First teeth usually appear between 6 and 12 months, and the discomfort can start weeks before the tooth actually breaks through. Knowing what’s teething, and what isn’t, saves a lot of worry.
Common signs
- Swollen, tender gums and extra drooling.
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or anything within reach.
- Fussiness and a slightly lower appetite; some babies wake more at night.
- A mild rise in temperature can happen, but a true fever is not a teething sign.
Soothing that works
- A chilled (not frozen) teether, or a clean wet cloth cooled in the fridge.
- Gentle pressure: rub the gum with a clean finger.
- Offer cool, soft foods if your baby is eating solids, like cold yogurt or banana.
- Extra cuddles and patience; a tooth appearing can disrupt sleep for a few nights.
High fever, diarrhea, or a sick-looking baby is not ‘just teething’. Call your doctor.
Avoid teething gels with benzocaine for babies, and skip amber necklaces, which are a choking and strangulation risk with no proven benefit.