Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months, though some start earlier or later. Teething can make some babies uncomfortable, while others barely notice.
Signs of teething
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- More drooling than usual
- Chewing on hands and toys
- Being more irritable or clingy
- A slightly higher temperature, but not a fever
Teething does not cause a high fever, diarrhoea or a rash on the body. If your baby has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or more, or seems unwell, contact your doctor.
What helps
- Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
- Offer a firm teething ring that has been cooled in the fridge, not the freezer.
- If your baby is eating solids, cold foods such as chilled fruit can help.
- Ask a pharmacist about baby pain relief suitable for your baby’s age.
What to avoid
- Teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, which the FDA warns against for babies
- Amber teething necklaces and bracelets, which are a choking and strangling risk
- Homeopathic teething tablets
Caring for new teeth
Brush twice a day from the first tooth with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste, and book a dental visit by the first birthday.
See when each tooth is likely to come through with our Baby Teeth Calculator.