Complete Baby Teething Guide: Drooling, Fever, and Pain Relief

Your baby is suddenly drooling more and putting everything in their mouth. They're waking at night and fussy... Is teething starting? Research shows drooling occurs in 92% and sleep disruption in 82% of teething babies.

What is Teething?

Teething is the discomfort babies experience when their baby teeth push through the gums. The gums become swollen and itchy before teeth emerge, making babies uncomfortable.

Teething Timeline

Every baby is different, but here's the typical order:

First teeth (bottom front): 6-10 months Top front teeth: 8-12 months Lateral incisors: 9-13 months First molars: 13-19 months Canines: 16-23 months Second molars: 23-33 months

Some babies get teeth at 4 months, others after their first birthday. Don't worry if it's late!

Teething Symptoms

Common signs of teething:

Excessive drooling - bibs get wet quickly
Chewing on everything - fingers, toys, anything
Swollen gums - red and sensitive to touch
Sleep disruption - waking frequently at night
Increased fussiness - irritable and crying
Ear pulling - gum pain radiates to ears
Decreased appetite - refusing breast or bottle

Not Teething Symptoms

Fever above 101°F (38.5°C) or severe diarrhea are likely not teething. See a doctor.

How to Help

1. Cold Items

Chilled teethers work best. Refrigerate (not freeze) and offer to soothe gum pain.

Refrigerate 15-30 minutes (don't freeze)
Offer a clean, cold wet washcloth
For older babies: cold fruit pieces

2. Gum Massage

Gently rub gums with clean finger. Pressure relieves pain.

3. Things to Chew

Provide safe teethers or soft toys. Chewing itself relieves gum pressure.

4. Wipe Drool Often

Drool left on chin/neck causes drool rash. Wipe gently with soft cloth.

5. Pain Relief if Needed

For fever or severe discomfort, infant acetaminophen can help - consult your pediatrician.

What to Avoid

Teething gels with benzocaine - swallowing risk, FDA warns against
Amber necklaces - choking and strangulation hazard
Frozen teethers - too cold can damage gums

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does teething cause fever?
A: A slight temperature rise of 99.5-100.4°F (37.5-38°C) is possible during teething. But a temperature above 101°F (38.5°C), or severe diarrhea, likely has another cause rather than teething, so see a doctor. For mild discomfort, infant acetaminophen can help when recommended by your pediatrician.

Q: How long does teething last?
A: Teething usually causes 3-7 days of discomfort per tooth, and the pain eases once the tooth breaks through the gum. Common signs during this stretch include heavy drooling, which affects 92% of teething babies, and disrupted sleep, seen in 82%. Cold teethers and gentle gum massage can soothe the gums.

Q: My baby wakes too much at night. What can I do?
A: Teething can hurt more at night, which is one reason sleep disruption affects 82% of teething babies. Try a gentle gum massage with a clean finger before bed, or offer a teether chilled in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Consider infant acetaminophen with your pediatrician's guidance if needed.

Q: Is a late first tooth a problem?
A: Most cases are normal — some babies get their first tooth at 4 months, while others don't until after their first birthday. The bottom front teeth typically come in around 6-10 months. If there are still no teeth by 15 months, consult a dentist, but a late start usually isn't a concern.

Track Teeth with BebeSnap

When the first tooth appears, record it with a photo:

Log the date in growth records
Add a note: "First tooth!"
Look back at your parenting timeline later

References