Find out the signs that your baby’s teeth are coming through, plus the order they’re likely to appear
Teething tends to start around six months. Your baby may not experience any discomfort or pain at all, but some do. According to maternity nurse Lisa Clegg (@blissfulbabyexpert1) these are the signs to look out for.
Signs that your baby is teething
Sore gum
You may notice that your baby’s gum is red where the tooth is coming through.
Slight temperature
Your baby may have a temperature that’s raised, but under 38°C.
Crying
Your baby may seem fretful if their emerging teeth are causing discomfort.
Dribbling
Teething causes the mouth to produce more saliva – it’s too much for your baby to swallow continuously so they dribble it out.
Chewing on hands
Your baby may chomp on objects, including their hands, to help ease sore gums.
Flushed cheek
One cheek may be red and hot to the touch and your baby may have a rash on their face.
Rubbing their ear
Your baby may pull at their ear – usually on the side of the mouth which is causing the pain.
Disturbed sleep
Your little one may whimper in their sleep or even wake up crying.
‘If your baby is showing at least three of these signs then it’s likely that teething pain is the problem,’ says Lisa. ‘You may spot signs every time your baby is about to cut a tooth.’
Remember that these signs can also be caused by illness. ‘To check whether teething is likely to be the cause, run a clean finger along your baby’s gum lines to feel for any small ridges,’ says Judy Renucci, registered homoeopath at Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy.
‘If you are worried about any of your child’s symptoms, speak with your healthcare practitioner.’
The timing varies from child to child, but these are the teeth that are likely to emerge before baby’s first birthday:
5-7 months: Bottom incisors (bottom front teeth) 6-8 months: Upper incisors (upper front teeth) 9-11 months: Top lateral incisors (either side of top front teeth) 10-12 months: Bottom lateral incisors (either side of bottom front teeth)
Most children will have all their baby teeth by the age of three. If that seems like a long time for your child to be teething, don’t worry; teething isn’t constant. According to research, each tooth or pair of teeth should only cause your little one discomfort for just over a week, and they may not experience any discomfort at all.
How to help soothe sore gums
Teethers: Give your baby something to chew on safely, to ease discomfort. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cool melon slices: If your baby is over six months old, you can give them cool, soft fruit such as melon to soothe sore gums (keep an eye on them).
Bread or breadsticks: Harder foods such as a crust of bread or a breadstick can also help but always supervise your baby and watch for signs of choking.
Teething granules: These are specially formulated to soothe and calm the symptoms of teething.
Teething gels: Containing a mild local anaesthetic, these can soothe sore gums.
Children’s pain relief medicine: Babies aged three months or older can be given infant paracetamol or ibuprofen suspension to help relieve teething symptoms.
Calm your baby with cuddles: Comforting or playing with your baby can be helpful. You can also try running a clean finger very gently over sore gums – the gentle pressure may soothe the pain.
