When your baby is approximately 6 months old, you can expect to see their teeth start to emerge. Signs of teething may begin as early as 13 weeks.
By the age of 2 and a half years, your child should have most of their 20 baby teeth.
Signs your baby is teething
If your baby is teething, they may exhibit the following signs:
- Red, flushed cheeks
- Excessive drooling – make sure to wipe it off their neck to prevent irritation
- Increased chewing on fists or toys
- Sore gums and increased crying
- Development of a nappy rash
Non-urgent advice: Contact your public health nurse or GP if your child:
- Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- Diarrhoea
- General signs of feeling unwell
If your baby is experiencing these symptoms, they are not related to teething.
Tips for soothing a teething baby:
- Give them something cold to chew on, like a chilled teething ring or washcloth
- Gently massage their gums with a clean finger to provide relief
- Offer soft, cold foods to help numb their gums
- Use a clean, damp washcloth to gently wipe away any excess drool to prevent skin irritation
- Cuddle and comfort your baby to help them feel secure during this uncomfortable time
Additional tips for helping a teething baby
- Try gently rubbing a clean finger along your baby’s gums to provide relief
- Use a clean, chilled spoon for your baby to gnaw on
- Offer frozen fruit slices or vegetables for your baby to chew on (supervised, to prevent choking)
- Give your baby a gentle gum massage with a clean, cold wet washcloth
- Ensure your baby stays hydrated by offering them frequent sips of water
- Distract your baby with gentle music, singing, or a favorite toy
Signs of teething
It’s important to recognize the signs of teething in your baby to provide appropriate care. Some common signs include excessive drooling, irritability, swollen or tender gums, biting or gnawing on objects, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Every baby is different, so it’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and provide comfort and support during this challenging time.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s teething symptoms or if you’re unsure about the best ways to help alleviate their discomfort.
Nappy rash and teething
Teething can often lead to nappy rash in babies. The increased saliva production during teething can cause irritation and discomfort in the diaper area. To help prevent and alleviate nappy rash during teething, it is important to change diapers frequently, at least every 2-3 hours, and to use a barrier cream to create a protective layer between the skin and moisture. Make sure to choose a barrier cream that is safe for babies and recommended by pediatricians.
Teething and crying
If your baby’s teething causes excessive crying, seek support from friends or family members.
Other ways to help your baby during teething include offering a cool teething ring or cloth for them to chew on, gently massaging their gums with a clean finger, or giving them a cold washcloth to suck on. You can also try using over-the-counter teething gels or pain relievers as recommended by your pediatrician.
Thumb-sucking and soothers
Some children find comfort in sucking their thumb, which typically begins around 18 months of age.
Breastfeeding
Continuing breastfeeding up to 12 months can help prevent tooth decay. Consult healthcare professionals for advice on extended breastfeeding.
When to start brushing your baby’s teeth
Prior to the appearance of teeth, clean your baby’s gums daily with a soft cloth. Introduce gentle brushing once teeth start coming in. Use water and a soft brush to establish a dental routine early on.
It is recommended to start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months of age. This will help prevent tooth decay and establish good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Remember to use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush designed for infants.
Make brushing time fun by singing songs or making silly faces to keep your baby entertained. It is important to supervise and assist with brushing until your child is old enough to do it effectively on their own, usually around age 6 or 7.
First dentist appointment
As your baby’s teeth start to emerge around 6 months of age, it is important to take them to the dentist for their first appointment. This will allow the dentist to provide guidance on proper dental care for your baby’s developing teeth. The dentist can also check for any early signs of dental issues and provide advice on how to handle teething discomfort. It is recommended to establish a good dental routine early on to set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Babies with tongue tie
Some babies may experience tongue tie, which can impact oral hygiene and may require medical attention.
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. This can make it difficult for babies to breastfeed effectively or properly clean their mouths, leading to potential oral health issues. If left untreated, tongue tie can also affect speech development.
If you suspect that your baby has tongue tie, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can assess the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include a simple procedure to release the tight band of tissue under the tongue.
Early detection and intervention for tongue tie can help ensure that your baby is able to breastfeed successfully and maintain good oral hygiene as they grow.
When to get medical advice
Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if your baby:
- Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- Lethargy and drowsiness
If your baby exhibits these symptoms unrelated to teething, consult a healthcare professional for assistance. Seek advice from dentists or nurses regarding baby dental care.
Related topic
It’s important to monitor your baby’s temperature regularly, especially if they are showing signs of fever. Make sure to follow the advice of healthcare professionals and seek help if you have any concerns about your baby’s health.
More in Caring for a new baby
Page last reviewed: 4 February 2022
Next review due: 4 February 2025
Funded by the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 8.
HSE Live – we’re here to help
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Bank holidays: Closed
For parents looking to alleviate a baby’s teething discomfort, various effective techniques are available. Explore the best methods in the following sections.
The best tips for relieving baby’s teeth
Recognizing the symptoms of a baby’s teething process is essential for providing relief. Understanding the typical teething order can help in reducing discomfort.
Natural methods and homeopathic remedies can be beneficial, but always consult a professional before administering any medication.
1. The refrigerated teething ring
A chilled teething ring or homemade popsicles can provide relief for teething pain with a cooling effect. Opt for silicone rings and monitor sugar content with popsicles.
It’s important to always supervise your baby while they are using a teething ring or eating a popsicle to prevent any choking hazards. Make sure to clean the teething ring thoroughly before and after each use to maintain good hygiene. For homemade popsicles, consider using fresh fruits and natural sweeteners to keep them healthy and nutritious for your baby.
2. A pacifier or toothbrush to chew on
Chewing on soft items like dental collars or rubber toothbrushes can aid in relieving teething discomfort.
Make sure to supervise when using comfort objects for safety.
3. A gum massage with a gel adapted to baby’s teeth
Gently massaging the baby’s gums or using soothing oils can offer relief.
4. A little cool water to relieve baby’s teething
Offering cool water can help reduce teething pain.
5. Homeopathy
Homeopathy can also be effective in alleviating teething discomfort, available in granules and limited doses. Chamomilla Vulgaris, Mercurius Solubilis, and Phytolacca Decandra are commonly used to relieve teething pain, prescribed by dentists and general practitioners.
There are many solutions to ease a child’s teething pain, some very accessible and affordable. Consult a pediatric dentist for specific cases like permanent teeth growing behind baby teeth or crooked first teeth.
Baby teeth typically start appearing around 9 months but can range from 3 to 12 months. Teething can be uncomfortable, leading to irritability, but can be eased with love and a chilled teething ring.
Teething timing varies, with some babies showing signs as early as 3 months, and all 20 baby teeth are usually present by age 3. Variation in the eruption timing of teeth is common.
Signs of Teething
- Red swollen gums
- Flushed cheeks
- Drooling
- Irritability
- Fever
- Ear pulling
- Sucking fingers
Teething is generally not associated with illness, so consult a doctor if symptoms like coughing, rashes, or high fever occur.
Comfort Measures for Teething
- Massage gums
- Use a cooled teething ring or dummy
- Gently run a cool cloth or spoon along gums
- Offer firm items to suck on
- Provide softer foods for older children
Medication and Remedies
Consult a professional before using pain medications or mouth gels with anaesthetic.
Cold Teething Gels
Pain relief measures should be temporary, and ensure that the child does not ingest excessive amounts, as it can numb the throat and present a choking hazard.
Dummies for Relief
Using dummies can offer comfort, but avoid dipping them in sugary substances to prevent tooth decay. Beaded jewelry is potentially hazardous and does not provide teething relief.
Early Oral Health
Establish good oral hygiene early by cleaning your baby’s gums and brushing their teeth as they erupt. Use fluoride toothpaste as recommended. Regular dental check-ups, starting as soon as the first tooth emerges or around 12 months, are crucial for long-term oral health.
Government Benefits for Dental Health
Children eligible for government benefits can receive dental treatment through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Check eligibility by contacting Medicare or through MyGov.
Contact Maternal Child Health
For assistance, contact a maternal child health nurse at 1800 882 436.
Teething is the process of baby teeth breaking through the gums, which can vary in discomfort levels for each child.
Teething Symptoms
Noteworthy signs include chewing behavior, drooling, and flushed cheeks. Teething rings and healthy foods can help alleviate discomfort.
Irritability. Signs of teething include being fractious, struggling to settle, and crying more than usual. Comfort and cuddles can help soothe your baby if they’re upset. Distracting them with games can also provide relief.
The appearance of tooth buds. Small bumps and possibly a white tooth under the skin will appear on your baby’s gum. Using your finger, you can feel the hard, sometimes sharp, tooth coming through.
Rubbing their ear. Your baby may rub their ear when teething signs are present, indicating the pain may reach their eardrum.
Sore and red gums. Inflammation and redness may be noticed around the area where the tooth is emerging.
Trouble sleeping. Teething discomfort may disrupt your baby’s sleep routine. Consistency with bedtime habits can help.
How long will teething last?. The duration varies for each child depending on individual factors and the number of teeth emerging.
Do I need to go to the dentist or doctor?. Seek medical advice if your baby shows unusual symptoms beyond typical teething signs.
Causes of teething symptoms
Paediatric nurse Dawn Kelly explains that teething discomfort varies among babies due to pain tolerance, personality, and gum density. Swollen and tender gums are common during teething, potentially affecting feeding patterns. Tender gums may benefit from relief methods like teething rings and gels.
Tips and treatments for teething symptoms
Rubbing gums, teething rings, and comforting distractions can help soothe teething discomfort. Teething gels, paracetamol, or ibuprofen can be used if necessary. Homeopathic teething granules and chilled teething rings offer additional relief. Choking hazards should be considered when providing teething aids.
What does a teether/teething ring do?
Applying gentle pressure with teething aids can help ease discomfort. It’s important to supervise the use of teething aids to avoid potential issues with tooth alignment and speech.
Is it safe to offer teething biscuits to my baby?
The act of gnawing and biting can indicate the start of teething. Teething biscuits often contain sugar, so opting for homemade alternatives can be a safer option for relieving teething symptoms.
What teething remedies should I steer clear of?
Avoid using aspirin on your baby’s gums to relieve teething pain.
Dental Care for Baby Teeth
Once your baby’s first tooth comes in, begin incorporating dental care into their routine. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and start scheduling regular dental check-ups early on.