew or bite on. Chewing helps relieve the pressure on the gums and keeps the baby distracted.

• Choose safe teething toys or rings made for babies.

• Look for firm, soft and safe material that does not break or tear.

• Use toys chilled in the fridge, not in the freezer.

• Avoid teething necklaces or brittle toys that can increase the risk of strangulation or choking hazards.

Sometimes, parents seek an over-the-counter solution to help ease their baby's teething pain. Medications made for babies may help soothe the pain. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before giving any medicine to your baby. Avoid topical teething gels and pain relievers, such as paracetamol, without prior medical advice, as it may not be safe for your child’s health. Always talk to a pediatric dentist if your baby's teething pain persists.

You may wonder how a toothbrush can help with baby teething discomfort. A baby-friendly toothbrush can ease the pressure and soothe soreness. Its soft bristles help massage the delicate gums. A teething toothbrush also keeps the child's mouth clean and helps build good oral care habits early on.

You may start using a toothbrush for your toddler even before all their primary teeth have erupted. Below are some tips to choose a toothbrush for your infant:

• Look for a small brush head that fits easily in your child's mouth

• Choose handles with an easy grip

• Look for soft, nylon bristles that do not irritate the baby’s gums

For instance, the Colgate Kids' Toothbrush is designed for babies and young children. It has a small, compact brush head that fits comfortably in the baby's mouth. Its extra-soft bristles and easy-grip handles help clean your kid's mouth gently while massaging their delicate gums.

With proactive care and preparation, you can make the baby teething phase comfortable for your baby and yourself. Even though the milk teeth shed and make way for permanent teeth later, taking good care of them is important for your child’s healthy smile. Building daily oral care habits early on can prevent tooth decay and keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.

Below are some simple tips to make your baby more comfortable during teething and support their oral health.

• Manage Drooling: Excessive drooling can cause rashes on the cheeks and chin. Gently wipe your baby's face with a clean cloth. Change wet clothes often to prevent skin rashes.

• Keep the Mouth Clean: Even before the first tooth appears, you may start oral care habits by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a soft, clean washcloth and water. It helps keep their mouth clean and builds a habit.

• Transition to Brushing: After the first tooth erupts, you may start using a soft baby-friendly toothbrush and plain water to gently clean the milk teeth. Brush them twice daily.

• Introduce Toothpaste: From one and a half years of age (18 months), you may introduce a tiny smear of an ADA-approved kid-friendly fluoride toothpaste into the brushing routine. Make sure your baby spits out the toothpaste and does not swallow it.

• Build an Oral Care Routine: By the age of two and a half, your baby may have teeth that touch each other. You may gently floss between those teeth. When your toddler is 4 to 5 years old, teach them to brush on their own with your supervision.

• Plan the First Dental Visit: A dental professional can guide you on how to care for your baby’s teeth and gums properly. Book a dental appointment as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears.

• Know When to Seek Professional Help: Teething does not cause high fever or diarrhoea. If your baby shows these symptoms, consult a child healthcare provider immediately.

Baby teething is a normal growth milestone. Though it can make your baby temporarily fussy, you can manage it with the right care. Simple teething tips like gum massage or cold teething rings can help. If you notice severe distress, seek help from a dental professional. Introducing daily oral hygiene habits early on and knowing how to choose the right oral care products for your child are key. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help protect your kid's healthy smile.

1. How can I ease my baby's teething pain? 

You may gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger. A cold spoon or a safe teething toy can also help. A soft teething toothbrush can soothe sore gums and support good oral hygiene.

2. How long does teething pain last for babies? 

Teething pain usually comes and goes. For most babies, it may last a few days before the tooth erupts and resolves on its own once the tooth breaks through the gums.

3. Does teething get worse at night?

Teething discomfort may seem to increase at night as babies are tired and less distracted. It makes them more unsettled and wakeful.