By Nurse on Duty · 25 October 2026 · Based on the sources listed below
Common teething symptoms include drooling, sore and swollen gums, chewing on everything, fussiness, and disturbed sleep. Teething does not cause a real fever or diarrhoea, so if your baby has either, look for another cause and check with your doctor.
When do babies start teething?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), baby teeth usually appear between 6 and 10 months, although some babies feel discomfort as early as 3 months. A first tooth arriving a little later is usually normal.
MedlinePlus explains that the lower front teeth usually come first, followed by the upper front teeth. Molars and canines follow later, and all 20 baby teeth are usually in by about 30 months (two and a half years).
Teething symptoms to look for
- Extra drooling, sometimes with a rash on the chin or around the mouth
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Biting or chewing on fingers, toys, and other hard objects
- Fussiness or irritability
- Waking more at night
- Not wanting to feed or eat as usual
Many babies have few symptoms. The AAP symptom checker notes that if discomfort happens, it usually settles within 2 or 3 days around each tooth.
Does teething cause fever?
No. The AAP is clear that teething does not cause fever, diarrhoea, or excessive crying. Blaming these on teething can mean missing an ear infection, a stomach bug, or another illness.
If your baby has a raised temperature, read our guide on how to bring down a child’s fever safely, and contact your doctor as advised below.
How to soothe a teething baby: safe remedies
- Offer a firm teether. Choose a solid rubber teething ring, not a liquid-filled one. You can chill it in the fridge, but do not freeze it; very hard, frozen objects can hurt the gums.
- Use a cold washcloth. Let your baby chew on a clean, damp washcloth that has been chilled.
- Rub the gums. Wash your hands and gently massage the gums with a clean finger.
- Try cool foods if your baby is on solids. From around 6 months, chilled soft foods or pieces of raw fruit and vegetables can help. Always stay with your baby while they eat, as these can be a choking risk.
- Wipe away drool often to protect the skin around the mouth and chin.
- Keep bedtime calm. A warm bath and a gentle massage can help a teething baby settle.
Avoid sugary rusks and sweet snacks, and if your baby takes a bottle for comfort, fill it only with water. Milk, formula, and juice left in the mouth can cause tooth decay.
What about teething medicines and gels?
Most teething discomfort does not need medicine. If your baby is still very uncomfortable, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a pain reliever such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) is suitable. Doses depend on your child’s weight and the product, so always follow the label or your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice. Some pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are not suitable for very young babies, and aspirin should never be given to children.
Teething products to avoid
- Benzocaine gels and liquids. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns these should not be used for teething because they can cause methaemoglobinaemia, a rare but serious condition that reduces oxygen in the blood.
- Lidocaine for teething. The FDA warns prescription lidocaine solutions can cause seizures, severe brain injury, and heart problems in babies.
- Homeopathic teething tablets and gels. The FDA and AAP advise against them, as some have contained harmful ingredients.
- Teething necklaces, bracelets, and amber beads. The FDA has received reports of choking, strangulation, and death. Never tie anything around your baby’s neck.
- Rubbing alcohol, aspirin, or cutting the gums. These are unsafe and can cause harm or infection.
Caring for new teeth
The NHS advises starting to brush with a fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes through, and registering your baby with a dentist. Ask your dentist or child health nurse how much toothpaste to use for your baby’s age.
When to get medical help
Call your doctor if your baby:
- Has a fever (teething does not cause one)
- Has diarrhoea that lasts more than a day
- Is crying much more than usual or seems to be in a lot of pain
- You are unsure whether a medicine or remedy is safe
Get emergency help now (call your local emergency number or go to the emergency department) if your baby:
- Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old with a temperature of 39°C or higher
- Struggles to breathe, breathes very fast, or grunts
- Has pale, blue, grey, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue
- Is floppy, hard to wake, or has a weak, high-pitched, or constant cry
- Has a rash that does not fade when pressed, or has a seizure
- Has not had a wet nappy (diaper) in 12 hours
If you think something is seriously wrong, get help straight away, even at night.
Frequently asked questions
How long does teething last for each tooth?
For most babies, any soreness around a single tooth lasts only a few days, and the AAP symptom checker says it usually settles within 2 or 3 days. Because babies cut 20 teeth over roughly two years, you may notice on-and-off fussiness for months, with long calm stretches in between.
Can teething cause a runny nose or diarrhoea?
Teething is not a recognised cause of diarrhoea, fever, or illness. Babies of teething age also catch many colds and tummy bugs, so these symptoms often appear at the same time by coincidence. If your baby has diarrhoea for more than a day, or seems unwell, contact your doctor.
Are teething gels safe for babies?
Many are not. The FDA warns against benzocaine and lidocaine products for teething, and the AAP says numbing gels wash away quickly anyway. Some countries sell gels made for babies, but check with your pharmacist or doctor first, and try a chilled teether or gum massage before any medicine.
Related on Nurses Notes
- How to bring down a child’s fever safely at home
- Newborn jaundice: signs, when to worry, and treatment
- All Parenting articles on Nurses Notes
Sources
- Teething Pain Relief: How to Soothe Your Baby’s Discomfort – American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, 2025
- Teething (Symptom Checker) – American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, accessed October 2026
- Teething – MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2024
- Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children – US Food and Drug Administration, 2024
- Tips for helping your teething baby – NHS, 2025
- When to get urgent medical help for babies and children under 5 – NHS, 2026
This article is for education only and does not replace advice from your own doctor, nurse, or other qualified health professional.