What Are Signs that Babies Are Teething? – Symptoms & Remedies
Teething is a major milestone in a baby’s development. It is the exciting time when their first teeth begin to emerge. While teething is a natural part of growth, it can be quite challenging for both babies and their parents due to the discomfort and symptoms associated with it.
But how do you know what are signs that babies are teething?
Find out what are signs that babies are teething and learn about the effective remedies that you can use to ease their discomfort.
What is Teething?
Teething is the natural process through which your infant’s first set of teeth will emerge through the gums. This development milestone can be exciting yet challenging.
While this milestone means that your baby will now begin chewing solid foods, it also often comes with discomfort and various symptoms that can be distressing for both the baby and the parents.
The Tooth Eruption process is different for every child but typically starts when a baby is around six months old. By the age of three, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
What are Signs that Babies Are Teething?
Increased Drooling
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs that a baby is teething is an increase in drooling.
You might notice your baby’s clothes and toys becoming constantly wet, and they may need frequent bib changes to stay dry.
As teeth begin to push through the gums, the body produces more saliva to help lubricate the area. Drooling itself is harmless but could lead to skin irritation around the mouth, chin, and neck.
Chewing & Gnawing
Teething babies often feel the urge to chew and gnaw on anything they can get their hands on. This behavior is a natural response to the pressure and discomfort caused by emerging teeth, and chewing on objects can help massage the gums and provide relief.
Irritability & Fussiness
When your baby is teething, you might notice that they become increasingly more irritable and fussy. They might cry more than usual and seem harder to comfort. This fussiness often intensifies in the evening, as the pain can be more noticeable when the baby is tired.
These are common signs of teething, as the discomfort from the pressure of teeth pushing through the gums can make babies crankier and more difficult to soothe.
Swollen & Sensitive Gums
You might notice that your baby’s gums look red, inflamed, or swollen in the area. The gums might also feel softer to the touch. Visibly swollen and sensitive gums are a clear indicator that teeth are on their way.
Changes in Eating & Sleeping Patterns
The teething process can disrupt your baby’s normal eating and sleeping patterns. Babies may refuse to eat or drink because sucking can cause additional pressure on the sore gums. Others might wake up more frequently at night due to discomfort.
Face Rash
Another symptom of teething in babies is facial rash. This rash usually appears prominently around the mouth, chin, and cheeks. It is typically caused by constant drooling, which keeps the skin wet and irritated. The rash might appear as red, bumpy patches or small pimples.
Mild Fever
A mild fever, typically a temperature less than 101°F (38.3°C), could be another sign that your baby is teething. This slight increase in body temperature is usually a result of gum inflammation and the body’s natural response to it.
Simple Remedies to Manage Teething in Babies 
- Manage Drooling: Drooling itself is harmless but could cause a facial rash. Keep the area around the baby’s mouth, chin, and neck dry. You can also use a gentle moisturizer to help prevent this irritation.
- Provide Safe Teething Toys: Teething toys, such as silicone rings or teething biscuits, can help satisfy your baby’s chewing and gnawing urges. It can also help soothe their sore gums. Avoid teething toys that are too hard, which could damage the delicate gums.
- Comfort When Irritable & Fussy: Use comforting measures such as holding, rocking, and providing teething rings when your baby is irritable and fussy. This can help alleviate their discomfort and calm them down.
- Relieve Sensitive Gums: Rub your baby’s gums gently with a clean finger to relieve the teething pressure. You can also give them a damp washcloth to chew on, which can provide some relief from the tenderness and swelling.
- Be Patient & Understanding: This is key while managing your baby’s changed sleeping and eating patterns. Offering softer foods and ensuring that the baby is hydrated can also help. Try your best to establish a soothing bedtime routine to encourage better sleep.
- Heal Face Rash: To prevent and treat a teething rash, keep the skin near the mouth, chin, and neck as dry as possible by frequently wiping away drool. Use a gentle, baby-safe moisturizer to create a protective barrier.
- Manage Fever: If your baby’s fever is higher than 101°F (38.3°C) or shows other signs of illness, consult a pediatrician as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate something more than just teething.
When to Consult a Pediatric Dentist for Teething
While teething is a natural process that usually doesn’t require medical intervention, there are specific circumstances where consulting a pediatric dentist can be beneficial for your baby’s oral health.
Here are some scenarios in which you should consider seeking advice from a pediatric dentist:
Delayed Teething
If your baby hasn’t shown any signs of teething by 18 months, it’s advisable to consult a pediatric dentist. Delayed teething can sometimes indicate developmental issues or other health concerns that might need to be addressed.
Unusual Teething Patterns
Occasionally, a baby’s teeth can exhibit unusual teething patterns, such as appearing in an unusual order or with significant gaps. A pediatric dentist can assess whether this pattern is within the normal range or if there might be underlying issues.
Tooth Decay or Damage
If you notice any signs of cavities or tooth decay in your baby’s primary teeth, including discoloration or damage, it’s crucial to see a pediatric dentist. Early treatment can help prevent serious dental issues and maintain oral health.
Oral Hygiene Guidance
A pediatric dentist can provide valuable oral hygiene advice on how to care for your baby’s emerging teeth. They can demonstrate proper brushing techniques, recommend fluoride treatments if necessary, and offer tips on establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age.
Teething Complications
A pediatric dentist can give the right evaluation if your baby is experiencing severe pain, significant gum swelling, or other complications that don’t seem typical of the teething process.
Takeaway
While teething can be a trying time for both babies and parents, it’s usually a normal part of development that can be managed with home remedies and a lot of patience.
Knowing what are signs that babies are teething can help you understand when you need pediatric dental guidance to address any potential health issues. You can also be aware of the remedies that can help soothe your baby’s discomfort.
Ensure Your Baby’s Healthy Little Smile with Little Diamonds Pediatric Dentistry
At Little Diamonds Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that teething can be challenging for both babies and their parents.
That’s why our team is here to provide the right medical advice and support to ensure your baby’s teething process is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Don’t navigate the teething journey alone. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
FAQs
How early do teething symptoms start?
Teething symptoms can start as early as 3 months of age, although the first tooth typically appears around 6 months. Every baby is different, so some might start teething earlier or later than this average range.
How can I make sure that my baby is teething?
To ensure that your baby is teething, look for symptoms like increased drooling, chewing and gnawing, increased fussiness, swollen or sensitive gums, and a change in their eating and sleeping patterns. You can also consult a pediatric dentist to confirm your assessment and get guidance on how to manage the teething process.