Teething in babies: what helps and what does not

Teething is the normal process of a baby’s first teeth breaking through the gums, usually starting around six months. What helps most is simple: gentle gum rubbing with a clean finger, a chilled (not frozen) teething ring and plenty of comfort. Amber necklaces, numbing gels for young babies and sugary rusks do not help and can be unsafe.

When do baby teeth come through?

Most babies get their first tooth during their first year, usually around six months of age. Some start a little earlier or later, and a few are even born with a tooth. All of this can be normal, because every baby follows their own timetable.

The first teeth to appear are usually the two lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. The back teeth (molars) tend to come later and can feel more uncomfortable because they are wider. By the age of two to three, most children have all 20 milk teeth, also called primary or baby teeth.

These ages are only a guide. A delay of a few months is very common and is rarely a sign of a problem.

Common signs of teething

Some babies cut their teeth with barely any fuss, while others find it harder. The signs usually appear a few days before a tooth breaks through and settle once it is out. According to the NHS guide to teething symptoms, common signs include:

• sore, red or slightly swollen gums where the tooth is coming through
• drooling more than usual, sometimes with a rash on the chin or cheeks
• chewing or gnawing on fingers, toys and anything within reach
• one flushed cheek or rubbing the ear on the same side
• more fussiness than usual and poorer sleep
• a slightly raised temperature, but below 38°C

What teething does not cause

Teething is often blamed for every illness in the first two years, but a high temperature (38°C or more), diarrhoea, vomiting, a cough or a baby who refuses to drink are not explained by teething. If you notice these signs, speak to your paediatrician rather than assuming it is “just the teeth”.

What really helps a teething baby

There is no magic cure, but a few simple, safe measures make the days more comfortable for your baby and for you.

1. Rub the gums gently. Wash your hands, then massage the sore area with a clean finger for a minute or two. The gentle pressure often brings quick relief.
2. Offer a teething ring. A firm rubber ring gives your baby something safe to chew. Some rings can be chilled in the fridge for the time shown on the packaging.
3. Use something cool. A clean, damp cloth kept in the fridge can also be soothing to chew on, as long as you stay close.
4. Try chilled foods from six months. Once your baby has started solid foods, cool pieces of soft fruit or vegetables can soothe the gums. Always supervise, because of the risk of choking.
5. Wipe away drool. Gently dabbing the chin and neck through the day helps prevent a dribble rash.
6. Give comfort and distraction. Cuddles, play and a calm routine at bedtime often help as much as anything else.

If your baby is clearly in pain, a sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup made for babies can help. Use only a product suitable for your baby’s age and weight, follow the dose on the pack and ask your paediatrician or pharmacist if you are unsure. The NHS tips for helping your teething baby give the same practical advice.

What does not help, or may be unsafe

Many teething remedies are passed on by family or sold online. Some simply do not work; others carry real risks.

• Amber or other teething necklaces and bracelets: there is no good evidence that they relieve pain, and anything tied around a baby’s neck or wrist is a choking and strangulation hazard.
• Numbing gels for babies: gels containing local anaesthetics (medicines that numb the gums) have little evidence behind them, and health authorities advise against some of them in young children. Never use adult mouth gels on a baby.
• Frozen teething rings or frozen food: very cold, hard objects can hurt delicate gums. Chilled is enough.
• Aspirin: it must not be given to children under 16 because of a rare but serious reaction.
• Homeopathic teething products: they are not recommended, and unregulated products bought online have been linked to side effects.
• Sugar, honey or sweet drinks: a dummy dipped in sugar or sweet rusks can cause decay even when only a few teeth are in. Honey must never be given before the first birthday.

Caring for the first teeth

Teething is also the moment to start a lifelong habit. As soon as the first tooth appears, brush it twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. You can read more in our article on fluoride and fissure sealants for children.

Avoid letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice, keep sweet foods to mealtimes and offer water between meals. Our practical guide to preventing tooth decay in children explains these habits step by step.

A first visit to the dentist is recommended when the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday at the latest. It is short and gentle, and mainly a chance to check the teeth and answer your questions. Find out what to expect in our article on your child’s first dental visit.

When to see a doctor or a dentist

Teething discomfort is usually mild and passes within a few days for each tooth. Contact your paediatrician if your baby has a temperature of 38°C or more, diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash on the body, is unusually drowsy or is not drinking well.

A dental check is a good idea if:

• no teeth have appeared by around 18 months
• you see a bluish, fluid-filled swelling over an erupting tooth (an eruption cyst, which is usually harmless but worth checking)
• your baby was born with a tooth, or a tooth is loose
• a tooth looks discoloured, chipped or has white or brown spots
• the gums stay swollen or bleed for more than a few days
• your child has had a fall or knock to the mouth

Children’s dental care at Ajam Dental Clinic in Tripoli

At Ajam Dental Clinic in Tripoli, all dental care for babies, children and teenagers is handled by Dr. Soumaya Ajam, whose specialty is paediatric dentistry. She holds a University Diploma in Paediatric Dentistry from Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth. A first visit is a calm moment to look at your baby’s teeth and gums, show you how to brush and answer your questions about teething. Families come to our clinic on Fouad Chehab Boulevard from across Tripoli — Abu Samra, Al-Qobbeh, El Mina, Al-Haddadine and the old souks — as well as from Akkar and the rest of North Lebanon.

You can read more about our dental care for children. If you have a question about your baby’s teeth, contact us by WhatsApp or phone to book a consultation.

This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.