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Teething: Signs, Soothing Tips and Early Tooth Care

When teeth usually appear, the symptoms to expect, safe ways to soothe a teething baby and how to start brushing.

Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.

Teething is a normal stage, but it can be hard on both of you. Most babies get their first tooth at around six months, although some start as early as three or four months and others after their first birthday. By about three years old, most children have all 20 baby teeth.

Common signs

• Drooling more than usual, sometimes with a mild rash on the chin or cheeks
• Chewing on fingers, toys and anything within reach
• Swollen, tender or red gums
• Being fussier than usual, or waking more at night
• Rubbing an ear or cheek

Safe ways to soothe

• Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger.
• Offer a clean, firm teething ring, or a cold, wet washcloth, to chew on. Chill rings in the fridge, but never freeze them solid.
• Wipe away drool often and apply a little barrier balm to protect the chin.
• Offer extra cuddles and distraction.
• If your baby seems in real discomfort, ask a pharmacist or doctor about pain relief that is suitable for their age and weight, and follow the instructions exactly.

What to avoid

• Amber teething necklaces and bracelets. They are not proven to work and are a choking and strangulation risk.
• Gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, and homeopathic teething tablets or gels, which regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration have warned against. Ask your pharmacist whether any teething gel is suitable for your baby.
• Frozen or very hard teething items, which can bruise the gums.

Is it teething or something else?

Teething can make babies grumpy, but it does not usually cause a high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, a cough or a cold. Do not put these symptoms down to teething. If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or higher, is very unwell or is feeding poorly, speak to a doctor.

Looking after the first teeth

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a soft baby toothbrush.
• Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, unless your dentist or health service advises otherwise.
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, and avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
• Book a first dental visit around the time of the first tooth or the first birthday, following your local guidance.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.