Teething: causes, symptoms and what to do

What are the symptoms of teething?

Cleveland Clinic lists drooling, sore, red, swollen, tender gums, fussiness and irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, biting or chewing on objects and a slight temperature rise. The American Academy of Pediatrics says drooling can cause a rash around the mouth. Healthline says teething may raise temperature by about 0.2°F, too small to be a fever.

Do babies eat less when teething?

Cleveland Clinic lists loss of appetite as a teething symptom, and the 2011 Pediatrics study that Healthline cites found reduced appetite around the day a tooth emerged. Neither page gives feeding guidance. If your baby refuses feeds for more than a short time, seems unwell or has fewer wet diapers, call the pediatrician, because poor feeding can have other causes.

Does teething cause a runny nose?

The sources disagree: one Healthline article says a runny nose can occur on the day a tooth emerges, while another says teething does not cause one. A runny nose that lasts beyond a few days is more likely a cold. See our guide on teething and runny nose.

What does a teething rash look like?

The sources describe a rash around the mouth, chin or face from drool, not a rash on the body. The American Academy of Pediatrics says teething does not cause diaper rash except possibly around the mouth, and Cleveland Clinic says to report a rash to your baby's provider. A body rash with fever or illness is not teething.

Can teething cause earaches?

The sources we read do not mention earache. Do not assume ear pulling means teething, because ear infections and other illnesses can cause it, and a fever is not from teething. See the pediatrician if your baby pulls at an ear with fever or crying.

How long does molar teething last?

The sources we read do not say how long teething lasts for each tooth. Cleveland Clinic gives when molars emerge: first molars at 13 to 19 months for the upper and 14 to 18 months for the lower, and second molars at 23 to 33 months. Ask your dentist or pediatrician what to expect.

How to soothe teething safely

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests soft rubber or plastic teething toys, a chilled damp washcloth, a cold sippy cup of water for babies over 6 months and gentle gum massage, and says not to let the baby chew on anything frozen solid. Cleveland Clinic suggests a clean finger, cool spoon or moist gauze and a clean solid rubber teether. For severe discomfort, ask your pediatrician about acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

What to avoid, and when to start dental care

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against benzocaine and lidocaine remedies, homeopathic tablets and gels, alcohol, liquid-filled teething toys and teething necklaces of amber, wood, marble or silicone, which pose choking and strangulation risks. Cleveland Clinic gives similar advice. ADA MouthHealthy says the first dental visit should be after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday.

Caring for new teeth

Teeth can decay as soon as they come in, and ADA MouthHealthy says cavities can start as soon as teeth appear. Wipe the gums and clean each new tooth as your dentist or pediatrician advises, and ask what amount of toothpaste is right for your baby's age. Our guide on when children lose baby teeth covers what happens later, and the first dental visit is also a chance to ask about thumb sucking, pacifiers and drooling. Keep a short diary of symptoms and temperatures, because it helps the doctor tell teething from another illness.

Questions to ask your pediatrician or dentist

Ask before trying a new product.

• Is this teething or another illness?
• Which soothing methods and pain relief are safe for my baby's age?
• How should I clean my baby's new teeth?
• When should my baby first see a dentist?
• Which symptoms mean I should call you?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions