Few things worry new parents like a suddenly grumpy, dribbly baby who won’t settle. Teething is one of the most common reasons — and the good news is that it’s a normal stage, it passes, and there are gentle, safe ways to help. Here’s what to look for and what actually soothes sore gums.
This is general information, not medical advice — check with your doctor or midwife.
When does teething start, and what are the signs?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, but anywhere from 3 to 12 months is completely normal. The two bottom front teeth usually arrive first, followed by the top front teeth a month or two later.
Common, harmless signs include:
- Sore, red or swollen gums — sometimes you can feel a hard bump.
- More drooling than usual (a bib helps keep their chin dry).
- Chewing and gnawing on hands, toys, or anything they can reach.
- Fussiness or trouble settling, especially at night.
- A mild rise in temperature and slightly flushed cheeks.
Teething tends to come in waves — a few unsettled days as a tooth pushes through, then calm again. Some babies sail through with barely a grumble; others find each new tooth harder. Both are normal, and neither says anything about how your baby is developing. You can see the usual order and timing in our teething timeline tool, which maps out which teeth tend to appear when, so you know roughly what’s coming next.
What teething does not cause
It’s easy to blame teeth for everything, but teething does not cause:
- A true fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher).
- Diarrhoea, vomiting, or a heavy cough and cold.
- A baby who seems genuinely unwell, floppy, or hard to rouse.
These point to something else — often a passing infection. Babies pick up bugs around this age anyway, partly because everything goes in the mouth, so it’s easy to mix the two up. If your baby has any of these, treat it as illness, not teething, and check with your doctor rather than waiting for it to pass with the tooth.
How can I safely soothe sore gums?
Gentle pressure and cold are the two things that genuinely help. Safe, simple options:
- A clean finger. Rub your baby’s gums firmly but gently for a minute or two — the counter- pressure is soothing.
- A cold (not frozen) teether. Chill a solid silicone or rubber teething ring in the fridge. Frozen-hard toys can bruise tender gums, so cool is enough.
- A cold, clean flannel. Dampen it, chill it, and let your baby chew a corner.
- Something safe to chew. A sturdy teether they can’t bite a piece off, or — for babies eating solids — a chilled, large piece of food under close supervision.
- Extra comfort. More cuddles, calm, and patience. Sometimes that’s the biggest help of all.
- A bit of distraction. A change of scene, a song, or a little play can pull your baby’s attention away from their gums for a while.
If your baby is truly miserable, the right dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for short-term relief — but check the correct dose for their age and weight with your pharmacist or doctor first.
What should I avoid?
Some popular products do more harm than good. Steer clear of:
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Amber / beaded teething necklaces | Choking and strangulation risk; no proven benefit |
| Numbing / teething gels (esp. benzocaine) | Safety warnings for babies; can numb the throat |
| Frozen-solid toys | Too hard — can bruise tender gums |
| Teething biscuits with sugar | Sugar on new teeth raises decay risk |
The safest soothers are the simple ones: cold, clean, chewable, and nothing tied around your baby’s neck or wrist.
How do I care for those first teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears, start cleaning it:
- Brush twice a day with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft baby brush or a clean cloth.
- Skip sugary drinks and don’t let your baby fall asleep with a bottle of anything but water.
- Book a first dental check around their first birthday, or as your dentist advises.
- Wipe the gums even before teeth appear, with a soft damp cloth after feeds, to get your baby used to the routine.
Good habits now protect the grown-up teeth waiting underneath. Teething often overlaps with other big changes happening this year — our guide to baby milestones in the first year puts it all in context, so a few rough nights feel less out of the blue.
When should I call a doctor?
Most teething needs nothing but patience and a cool teether. But check in with your doctor or health visitor if your baby:
- Has a real fever, diarrhoea, or seems genuinely unwell.
- Is not feeding, is very drowsy, or is hard to comfort over a long stretch.
- Has no teeth at all by around 18 months (worth a routine mention, not an emergency).
Trust your instinct: you know your baby best, and there’s never any harm in asking.
Teething is a passing phase, even when the nights feel long. Cold comfort, gentle pressure, and plenty of cuddles will carry you both through — and before you know it, you’ll be admiring that first little smile full of teeth.
This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Your healthcare provider or dentist is the best person to ask about your baby.