Teething: Signs, Timeline, and Soothing Tips

Teething: Signs, Timeline, and Soothing Tips

Teething is one of those parenting milestones that can bring both excitement and concern. That first tooth is a sign your baby is growing, but the process can also be uncomfortable for little ones and stressful for parents trying to help. Understanding what to expect, what symptoms are actually related to teething, and how to safely soothe your baby can make this phase much more manageable.

When Does Teething Begin?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age, though there's a wide range of normal. Some babies are born with teeth, while others don't get their first tooth until after their first birthday. If your baby hasn't gotten any teeth by 18 months, it's worth mentioning to your pediatrician, but in most cases, teeth simply arrive on their own timeline.

Genetics play a significant role in when teeth appear. If you or your partner were early or late teethers, your baby may follow a similar pattern. Families throughout Robbinsville, Hamilton, and Mercer County often share teething stories across generations and notice these patterns.

The Order of Teeth

While every baby is different, teeth typically arrive in a predictable order. The bottom front teeth, called central incisors, usually appear first, between 6 and 10 months. The top front teeth, also central incisors, follow between 8 and 12 months. Next come the lateral incisors, the teeth next to the front teeth, usually appearing between 9 and 16 months. First molars typically come in between 13 and 19 months. Canines, or eye teeth, appear between 16 and 23 months. Second molars, in the back, are usually the last baby teeth to arrive, between 23 and 33 months.

By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. These baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, starting around age 6.

True Teething Symptoms

Teething gets blamed for many things, but the actual symptoms directly related to teething are relatively limited. Genuine teething symptoms include increased drooling (which may start well before teeth actually appear), desire to chew or gnaw on objects, swollen or tender gums, mild fussiness or irritability especially around feeding, slightly disrupted sleep, rubbing cheeks or pulling ears (referred pain from gums), mild decrease in appetite for solid foods, and a slightly raised temperature under 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

These symptoms typically occur in the days immediately before and after a tooth breaks through. If your baby seems uncomfortable for weeks without a tooth appearing, something else may be going on.

What Teething Does Not Cause

Many symptoms are incorrectly attributed to teething. It's important to know that teething does NOT cause high fever (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe diarrhea, significant diaper rash, vomiting, excessive crying or inconsolable distress, runny nose or cold symptoms, or cough.

If your baby has these symptoms, they're more likely related to illness rather than teething. Babies often get sick during the same months they're teething simply because it's a time when they're putting everything in their mouths and their immune systems are still developing. But the symptoms are from illness, not teeth.

Families in East Windsor, West Windsor, Plainsboro, and Bordentown should contact our office if their baby has a fever over 101 degrees or other concerning symptoms rather than assuming teething is the cause.

Safe Soothing Methods

When your baby is genuinely uncomfortable from teething, several safe methods can provide relief.

Chewing helps counter the pressure of teeth pushing through gums. Offer safe teething toys, a cold wet washcloth, or clean fingers for your baby to gnaw on. Silicone or rubber teething rings work well. Avoid teething toys with liquid inside, as they can break and leak.

Cold provides natural numbing relief. Chill teething rings or wet washcloths in the refrigerator (not freezer, as frozen items can be too hard). Cold fruit in a mesh feeder works well for older babies who have started solids.

Gum massage can soothe sore gums. Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby's gums with light pressure.

Comfort measures also help. Sometimes extra cuddles, distraction with play, or a calm environment is all your baby needs.

Pain relief medication can help if your baby is truly uncomfortable. Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months) can be used occasionally. Always use the correct dose based on weight and check with your pediatrician if you're unsure.

What to Avoid

Some traditional teething remedies are not safe and should be avoided.

Teething tablets and gels containing benzocaine or belladonna have been linked to serious health risks. The FDA has warned against their use in young children.

Amber teething necklaces pose strangulation and choking hazards. There's no scientific evidence that they work, and the risks far outweigh any potential benefit.

Homeopathic teething products have been associated with adverse events and are not recommended.

Frozen teething toys that are too hard can damage gums.

Rubbing alcohol on gums is dangerous and should never be used.

Caring for New Teeth

Once teeth appear, it's time to start dental care. Clean new teeth twice daily using a soft infant toothbrush or clean wet cloth. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) once teeth appear. Schedule your baby's first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth. Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle, as this can cause tooth decay.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

While teething is a normal developmental process, certain situations warrant a call to your pediatrician. Contact our office if your baby has a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, has severe diarrhea or vomiting, is inconsolable for extended periods, refuses to eat or drink for more than a day, has symptoms lasting weeks without teeth appearing, has swelling of the face or gums that looks infected, or is having any reaction to pain medication.

Our practice serving families throughout Robbinsville and Mercer County is always happy to help you determine whether symptoms are teething-related or something that needs attention.

Surviving the Teething Phase

Teething can feel endless when you're in the middle of it, but remember that this phase does pass. Some teeth seem to arrive without any fuss at all, while others cause days of discomfort. Every baby and every tooth is different.

Keep teething in perspective as one of many developmental milestones your baby will go through. Celebrate those first teeth when they appear, continue regular well-child visits so we can monitor your baby's development, and reach out whenever you have questions or concerns. We're here to support you through every stage of your child's growth, including those sometimes-challenging teething months.

With patience, safe soothing strategies, and knowing when to seek help, you and your baby will get through teething just fine. Before you know it, you'll have a toothy smile to admire.