Date: 10 Apr 2025
Teething is a significant milestone in a child's development. It marks the emergence of a baby’s first teeth and, while exciting, can also be a challenging phase for both parents and children. Understanding the teething process can help parents provide the needed comfort and care to their babies during this period.
What is Teething?
Teething refers to the process of baby teeth breaking through the gums. This typically begins around six months, though it can vary from child to child. Some infants may start teething as early as three months, while others may not see their first tooth until their first birthday. Regardless of the timing, this phase can be uncomfortable for babies, making it essential for parents to be prepared.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Every child experience teething differently. Some babies go through it with little discomfort, while others experience noticeable symptoms, including:
- Excessive Drooling – If you notice your baby soaking their bibs faster than usual, it’s likely due to teething. The increased saliva production can also cause mild skin irritation around the mouth.
- Gum Swelling and Sensitivity – Teething can cause the gums to appear red, swollen, and tender, making babies more fussy than usual. Gently massaging their gums can provide some relief.
- Irritability and Fussiness – Babies may become more cranky, clingy, or cry frequently due to the discomfort caused by their emerging teeth. Keeping them engaged with soothing activities can help ease their distress.
- Chewing on Everything – Babies instinctively chew on objects like toys, fingers, or anything they can grab. This helps relieve the pressure from their gums and provides temporary comfort.
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Many babies wake up more frequently at night or struggle to fall asleep because of teething pain. A calming bedtime routine can help them settle down.
- Loss of Appetite – Some babies may refuse to eat or drink as sucking or chewing can cause discomfort. Offering chilled foods can help soothe sore gums.
- Slight Temperature Increase – A mild temperature rise is common, but a high fever is not. If your baby develops a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), consult a pediatrician.
Best Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
Teething pain can be tough on little ones, but there are several ways to help make the process smoother:
- Teething Toys and Rings – Soft, BPA-free silicone or rubber teething rings provide a safe way for babies to chew and relieve gum discomfort. Look for cooling teething rings for extra relief.
- Cold Compresses – Chilling a clean, damp washcloth and letting your baby chew on it can help numb their gums. Cold fruits like banana slices or chilled cucumber sticks are also great natural options.
- Gentle Gum Massage – Using a clean finger or a baby gum massager, gently rub your baby’s gums in circular motions to help ease irritation. This direct pressure can work wonders.
- Soothing Teething Gels – Pharmily offers teething gels designed to numb and relieve gum pain. Always ensure the product is pediatrician-approved and free of harmful ingredients like benzocaine.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – For extreme discomfort, infant-safe pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as recommended by a doctor) can help ease inflammation and pain.
Best Teething Products from Pharmily
Parents looking for trusted teething products can check out Pharmily, which offers a variety of baby-safe solutions, including:
- Bonjela Soothing Teething Gel – This gel is specially formulated to provide gentle relief for teething babies. This soothing gel is designed to alleviate teething discomfort and pain, helping to soothe your baby during this challenging phase. Also, the gel contains natural ingredients that work together to provide effective relief from teething symptoms. It is proven to be very soft-textured, and designed to be chilled for extra relief.
- Ashton & Parson Infants' Teething Powder – This is a traditional herbal medical medicine used to relieve symptomatic pain associated with teething in children. It also helps with other symptoms such as aching gums, flushed cheeks, and dribbling. Ashton & Parson Infants' Teething Powder is intended to relax the young one by easing stomach issues, restlessness, fretfulness, and other symptoms associated with the teething phase, and it is especially effective if your child's teeth are developing slowly. Mothers can rest assured that these powders are completely safe.
What to Avoid During Teething
While looking for ways to ease your child’s teething pain, steer clear of the following:
- Amber Teething Necklaces – These pose a choking and strangulation hazard, making them unsafe for infants.
- Benzocaine-Based Teething Gels – The FDA warns against using benzocaine in infants as it may cause serious side effects.
- Frozen Teething Rings – Extremely cold objects can be too harsh on a baby’s sensitive gums and may cause more harm than good.
- Hard Foods and Small Objects – Avoid giving babies hard biscuits or anything that could break into choking hazards.
When to See a Doctor
Although teething is a natural process, parents should consult a pediatrician if:
- The baby has a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), as teething does not cause fevers.
- Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or rashes accompany teething, as these could indicate an unrelated illness.
- There are signs of infection, such as excessive gum swelling, pus, or extreme pain, which may require medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When do babies start teething?
A: Most babies start teething around six months, but some can begin as early as three months or as late as one year. Every baby is different.
Q: How long does teething last?
A: Teething can last until about three years of age when the last molars come in. However, the most intense symptoms usually occur between six and 24 months.
Q: Can teething cause a fever?
A: A mild temperature rise is common, but teething does not cause high fevers. If your baby has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), check with a pediatrician.
Q: What are the best home remedies for teething?
A: Cold compresses, gum massages, chilled fruit, and teething toys are some of the best natural remedies for teething pain.
Q: Can teething affect sleep?
A: Yes, teething discomfort can disrupt your baby's sleep patterns. Sticking to a calming bedtime routine can help ease their restlessness.
