Teething is a normal part of growing up. Most babies get their first tooth around six months old, but it can come in earlier or later. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
Your baby may start showing signs of teething weeks before the first tooth appears. Common signs of teething include drooling, chewing on objects, swollen gums, and being a little more fussy than usual.
What You Can Do
Teething can be uncomfortable for kids, but there are safe ways to help them:
- Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger
- Offer a cool, damp washcloth to chew on
- Use a firm rubber teething ring (not frozen)
- Give soft, cool foods like yogurt or applesauce if your child eats solid food
- Give extra comfort, cuddles, and patience during fussy moments
Babies often get a mild rash from extra drool during teething. Keep your child's face clean and dry to help prevent irritation. For skin care, use a gentle fragrance-free cream or a small amount of petroleum jelly or around the mouth and chin if needed.
What to Avoid
Some products can be harmful:
- Do not use teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine
- Avoid teething necklaces or beads
- Do not give frozen or very hard items
- Skip homeopathic tablets or unapproved remedies
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some teething products can be unsafe for babies.
When to Call the Doctor
Teething should not cause a true high fever. A true high fever is 100.4 degrees or higher. Call your child’s doctor if your baby has a fever, diarrhea, severe discomfort, is not eating well, or seems unusually sick.
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