Photo: Unsplash
Teething usually starts somewhere between 4 and 7 months, though the range is wide, and it can be genuinely uncomfortable for a baby — and exhausting for parents navigating disrupted sleep and extra fussiness along the way.
Common teething symptoms
- Drooling more than usual.
- Chewing or gnawing on hands, toys, or anything within reach.
- Swollen or tender gums.
- Increased fussiness, especially in the evening.
- Mild disruption to sleep or appetite.
- A slightly lower-than-normal fever in some babies (under 101°F / 38.3°C).
What teething doesn't typically cause
High fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and rashes are commonly blamed on teething, but research doesn't strongly support teething as the cause — these symptoms are more likely from something else, like a virus, especially since teething often coincides with a period when babies are also losing maternal antibody protection and exploring more with their mouths.
Remedies that are generally considered safe
- Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or a cold, damp washcloth to chew on.
- Gently rubbing a clean finger along the gums.
- Extra cuddling and comfort during a rough patch.
- Age-appropriate pain reliever, if recommended by your pediatrician for a particularly hard day.
What to avoid
Teething necklaces (a choking and strangulation risk), numbing gels with benzocaine (linked to a rare but serious condition in infants), and frozen (as opposed to chilled) teething rings are generally discouraged by pediatric guidance.
When to call the pediatrician
A high fever, significant diarrhea or vomiting, a rash, or a baby who seems unusually unwell is worth a call — these aren't typical teething symptoms and are worth ruling out something else rather than assuming it's just a tooth coming in.
