Can Babies Start Teething at 3 Months? Signs and Tips

Updated

03 March 2021

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Published

11 May 2019

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Dr. Olga Urban, Pediatrician, Baby Boss Medical Centre

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From pediatricians to parenting blogs, the phrase “every baby is different” is quite common. Despite this, it’s normal for parents’ instincts to go into overdrive whenever they think something unusual is going on with their baby. So, is it normal if a baby starts teething at 3 months old? Read this article to find out!

While most babies start teething when they’re about four to six months old, this doesn’t apply to every baby. Some babies are born with a tooth or two, while others reach their first birthday with no teeth at all. Occasionally, some babies start teething before they’re four months old, but that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with them.

Regardless of when a baby starts teething, the emergence of teeth is usually accompanied by similar signs. The most common signs of teething include:

• Increased drooling — Drooling is normal in babies, but it tends to increase as teeth get closer to emerging. Excessive drooling can cause a rash on the baby’s chin, neck, and chest area. If the baby is drooling more than usual, fastening a bib around their neck or applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on these areas can help prevent rashes. Wiping their drool frequently will also help keep them clean.
• Irritability — Teething babies tend to become fussier than usual. This is because as teeth erupt, they erode the gums and cause discomfort. The baby could express their discomfort by crying or whining. However, they should get used to this feeling quickly and become calmer. If the baby is too irritable, their pediatrician can also prescribe a pain reliever.
• Swollen gums — Since erupting teeth erode babies’ gums before they completely emerge, it’s normal for their gums to be somewhat swollen in the days before teething. The baby’s gums could also have small bruises or some redness. Gently rubbing a cool, wet cloth over their gums or providing a teething ring made of firm rubber to chew on can help provide relief. 
• Decreased appetite — If a 3-month-old is teething, suckling to eat could make their gums hurt more. This could cause a decrease in their normal eating patterns while they’re teething.
• Mild fever — Teething won’t cause a high fever, but it could lead to a mild increase in the baby’s body temperature. This shouldn’t exceed 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C). Any fever in a three-month-old requires a trip to a health care provider, even if they’re teething. Talk to the baby’s pediatrician to rule out more serious causes of fever.

Remember that teething won’t cause serious symptoms, regardless of the baby’s age. So if a child has diarrhea or a high fever, it’s time to call the health care provider, even if they’re teething at the same time. Irritability caused by teething can be stressful for new parents who are already battling postpartum symptoms or postpartum depression. But the important thing to remember is that teething will pass, and the baby will likely feel better soon.

If a three-month-old is teething, it’s normal to wonder what that will mean for breastfeeding. When the unavoidable happens and the baby bites down on the breast, calmly unlatch them, say immediately and firmly “No,” and take a little break from nursing. It may happen several times, even before their teeth fully emerge, but it will work. Using the same words and tone each time will help them get the message. 

It’s also important to make sure that the baby has latched on correctly. When they’re in a good position to breastfeed, it becomes less likely that they’ll bite while eating. Positioning the baby so that the nipple is aimed toward the roof of their mouth and the baby’s tongue is between their lower teeth and the breast is ideal for breastfeeding. Additionally, making sure to remove them from the breast immediately after they’re done nursing can help keep them from biting.

If the baby bites too frequently, consulting with a lactation consultant may help.

If a 3-month-old is teething, there are many items available that can help ease their discomfort, like teething mittens and hand teethers.

Teething mittens

Many babies like to chew their hands while they’re teething. If a three-month-old can’t hold objects and put them in their mouth yet, a teething mitten could be the solution. The teething mitten fits over the baby’s hand, and they’ll be able to chew on it happily for hours on end, without having to hold the object itself. 

Teething mittens are also great for sensory stimulation since they feature bright colors, varying textures, and a silicone surface that will soothe their symptoms.

Hand teether

Hand teethers are small objects that are shaped and designed specifically to soothe babies’ aching gums. As their name suggests, they are shaped like hands and filled with water or another liquid. They can be placed inside the fridge, and once cool, their temperature provides extra relief for swollen gums. Their “fingers” are perfect for babies to safely scratch every nook and cranny of their gums.

Teething pacifier

Teething pacifiers are very similar to regular pacifiers, with a few modifications especially for teething babies. They’re made of silicone, which is more resistant to babies’ bites than other materials. They also tend to feature different textures that soothe babies’ gums while stimulating their mouths.

At the end of the day, it’s perfectly normal to have a three-month-old teething baby. While it’s a bit earlier than expected, their teething won’t have any negative effect on the rest of their development. More than likely, the baby will be done teething soon and continue their development.

References

“Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know.” HealthyChildren.org, www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Babys-First-Tooth-Facts-Parents-Should-Know.aspx.
“Breastfeeding and Teething.” La Leche League GB, 4 June 2019, www.laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-and-teething/.
Commissioner, Office of the. “Soothing Teething Pain and Sensory Needs in Babies and Older Children.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safely-soothing-teething-pain-and-sensory-needs-babies-and-older-children.
“Help! My Baby Bit Me!” La Leche League GB, 5 June 2019, www.laleche.org.uk/help-baby-bit/.
“Teething: Tips for Soothing Sore Gums.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378.

History of updates

Current version
(03 March 2021)

Reviewed by Dr. Olga Urban, Pediatrician, Baby Boss Medical Centre

05 May 2019

Newborn to three months » Whānau Āwhina Plunket

About baby teeth

Baby teeth (also called milk teeth) start developing in the womb, and newborns have a full set of 20 baby teeth hidden under their gums.  

Babies get teeth at different times. For most, teeth start to appear between six to 10 months. Some babies are born with teeth (called premature teeth), and others don’t get them until much later. 

Baby teeth can come through in any order, but most often the central bottom teeth are first to break through. All 20 baby teeth usually appear before your child is three.   

Teething

Every baby reacts differently to teething. Some babies’ teeth pop through the gums without any problems, but for others teething can be painful and upsetting.  

Your teething baby may: 

• drool more  
• develop a dribble rash on their cheeks or chin 
• cry or seem grumpy 
• have a slight fever 
• have red cheeks 
• not eat or sleep well 
• want to suck on or bite things  
• pull the ear on the same side the tooth’s coming through 
• seem to be filling their nappy more than usual, or their poo may be different (which may cause nappy rash).    

Teething doesn’t make babies sick. If your baby isn’t well, it’s always best to take them to the doctor, especially if they have a fever or diarrhea, or you’re worried about any other symptoms. 

How to help your teething baby

It can be really upsetting to see your baby in distress. Here are some things you can do to help: 

• gently rub their gums with a clean finger or the back of a cold spoon  
• wrap ice cubes in a clean face cloth and place it on your baby’s cheek 
• give your baby something to chew on, like:
  • a clean teething ring (especially one you can cool in the fridge) 
  • other cold things that they can suck on, like chilled fruit wrapped in a muslin cloth so they can’t chew bits off and choke on them 
• try a teething gel from the chemist (carefully follow the instructions on how to use it).  

If your baby still seems unhappy or uncomfortable, it’s time to see your GP or child and family health nurse. Teething might not be the problem. 

Teething and breastfeeding

New teeth are super sharp, and it can really hurt if baby bites you while you’re breastfeeding. Pulling them off the breast while they’re biting can be even more painful. 

If your baby’s a biter, try taking them gently off the breast when they bite (by breaking their suction with your finger) have a short break, and then try again. Doing this every time they bite will teach them that when they do it, breastfeeding stops. 

Premature teeth and white spots in your baby’s mouth

Premat​​ure Teeth  

About one in 1,000 babies are born with a tooth.  

Premature teeth are either already in the mouth at birth (natal teeth), or they break through within 30 days of birth (neonatal teeth). There’s no reason to remove these early teeth unless they’re very wiggly, or they’re seriously interfering with feeding.  If they’re sharp, they can sometimes hurt the underside of the baby’s tongue. Your dentist can recommend antibacterial swabs for your baby. 

Bohn​​s’ Nodules 

These are often mistaken for early teeth. They look like white circles on the gum ridges where teeth will appear, and they’re found in 75% of newborns. You don’t need to do anything about them – they’ll disappear in the first three months. 

Epstein’s Pearls  

These small, white, pearl-like spots appear along the gums or on the roof of the mouth, and they’re harmless, occurring in 60-85% of babies. They normally disappear within a few weeks. 

Looking after baby’s gums and teeth

You can start caring for, and cleaning your baby’s gums, well before the first tooth appears. Just wrap a clean, damp facecloth or gauze around your finger, and gently wipe their gums a couple of times a day. This is a good idea because it gets them used to letting you touch their teeth and gums. 

As soon as teeth pop through, you can clean them twice a day (in the morning and before bed). You can use a small soft toothbrush with a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste to gently brush your child’s teeth. Fluoride makes teeth stronger and reduces tooth decay (holes).  

These first teeth will help your baby to eat and speak well. Healthy baby teeth usually mean healthy adult teeth too, so it’s important that you look after your baby’s first teeth. 

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Related topics

Symptoms of teething in children under one year old and ways to alleviate them

In the first year of life, the child develops rapidly. He learns to sit, crawl, walk. And he also has something that indicates the general physiological development, the maturation of the digestive system. He is preparing to move from feeding exclusively on milk or formula to a new stage – to the use of semi-solid and solid foods and the appearance of the first milk teeth .

The eruption of the first milk teeth is influenced by genetic characteristics, health, nutrition and other factors. Even the dependence of teething in infants on the region of residence has been established. So, in the northern regions of Russia, there is a frequent deviation from the average terms towards a later eruption of ^[1] .

On average, the first baby tooth appears at 6-7 months. Within three years, all 20 milk teeth will take their place in the dentition. In some babies, teething begins at 4-5 months, someone waits up to 10-12 months. All this is the range of the norm ^[2] .

There are several theories explaining the process of teething ^[2] :

• Hunter’s theory – pushing the tooth out of the bone alveolus occurs due to the pressure of growing roots;

• Yasvoin’s theory – the appearance of a tooth above the gum provokes processes of differentiation in the tissue of the dental papilla;

• Katz’s theory – an increase in tissue pressure in the area of ​​the bottom of the alveoli directs the tooth to the surface.

But none of them can fully explain this complex mechanism.

By the time of tooth eruption, the area of ​​bone covering the crown of the tooth has been resorbed. The same processes are noted in the gum. During the growth of the tooth root, the bone is also rebuilt and the dental alveoli gradually deepen. At the same time, morphological changes in the tissues surrounding the tooth occur: increased blood flow, changes in vascular permeability, increased production of the main substance of the pulp and periodontium

“Can the physiological process of teething in infants be pathological?” Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Chief Pediatrician of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation Zakharova I. N. ^[2]

It is not surprising that the appearance of teeth causes discomfort in children at any age, but this process is especially difficult for babies.

Symptoms of teething in a child

The appearance of milk teeth is a natural physiological process, however, a number of children develop a symptom complex, which, according to the International Classification of Diseases, is classified as teething syndrome (ICD code – K00.7). Numerous surveys of young children say that the most common symptoms accompanying the appearance of teeth are:

• increased salivation — processes in the oral cavity are activated;

• irritability – the child experiences severe discomfort and cannot report it otherwise than by changing behavior;

• sleep disturbance – the pain is so severe that the baby cannot sleep or wakes up frequently during the night;

• itching of the gums – children try to compensate for it by trying to bite the breast or nipple, by trying to keep hands, toys, clothes in their mouths.

Such harbingers of the appearance of a tooth occur in 35-60% of children. But some babies may have non-specific symptoms ^[2] :

On average, symptoms appear 5-8 days before the appearance of a tooth. When teething several teeth at the same time, this, as a rule, increases the discomfort.

Even if the child’s symptoms are very similar to those of teething, a specialist consultation is necessary. Be sure to consult a doctor if diarrhea or fever persists for a long time.

Ways to alleviate discomfort

To ease teething in a baby, it is necessary: ​​

• provide additional attention and care from parents;

• if the child is breastfed, breastfeed more frequently as this has a mild sedative effect;

• purchase several silicone teethers that can be cooled and offered to the baby during the day;

• massage the gums with a finger wrapped in a clean gauze pad or with a special silicone nozzle;

• blot drool in time with a clean tissue to avoid irritation of the skin around the mouth;

• if necessary and in agreement with the doctor, use medicines.

Today, there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of therapy for the eruption of temporary teeth.

Topical preparations

Pediatricians prescribe gels and ointments as symptomatic relief for severe discomfort associated with teething.

Such teething gels and ointments with proven effectiveness are divided into 3 groups ^[1] :

• Anesthetic-based analgesics (lidocaine, choline, benzocaine). Sometimes lidocaine-based preparations include anti-inflammatory or antiseptic components, providing a combined effect of the gel.

• Medicines based on anti-inflammatory or antiseptic agents.

• Preparations based on extracts of medicinal plants. They use extracts of Roman chamomile, boswellia, aloe, marshmallow, Indian ivy, medicinal rhubarb, calendula and other components of plant origin.

Homeopathic teething products are also produced, but their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven ^[1] .

Systemic drugs

In case of severe pain syndrome, hyperthermia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which reduce body temperature and have a systemic analgesic effect. The pediatrician should select the dosage and the drug suitable for the child.

Distractions

These include: the gum massage described above and baby teethers that help your baby temporarily relieve itchy gums.

Inspection of erupted teeth

Swelling and redness of the gums gradually subside as the infant’s teeth erupt and grow, but should be monitored. Normally, the teeth should be evenly located in the dentition, not have whitish or colored spots, irregularities on the enamel.

Violation of the timing, pairing and sequence of eruption of milk teeth can serve as a marker of various diseases and disorders. For example, rickets or hypothyroidism ^[2] . It is important to record the date of appearance of each tooth and its location in the mouth. It is convenient to do this with photos saved in a separate folder on your smartphone.

Erupted Tooth Care Instructions

To clean baby’s teeth, use special silicone fingertips with soft bristles. Toothpaste should be labeled as suitable for young children and free of substances that are harmful if swallowed: high concentrations of fluoride, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate.

As soon as the first tooth shows above the gum line, it needs special care . Enamel has not yet fully formed, it is very thin, so children’s caries develops rapidly. Only 10% of children manage to avoid caries and adults practically fail ^[5] . Therefore, do not postpone the preventive fight against it.

To maintain the health of milk teeth, some of which will remain with the child until the age of 10-12, it is important to visit the dentist regularly once every 3-4 months. After a year, you need to visit an orthodontist to make sure that the bite develops correctly.

List of sources

1. Zaplatnikov A. L., Kasyanova A. N., Maikova I. D. Teething syndrome in infants: a new look at an old problem 2018 // https://www.rmj.ru /articles/pediatriya/Sindrom_prorezyvaniya_zubov_u_mladencev_novyy_vzglyad_na_staruyu_problemu/ (Accessed 05/28/2020).

2. Zakharova IN, Kholodova IN, Dmitrieva Yu. A., Morozova NV, Mozzhukhina MV, Kholodov DI Can the physiological process of teething in infants be pathological? 2016 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/mozhet-li-fiziologicheskiy-protsess-prorezyvaniya-zubov-u-mladentsev-byt-patologicheskim (date of access: 05/28/2020).

3. Kleschenko E. I., Zhdanova I. A., Lukisha A. N., Krakovets I. V., Smychkova E. V., Kartavtseva A. V. Symptoms of teething in infants: condition or disease? 2017 // https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/simptomy-prorezyvaniya-zubov-u-mladentsev-sostoyanie-ili-bolezn (date of access: 05/28/2020).

4. Kiselnikova L.P., Drobotko L.N. Eruption of temporary teeth in children // https://cyberleninka. ru/article/n/prorezyvanie-vremennyh-zubov-u-detey 2017 (date of access: May 28, 2020).

5. 90 percent of children and 100 percent of adults suffer from caries, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 09/04/2016 // URL: https://www.kp.ru/daily/26429.7/3300802/ (date of access: 07/21/2020).

Teething and baby sleep

11/20/2016

175011

212

Why does not sleep at night

3–6 months 6–9 months 9–18 months 1.5–3 years

Article author

Natalya Trofimova

Natalya Trofimova

Senior sleep consultant , pediatrician

Mother of two daughters

According to many parents, the most common cause of poor sleep is teething (dentation). The appearance of a new tooth often affects the condition of the child. The kid becomes whiny, “tame”, and sleep often worsens. This is due to irritation of the nerve endings by erupting teeth.

During the dental period, sleep patterns may become unpredictable, daytime naps may be shorter and more frequent, and the child may wake up more frequently at night. Laying down, especially for a night’s sleep, is delayed, it is more difficult for a child to relax. Even if your child is already able to fall asleep on his own, he may need help falling asleep and staying asleep.

When teething is difficult, a dark blue ball may appear on the gums – an eruption hematoma. Most often it goes away on its own, but sometimes you need the intervention of a dentist.

Child crisis calendar

When to expect the first teeth?

Usually from 6–7 months. But for some children earlier, already from 4 months, and for someone later, this is also normal. The fists, fingers and everything that can fit in the mouth are there all the time, salivation increases, irritation around the mouth may appear, the gums swell and turn red, appetite changes due to pain (the child eats worse foods, prefers breast or bottle). Moms of babies often complain about biting the nipple, even with toothless gums it is painful. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms.

Teething symptoms and help

What other than sleep disorders can be observed?

• Temperature rise – usually they speak of low, up to 38 ºС. But in practice, mothers also meet with temperatures up to 39 ºС for a couple of days, then a tooth appears, and everything goes away. If the temperature is below 38 ºС and it does not bother the child, he calmly eats and plays – do not be nervous and observe calmly. If the temperature is above 38.5 ºС, if the child is lethargic or very capricious, it is worth giving an antipyretic and contacting a pediatrician.
• Pain in the gums, itching and desire to gnaw everything, including the mother.

How to relieve itching:

• Use chilled soft teethers with water inside.
• Moisten the edge of the towel with water or compote and lightly freeze in the freezer.
• Give cold carrots to tear or dry – under control!
• Massage the gums with a special silicone tip on the finger.
• For severe discomfort, you can give half the age dose of an antipyretic 1-2 times a day with the permission of the pediatrician.

Gingival gels with local anesthetics are not currently recommended. In Europe and the USA, their use for children is prohibited due to various complications when swallowed.

There are safer gels available from the first months of life. But in practice, they do not bring much relief.

• There may be loose stools up to 3-4 times a day – watery or with mucus, but without other impurities. The disorder is usually short-lived and resolves without medication. If complementary foods are introduced, it is worth temporarily canceling fruit puree.
• Runny nose – may be prolonged, discharge clear as water. Mucus is formed in the nose more than usual, due to increased blood supply to the jaws. Anatomically, the gums and nasal cavity are very close.
• There may be a cough that worsens when lying down. Breathing does not change. This goes away without treatment in a few days and is associated with profuse salivation and mucus flow from the nasopharynx – babies do not cope well with swallowing large amounts of saliva. To alleviate the situation, you can use an aspirator. If the baby protests as soon as he sees the aspirator in your hands, try to induce a sneeze by laying the child on his stomach and tickling his nose with a feather or a thread under funny jokes.

You can walk with normal health and temperature. Remember that all these manifestations during teething are short-lived and usually do not require treatment. But in case of any doubt, it is better to show the baby to the doctor.

Teething syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is suggested when all other possible causes of a rise in temperature have been ruled out.

How long does a new tooth interfere with sleep?

People used to write off a lot of things on “teeth”. Yes, when teething, a child can be capricious, irritable, have difficulty calming down and sleep worse. But not 3 months in a row. Sleep disturbances – frequent awakenings due to discomfort and long falling asleep – are possible for several days at the peak of eruption, with the direct passage of the tooth through the gum.

An interesting study was conducted in Brazil: for 8 months, the condition of children in 47 families was assessed daily and their gums were checked. The study showed that teething could be combined with sleep disturbance, salivation, rash, runny nose, diarrhea, a short increase in body temperature, but all these symptoms were constantly noted only on the day the tooth passed through the gum and one day after. In the first days of eruption, there were no symptoms.

If constant nocturnal awakenings drag on for weeks, it’s probably not the teeth. Most likely, the regimen is not suitable for the child, or there are strong associations for falling asleep and prolonging sleep.

How to improve sleep during teething

Depending on the child’s age, the recommendations for the regimen of the child may be different, but there are general patterns:

• Allow more time for calming down before bedtime, especially in the evening.