Teething: Signs, Symptoms, and Safe Relief Methods

Your baby has been drooling like a faucet, gnawing on everything in sight, and has gone from sweet angel to tiny gremlin overnight. Welcome to teething — one of those milestones that’s exciting in theory and exhausting in practice.

The good news: teething is temporary, completely normal, and there are genuinely effective ways to help your baby through it. The less good news: there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about teething, and some “remedies” that are actually dangerous. Let’s sort the facts from the myths.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though there’s a wide range of normal. Some babies are born with a tooth (called a natal tooth), while others don’t see their first one until after their first birthday. Both are perfectly fine.

Here’s the general timeline for how those 20 baby teeth tend to arrive:

Typical tooth eruption order

6 to 10 months: Lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth — usually the first to appear)
8 to 12 months: Upper central incisors (the two top front teeth)
9 to 13 months: Upper lateral incisors (next to the top front teeth)
10 to 16 months: Lower lateral incisors (next to the bottom front teeth)
13 to 19 months: First molars (the big ones toward the back)
16 to 23 months: Canines (the pointy ones)
23 to 33 months: Second molars (the very back ones)

By around age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. But remember — these are averages. Your baby’s timeline is their own, and late teethers aren’t behind in development.

Real Teething Symptoms vs. What Gets Blamed on Teething

Teething gets blamed for everything from fevers to diaper rash to bad moods. But research tells us a more nuanced story. Here are the symptoms that are actually linked to teething — and the ones that aren’t.

Genuine teething symptoms

Drooling — often starting weeks before the tooth actually appears. Some babies produce impressive quantities of saliva.
Gum swelling and tenderness — you might see or feel a raised bump on the gum where the tooth is pushing through.
Increased biting and chewing — counter-pressure on the gums feels soothing, so your baby will gnaw on anything within reach.
Irritability and fussiness — especially in the days right before and during the tooth breaking through the gum surface.
Disrupted sleep — the discomfort can make it harder to settle and stay asleep, particularly at night.
Rubbing the face or ears — referred pain from the gums can make babies rub nearby areas. (But also consider that ear pulling can indicate an ear infection — context matters.)
Slight decrease in appetite — sucking can put pressure on sore gums, making some babies temporarily reluctant to feed.
Drool rash — constant moisture from drooling can irritate the skin around the mouth, chin, and neck.

What teething does NOT cause

High fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C): A large Australian study published in Pediatrics found that teething may cause a very slight temperature elevation but does not cause true fevers. If your teething baby has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, another cause should be investigated.
Diarrhea: Despite being widely believed, there’s no scientific evidence linking teething to diarrhea. The timing often coincides with babies putting more objects in their mouths (introducing new germs) and starting solid foods.
Severe illness: Teething doesn’t cause vomiting, high fevers, lethargy, or refusal to eat for extended periods. These symptoms warrant a call to your pediatrician regardless of what’s happening in your baby’s mouth.

The danger of attributing serious symptoms to “just teething” is that a real illness might be missed. When in doubt, call your doctor.

Safe Ways to Soothe Teething Pain

The AAP and FDA both recommend sticking to simple, proven methods. Here’s what actually works:

Cold and pressure

The most effective teething relief combines cold (which numbs) and pressure (which counter-stimulates the nerves in the gums):

Chilled teething rings: Put a solid rubber or silicone teething ring in the refrigerator (not the freezer — frozen teethers can be too hard and bruise the gums). The cool temperature provides gentle numbing relief.
Cold washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and chill it in the fridge. Your baby can chew on it, and the texture provides satisfying pressure on the gums.
Gum massage: Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Many babies find this immediately soothing. You can also wrap a damp gauze pad around your finger for added texture.
Chilled foods (for babies on solids): A cold banana, refrigerated cucumber stick, or chilled fruit in a mesh feeder can be both a snack and a teether. Always supervise closely to prevent choking.

Medication (when needed)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Can be given to babies 2 months and older for teething discomfort. Dose by weight and follow package directions.
Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil): Approved for babies 6 months and older. Particularly effective because it reduces both pain and gum inflammation.
Use sparingly: Teething pain tends to be worst right when the tooth is breaking through and subsides quickly after. Reserve medication for times when your baby is genuinely miserable rather than using it routinely.

Distraction and comfort

Never underestimate the power of simply changing the scenery:

Extra cuddles and skin-to-skin contact
A warm bath
Playing outside (fresh air and new sights are surprisingly effective)
Singing, rocking, or whatever your baby’s go-to comfort activity is

What to AVOID: Unsafe Teething “Remedies”

This section might be the most important one in this article. Several popular teething products are genuinely dangerous:

Topical numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine

The FDA has issued multiple warnings against using over-the-counter oral numbing gels (like Orajel) on children under 2. Benzocaine is linked to a rare but potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Lidocaine-based products can cause seizures and heart problems if too much is absorbed. These products also wash away quickly with saliva, providing minimal relief while carrying real risk.

Homeopathic teething tablets and gels

The FDA has warned against homeopathic teething products after reports of adverse events including seizures. Some products tested contained inconsistent and potentially toxic amounts of belladonna (a poisonous plant). Just because a label says “natural” or “homeopathic” does not mean it’s safe for your baby.

Amber teething necklaces and bracelets

These are marketed with the claim that amber releases succinic acid when warmed by body temperature, which supposedly has anti-inflammatory properties. There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim. More importantly, these necklaces pose serious strangulation and choking hazards. The AAP, FDA, and multiple children’s hospitals have explicitly warned against their use. Several infant deaths have been attributed to amber teething necklaces.

Frozen teething toys

While chilled teethers are great, fully frozen ones can be too hard and actually injure or bruise your baby’s gums. Stick to refrigerator-cold, not freezer-cold.

Whiskey or brandy on the gums

This old folk remedy is unequivocally dangerous. Even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to babies. Just don’t.

Managing the Drool

Teething-level drool production can be truly spectacular. Here’s how to manage the flood:

Keep a bib on your baby during the day to absorb drool and protect their clothes.
Pat the skin dry frequently around the mouth, chin, and neck. Constant moisture leads to drool rash.
Apply a barrier cream (like petroleum jelly or lanolin) to the chin and neck area before sleep and before heading outside.
Change wet clothes promptly — prolonged dampness irritates skin.
If drool rash develops, keep the area clean and dry and apply a gentle moisturizer. If it becomes cracked, bleeding, or infected-looking, check with your pediatrician.

Caring for Those New Teeth

Even before the first tooth appears, you can start building good oral hygiene habits:

Wipe the gums with a clean, damp washcloth after feedings.
Once the first tooth erupts, start brushing twice daily with an infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Schedule the first dental visit by your baby’s first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. This is a recommendation from both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice — this can lead to early childhood cavities (sometimes called “bottle rot”).

Frequently Asked Questions

My baby is 10 months old and still has no teeth. Should I be worried?

Not at all. While most babies get their first tooth by about 8 months, some perfectly healthy babies don’t get one until 12 to 14 months. There’s a strong genetic component — ask your parents when you got your first tooth. If your baby still has no teeth by 18 months, mention it to your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric dentist for evaluation.

Can teething cause a diaper rash?

This is a persistent belief, but there’s no direct causal link. What may happen is that increased drooling leads to swallowing more saliva, which can slightly change stool composition and potentially irritate the skin. But if your baby develops a significant diaper rash during teething, treat the rash on its own merits — it’s likely coincidental or related to dietary changes.

My baby’s tooth looks gray/yellow/has spots. Is that normal?

Slight color variations in baby teeth are usually normal. However, if a tooth appears significantly discolored (dark gray or brown), has visible pits or grooves, or if the enamel looks thin or irregular, schedule a dental visit. Early evaluation can catch enamel hypoplasia or other conditions that benefit from monitoring.

Do some teeth hurt more than others coming in?

Generally, yes. The first teeth (lower central incisors) tend to cause the most distress because it’s a new sensation. Molars, which are larger with a broader surface, can also be particularly uncomfortable when they erupt. Canines vary — some babies barely notice them while others have a rough few days.

Can I use a frozen fruit in a mesh feeder as a teether?

This is actually a great idea for babies who are eating solids. Frozen or very cold fruit in a mesh feeder provides cold relief and counter-pressure while also being a safe way to prevent choking. Just supervise your baby while they use it, and clean the feeder thoroughly after each use.

Sources

Massignan, C., et al. “Signs and Symptoms of Primary Tooth Eruption: A Meta-Analysis.” Pediatrics, vol. 137, no. 3, 2016.
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Teething Pain Relief: How to Soothe Your Baby’s Discomfort.” HealthyChildren.org, updated 2024.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children.” FDA.gov, updated 2023.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Warns Against Use of Homeopathic Teething Tablets and Gels.” FDA.gov, 2017.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “Guideline on Infant Oral Health Care.” AAPD Reference Manual, 2024.
Wake, M., et al. “Teething and Tooth Eruption in Infants: A Cohort Study.” Pediatrics, vol. 106, no. 6, 2000, pp. 1374–1379.