When do babies start teething. What are the common signs of teething in infants. How to soothe a teething baby. Is fever normal during teething. What remedies help with teething discomfort. How long does the teething process last. Can teething cause diarrhea in babies.

Understanding the Teething Process in Infants

Teething is a natural developmental stage that all infants go through as their first set of teeth begin to emerge. While it’s a crucial milestone, it can often be a challenging time for both babies and parents. Understanding the teething process can help caregivers better prepare for and manage this phase of their child’s growth.

When Does Teething Typically Begin?

Teething usually starts between four to eight months of age, with the lower front teeth (central incisors) being the first to appear. However, it’s important to note that the timing can vary significantly from one child to another. Some babies may start teething as early as three months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday.

The Timeline of Teething

The entire teething process can last until a child is 30-36 months old, when the last set of molars typically emerges. During this period, teeth generally appear in pairs, with the bottom teeth usually coming in before the top teeth. Here’s a general timeline of tooth eruption:

• 4-8 months: Lower central incisors
• 8-12 months: Upper central incisors
• 9-13 months: Upper lateral incisors
• 10-16 months: Lower lateral incisors
• 13-19 months: First molars
• 16-23 months: Canine teeth
• 23-33 months: Second molars

Recognizing Teething Symptoms in 2-Month-Old Babies

While it’s relatively uncommon for babies to start teething at two months, it’s not impossible. Early teething can occur, and being aware of the signs can help parents provide appropriate care. Here are some symptoms that might indicate teething in a 2-month-old:

• Increased drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Irritability or fussiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Rubbing cheeks or ears
• Loss of appetite
• Mild temperature increase (but not a true fever)

It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. If you’re unsure whether your 2-month-old is teething or experiencing another issue, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.

Differentiating Teething Symptoms from Illness

One of the challenges parents face is distinguishing between teething symptoms and signs of illness. This difficulty arises because teething often coincides with a period when a baby’s immune system is undergoing significant changes.

The Immune System Connection

Around six months of age, two important developments occur simultaneously:

1. Teething typically begins
2. The immune protection babies received from their mothers via the placenta starts to diminish

As a result, infants become more susceptible to minor infections just as they’re likely to start experiencing teething symptoms. This overlap can make it challenging for parents to determine whether their baby is teething or coming down with a cold or other minor illness.

Key Differences Between Teething and Illness

To help differentiate between teething and illness, consider these factors:

• Fever: Teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but a true fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C) is more likely due to illness
• Duration of symptoms: Teething discomfort usually comes and goes, while illness symptoms often persist
• Presence of other symptoms: Teething doesn’t typically cause symptoms like congestion, cough, or vomiting

If you’re unsure about your baby’s symptoms or if they seem severe, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Common Teething Symptoms and How to Manage Them

Understanding the various symptoms associated with teething can help parents provide appropriate care and comfort to their babies. Let’s explore some of the most common teething symptoms and effective ways to manage them.

Irritability and Fussiness

Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, leading to increased irritability and fussiness. The discomfort is often most pronounced when the first teeth and molars are emerging.

How to help: Provide extra cuddles and attention to your baby during this time. The emotional comfort can help alleviate their distress and make the teething process more bearable.

Excessive Drooling

Increased saliva production is a common teething symptom, often leading to excessive drooling. This can sometimes cause skin irritation around the mouth, cheeks, and neck area.

How to help: Keep the area clean and dry by gently wiping it periodically. Apply a mild, unscented barrier cream to protect the skin from irritation. Consider using a soft bib to keep clothing dry.

Biting and Gnawing

Babies often seek to relieve the pressure in their gums by biting or chewing on objects. This counter-pressure can provide temporary relief from teething discomfort.

How to help: Offer safe teething toys, especially those that can be chilled. Cold temperatures can help numb the gums and provide additional relief. Always supervise your baby during teething to ensure they’re not chewing on unsafe objects.

Fever and Teething: Separating Fact from Fiction

The relationship between teething and fever has been a topic of debate among parents and healthcare professionals alike. It’s important to understand the facts to ensure appropriate care for your teething baby.

Can Teething Cause Fever?

Teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it doesn’t typically cause a true fever. A true fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

What’s often referred to as a “teething fever” is usually a low-grade temperature increase, ranging from 98°F to 100°F (36.6°C to 37.8°C). This mild temperature elevation is thought to be caused by the inflammation in the gums as teeth push through.

When to Be Concerned About Fever

If your baby develops a temperature above 101°F (38.3°C), it’s unlikely to be related to teething. High fevers are usually indicative of an infection or illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially in young infants.

Remember these key points about fever and teething:

• Teething may cause a slight temperature increase, but not a high fever
• If your baby has a temperature above 101°F (38.3°C), contact your pediatrician
• Persistent fever, even if low-grade, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider
• Other symptoms like lethargy, poor feeding, or respiratory issues alongside a fever warrant immediate medical attention

Effective Remedies for Teething Discomfort

While teething is a natural process, it can cause significant discomfort for babies. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective remedies that can help soothe your teething infant.

Cold Therapy

Cold items can help numb the gums and provide relief from teething pain. Consider these options:

• Refrigerated teething rings or toys
• Clean, damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator
• Chilled (not frozen) fruit purees in a mesh feeder

Always supervise your baby when using these items and avoid freezing teething toys as they can become too hard and potentially harm your baby’s gums.

Gum Massage

Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help alleviate teething discomfort. The pressure can counteract the sensation of the emerging tooth and provide temporary relief.

Pain Relief Medications

In cases of severe discomfort, your pediatrician may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months). Always consult with your healthcare provider before administering any medication to your baby.

Natural Remedies

Some parents find success with natural teething remedies, such as:

• Amber teething necklaces (worn, not chewed)
• Chamomile tea (cooled and given in small amounts)
• Clove oil (diluted and applied to the gums)

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these remedies is not scientifically proven, and some may pose safety risks. Always discuss any natural remedies with your pediatrician before use.

Addressing Specific Teething Concerns: Diarrhea and Ear Pulling

As babies go through the teething process, parents often notice various symptoms that may or may not be directly related to teething. Two common concerns are diarrhea and ear pulling. Let’s explore these issues in more detail.

Teething and Diarrhea: Is There a Connection?

Many parents report that their babies experience diarrhea during teething. While this association is common, the scientific evidence linking teething directly to diarrhea is limited.

Possible explanations for the perceived connection include:

• Increased saliva production during teething, which some believe may loosen stools
• Babies putting more objects in their mouths while teething, potentially increasing their exposure to bacteria
• Coincidental timing, as teething often occurs when babies are being introduced to new foods

It’s important to note that while mild, short-lived diarrhea might occur during teething, persistent or severe diarrhea is not a normal teething symptom and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing

Babies often pull at their ears or rub their cheeks during teething. This behavior is typically due to referred pain – the discomfort in the gums can sometimes be felt in the ears and cheeks, especially when the molars are coming in.

However, it’s crucial to be aware that ear pulling can also be a sign of an ear infection. If your baby is pulling at their ears and also has other symptoms like fever, irritability, or trouble sleeping, it’s best to consult with your pediatrician to rule out an ear infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most teething symptoms can be managed at home, there are times when you should seek medical attention:

• High fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, lack of tears, fewer wet diapers)
• Extreme irritability or lethargy
• Rash that doesn’t improve with home care
• Symptoms that persist for more than a few days without improvement

Remember, while teething can cause discomfort, it shouldn’t make your baby severely ill. If you’re ever in doubt about your baby’s symptoms, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene During Teething

As your baby’s first teeth begin to emerge, it’s crucial to establish good oral hygiene habits. Proper care of baby teeth sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

When to Start Brushing

You should start cleaning your baby’s gums even before the first tooth appears. Use a soft, damp cloth or a finger toothbrush to gently wipe the gums after feedings. Once the first tooth emerges, it’s time to introduce a baby toothbrush.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Select a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head designed for infants. For babies under 18 months, use only a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). After 18 months, you can increase to a pea-sized amount.

Brushing Technique

Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day – in the morning and before bed. Use gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. Don’t forget to clean the tongue as well.

Avoiding Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

To prevent tooth decay, avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The sugars in these liquids can sit on the teeth overnight, leading to cavities.

First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

By establishing good oral hygiene habits early, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Remember, healthy baby teeth are crucial for proper speech development, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into place.

Your Infant is Teething: Know the Signs and Symptoms

Advice From Our Experts

July 10, 2020

Teething can be a time of great frustration for caregivers, in this post I will list some of the most common symptoms, explain how they relate to teething and share some insight on how to help soothe your little one during this potentially uncomfortable time.

When Does Teething Begin for Infants?

Teething usually starts around four to eight months with the lower front teeth and continues until 30-36 months of age when the last set of molars appear. During the teething period there are symptoms that include irritability, disrupted sleep, swelling or inflammation of the gums, drooling, loss of appetite, rash around the mouth, mild temperature, diarrhea, increased biting and gum-rubbing and even ear-rubbing. These symptoms were reported by 70-80 percent of parents according to an article from the British Dental Journal. So, why don’t all infants experience teething symptoms? Keep reading to find out.

Why Teething Symptoms May Be Confused with Cold Symptoms

Research has pointed out that teething begins around six months of age. This is the same time when an infant’s immunities they received from their mother, via the placenta, are diminishing. This means that the infant’s own immune system is becoming established. During this time, infants become vulnerable to minor infections. Because these two changes are taking place, the symptoms of teething can be confused with a minor illness or cold and visa versa. This explains why only 70-80 percent of parents reported teething symptoms of their infant; it’s very likely that parents of the remaining 20-30 percent associated the symptoms to a minor illness or cold.

Below is a list of commonly reported teething symptoms, with ways to help your infant at home and when to call the doctor:

• Irritability
• Drooling/Skin Rashes
• Coughing
• Biting and Gnawing
• Low Grade Fever
• Cheek rubbing and ear pulling
• Diarrhea

Irritability

This is caused by the discomfort of the teeth erupting through the gums. Often the first teeth and molars are the most uncomfortable.

How to help your infant’s irritability: Cuddle, cuddle, cuddle! Every baby can use some good cuddle time when they are having a hard time with teething. The extra time spent with your baby can help alleviate their pain, by providing feelings of being comforted and reassured.

Drooling/Skin Rashes

Teething can stimulate drooling and many babies drool a lot!

How to help your infant’s drooling: Excessive drooling can cause a rash around the mouth, cheeks, chin and neck area due to the extra bacteria on the skin from the saliva. Try to keep the area as clean and as dry as possible by periodically wiping the area. Applying a simple barrier cream can help with the dry, chapped and sore skin.

Coughing

The extra saliva produced during teething can cause an occasional cough or gag.

How to help your infant’s coughing: If your infant’s cough continues or is accompanied by a high fever and cold or flu symptoms, contact your infant’s pediatrician. The high fever with cold and flu symptoms is not related to teething, but is actually a sign that your infant is sick.

Biting and Gnawing

The counter pressure from biting on practically anything can alleviate the pressure from under the gums.

How to help your infant’s biting and gnawing: Anything cold works great! My best friend mixes water with the pouches of baby food and freezes them to make fruit and veggie popsicles. There are teething rings, chew beads and any commercially bought teething toys can help, especially when chilled or frozen.

Low Grade Fever

A low grade fever is defined and caused by the following:

• A temperature ranging from 98-100 degrees.
• It can be caused by an infant putting their unclean hands in their mouth.

If the fever reaches above 101 degrees or continues, contact your infant’s pediatrician because it may not be the teething but a more serious illness.

How to help your infant’s low grade fever: Use an age-appropriate pain medication and please consult your infant’s pediatrician and the medication label for correct dosage.

Cheek rubbing and ear pulling

This is caused by pain in the gums, which can travel to the cheek and ear, especially when the molars are erupting. Infants will rub those areas. Keep in mind that ear pulling or rubbing can also be a sign of an ear infection, please contact your infant’s pediatrician if this symptom continues or is accompanied with a high fever.

How to help your infant’s cheek rubbing and ear pulling: Try rubbing and massaging the gums with a clean finger for one to two minutes to help with the discomfort.

Teething and Diarrhea

Many believe that the increased saliva produced during teething can cause stool to become slightly loose.Keep in mind, diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious infection so contact your infant’s pediatrician if the stool becomes watery, because your infant could be at risk for dehydration. Contacting your infant’s pediatrician is especially important if the diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting or a high fever.

I hope the list of symptoms and ways you can help your infant will guide you through your infant’s teething phase. I also hope this helps ease the potential stress experienced by many parents. Just remember, that many symptoms we think are teething can be associated with illness, may be completely unrelated to teething and may need to be addressed by a physician.

Teething in Babies: Symptoms and Remedies

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Reviewed by Amita Shroff, MD

on November 30, 2022.

Reading time: 4 minutes

In this Article

• What Is Teething?
• When Do Babies Start Teething?
• Signs and Symptoms of Teething
• Order of Tooth Eruption
• Soothe a Teething Baby
• Treatments to Avoid
• Teething Necklaces
• Teething Medicine
• How to Care for Baby’s New Teeth

Teething is when your baby’s teeth start to come through their gum line. Another word for it is odontiasis.

Most babies begin to teethe between 4 and 7 months old, but some start much later. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s teeth come in on another timetable — it can be different for every baby.

The symptoms aren’t the same for every baby, but they may include:

• Swollen, tender gums
• Fussiness and crying
• A slightly raised temperature (less than 101 F)
• Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
• Lots of drool, which can cause a rash on their face
• Coughing
• Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
• Bringing their hands to their mouth
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Teething can be painful, but it doesn’t usually make babies sick. Call your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a higher fever, or cough and congestion. These aren’t normal signs of teething.

You also should call the pediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or you see any pus or swelling of their face.

When and how teeth come in can be different for every baby and may be based on family history. But most of the time, the lower front two teeth come in first between 6 and 10 months, followed by the opposite top two teeth and the two on either side of those between 8 and 13 months. Next come the two on either side of the bottom front teeth, then the first molars appear between 10 and 16 months. The teeth in front of the first molars are next, and the back molars are the last ones to come in.

In all, 20 “baby teeth” will eventually be in place, usually by age 3.

What works to soothe a friend’s baby might not work for yours. You may need to try different things to help your little one feel better:

• Something cold in your baby’s mouth, like a cold pacifier, spoon, clean wet washcloth, or a solid (not liquid) refrigerated teething toy or ring. Some experts say frozen teething toys are too cold and may hurt your baby’s mouth. Make sure to clean teething toys, washcloths, and other items after the baby uses them.
• Try offering a hard, unsweetened teething cracker.
• If your baby is older than 6-9 months, you can offer cool water from a sippy cup, too.
• Massage the gums by gently rubbing them with your clean finger. If the teeth haven’t come in yet, you can let your baby gnaw on your finger. If you’re nursing your baby, try dipping your fingers in cool water and massaging their gums before each feeding. That may keep them from biting your nipple while nursing.

Never put anything in your baby’s mouth that isn’t specifically approved to help soothe teething. Even some products described as teethers or teething aids aren’t safe choices, including ones:

• Filled with liquid that can tear and spill
• Made of breakable material, like plastic, that can possibly lead to choking
• That are frozen solid — these can be too hard on a baby’s mouth

Another reason to be aware of the material used to make the teethers: Some can be made from harmful substances, like lead. Look for ones made of rubber.

Child health experts don’t recommend teething necklaces. They’re dangerous: They can strangle the baby. They also can choke if the necklace breaks and they swallow the beads.

If you do choose to use one, make sure to:

• Put it on a wrist or ankle, not around the baby’s neck.
• Always watch your baby when they wear it.
• Take it away when you aren’t watching your baby, even for a very short time.

You may have heard that amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever when heated. That’s not proven, and doctors say using one is not a good idea.

Medicine that you rub on your baby’s gums to stop the pain of teething may not help. It quickly washes away in the mouth and may numb the back of their throat and make it hard for them to swallow.

Stay away from over-the-counter teething gels and liquids that have the ingredient benzocaine. The FDA says this ingredient shouldn’t be given to children under 2. It can cause rare but serious side effects.

A small dose of a children’s pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help your baby. Don’t use ibuprofen for an infant under 6 months old, and ask your doctor before giving your baby any medication. Use it exactly as the doctor says.

Teething can be rough for you and your baby at first. But it’ll get easier as you both learn how to soothe each new tooth that pops out.

Good oral hygiene is important, even before your baby has teeth:

• Until teeth start to come in, clean your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or piece of gauze at least once a day.
• Once they have teeth, clean your baby’s mouth the same way at least twice a day. After feedings is a good time for this.
• After their first birthday, you can start to use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride in it. You can also start flossing between their teeth.

Your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday.

Top Picks

Mom asks: “Can a 2-month-old baby cut teeth?”

Health

Photo

supersizer / E+ / Getty Images

. In recent days, I notice that she seems to be cutting her teeth. The child began to cry more, began to gnaw on his fist, even if he had eaten quite recently. Drooling constantly. Can teeth be cut so early? Whether is it a pathology? And how to relieve the child’s pain?

Pediatric dentist at PerfectSmile Aesthetic Dentistry and Bone Regeneration Center

— Teething at 2 months is possible. It is not considered a pathology. Cases have been recorded when babies were born already with teeth. Mostly they need to be removed because they interfere with breastfeeding and make it difficult to take formula from a bottle. But there are times when they are left behind. Everything is individual.

At 2 months, eruption is considered early. This is due to genetics. The mother’s past illnesses, the intake or lack of intake of any vitamins by the mother does not affect the timing of teething. But it can affect the quality of the teeth.

The timing of eruption may be affected by vitamin and microelement deficiencies in the child himself, but in this case, on the contrary, we assume a later eruption.

Teething – how to relieve pain

Gels with lidocaine, benzocaine and other local anesthetics should not be used under the age of 4 years! Homeopathic preparations containing belladonna are also prohibited. Preparations in which choline salicylate is present are questionable. The risks and side effects outweigh the potential benefits.

What to do:

1. Massage your baby’s gums with your finger or silicone brush.

2. Use a cold teether. Just freeze in the refrigerator, not the freezer.

3. Give the nibbler a chilled product that is familiar to the baby.

4. Give me a pacifier. Personally, I am against the nipple, it is better to once again give the baby a breast. But for formula-fed babies, this may be the way out.

5. If all else fails, as a last resort, use pain relievers approved for children.

Whether to brush a baby’s teeth

We start brushing teeth with toothpaste and a brush (not a fingertip and not a silicone brush) as soon as the first tooth erupted. It is very important!

There is a myth that the earlier milk teeth erupt, the more they are subject to caries. This is wrong. It’s just that most pediatricians still advise starting brushing your teeth with toothpaste not earlier than a year, or even a year and a half.

If you start brushing and flossing your baby’s teeth right away, and use xylitol wipes to brush your teeth after nightly feedings, you can avoid cavities.

Ksenia Voronezhtseva, Expert

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Teething in children , or more correctly, teething is quite often accompanied by various changes in the behavior and well-being of the baby, which is very frightening for parents who are not ready for such a development of events. What dental symptoms in children should alert adults what to do.

Helping your baby when teething

If your baby is just worried about teething, constantly salivating, sucking on his fingers or trying to scratch his gums with something, it is quite easy to help your baby:

1. Get some very soft wipes and constantly wipe off saliva. This will protect the baby from irritation of the skin of the face. When sleeping, put a napkin under your baby’s head to absorb involuntary saliva.
2. Be sure to buy quality special silicone toys for developing gums – teethers, or special rings with liquid so that the baby can chew on them. The liquid makes the rings softer and pleasantly cools the gums (the rings can be stored in the refrigerator). Do not save – take only branded, certified products. After all, this is the health of your beloved child.
3. Periodically massage the gums with a special nozzle, or just with your finger (wash your hands thoroughly, nails are short, with neatly finished edges), it is possible with a moistened gauze pad. This procedure will also prevent the occurrence of stomatitis (“Stomatitis in infants – types, causes, symptoms”).
4. Breastfeeding your baby often is a great way to soothe your baby and relieve itchy gums.
5. Some babies enjoy sucking and nibbling bagels, a crust of bread, an apple without a peel – offer it, it’s a good distraction.
6. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the gums with various medications without a doctor’s prescription, to give the baby pills and medicines on his own. Only a specialist – a pediatrician or pediatric dentist can prescribe an ointment or gel to relieve pain, while a preliminary test for allergic reactions is mandatory. Although ointments and gels with lidocaine (Kamistad, Kalgel) are sold without a prescription, it is impossible to lubricate the baby’s gums without checking, because if the baby is allergic to lidocaine, the baby may experience anaphylactic shock. For allergy sufferers, the doctor prescribes a special Baby Doctor ointment or others.
7. Try to distract the child, take more time to play with him, walk.

When should I see a doctor?

It is imperative to consult a pediatrician if the following signs of teething are observed in a child:

• high fever;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• skin rashes;
• convulsions;
• persistent drowsiness;
• prolonged irritability, capriciousness.

Such symptoms should in any case be a reason to see a doctor. Often, parents, on the advice of grandmothers, attribute everything to the fact that the child is teething, the temperature, they say, , happens in all children. And here it is not. Most children tolerate tooth growth without fever. And fever is a sign of most diseases. Therefore, it is possible to miss the onset of some disease or pathological process that coincides with the period of teething.

Why does the temperature appear? The fact is that at the site of the eruption of the tooth, the gum swells, which is associated with raising the tooth and an increased influx of biologically active substances. The body reacts to this with a protective increase in temperature – to prevent infection of the gums cut with sharp edges. Tooth temperature lasts one or two days. If the child tolerates it easily, is not prone to convulsions, and the doctor does not find other reasons for the increase in temperature, then it is not necessary to bring it down to 38 degrees. In the case of a longer increase in temperature, an examination of the baby and a doctor’s consultation are necessary.

Should alert vomiting in a child during teething, in case of exclusion of other causes of this condition. All changes in the gastrointestinal tract have a fairly simple explanation: during this period, it secretes a lot of saliva and the child constantly swallows it often, which causes increased secretion of gastric juice and vomiting (rare), as well as increased intestinal motility, which means that appears diarrhea in a child during teething. Diarrhea is rare (2-3 times a day), discharge is watery, lasts no longer than 2 days.