Teeth do not usually appear until your baby is 6 months old or later. They may show signs of teething from about 13 weeks.
If there are no signs of teeth appearing by 14 months, get dental advice.
Your child should have most of their 20 baby teeth by the time they're 2 years and 6 months. Many of these teeth should last in their mouth for up to 10 years.
Signs your baby is teething
If your baby is teething they might:
- have red, flushed cheeks
- dribble - wipe this away from the skin folds in their neck as it can get sore
- chew on their fists or on their toys more than usual
- have sore and tender gums and cry more
- have a nappy rash
Non-urgent advice: Contact your public health nurse (PHN) or GP if your child:
- has a high temperature (more than 38 degrees Celsius)
- has diarrhoea
- generally seems unwell
These symptoms together are not caused by teething.
How to help your teething baby
It's upsetting to see your baby in discomfort from teething.
Comforting and playing with them will help distract them.
Tips for helping a teething baby
-
try giving your baby something to chew on, such as a cool teething ring
-
massage your baby's sore gums with a sugar-free teething gel
-
use mild sugar-free pain relief if your baby wakes at night and is irritable
-
give them cold water to drink - this helps to keep babies hydrated and may also soothe their gums
-
give them healthy foods to chew on, for example pieces of carrot or apple - only do this if they're 6 months or older
-
stay close to your baby when they're eating in case they choke
Teething rings
Chewing on a teething ring can help soothe a baby’s gums as well as distract them from the pain.
Use teething rings that are big enough so your child will not choke on them.
Keep a spare clean teething ring in the fridge.
Check the product instructions on teething ring hygiene and how long to cool the ring for.
Do not put the ring in the freezer as the temperature could damage your baby’s gums.
Important
Never tie a teething ring around a baby’s neck. This could strangle them.
Facecloths
You can also use a cold wet facecloth for a baby to chew on. Make sure the facecloth is clean.
Teething gels and pain relief
Sugar-free teething gels are available over the counter from the pharmacy. They contain a mild local anaesthetic which helps numb any pain. These are for babies older than 4 months.
If your baby is still in discomfort after using teething gels, consider giving them sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen medicine for babies.
Follow the instructions on the leaflet and the packaging. Always use the right amount and only as recommended.
If you're unsure, ask your GP or pharmacist.
Important
If your baby is under 3 months do not use ibuprofen. These products are not suitable for relieving the symptoms of teething in babies.
Amber teething jewellery
We do not recommend using amber teething jewellery for your baby. These can be necklaces, anklets, or bracelets.
Amber teething jewellery can choke your baby.
Important
Never put jewellery, cords or string around your baby’s neck
Homeopathic teething products
There are some unlicensed homeopathic products and remedies sold online. These are not safe for young infants and babies.
Research into these products shows that they may cause serious side effects, including:
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- agitation
- feeling sleepy all the time
- constipation and difficulty peeing
Nappy rash and teething
Babies who are teething may get nappy rash and sore bottoms. Check your baby’s bottom and change their nappies often.
Using a barrier nappy cream may help.
Leaving your baby’s nappy off for a period of time can also help. This may be messy, but is soothing for babies.
Teething and crying
Anything that causes your baby to cry more is difficult for you too. If you're tired and stressed, try asking for help from friends or family.
Thumb-sucking and soothers
Some small children suck their thumb because they find it soothing. They may develop this habit around 18 months.
Breastfeeding
Research has shown that breastfeeding up to 12 months of age can help reduce tooth decay.
It's recommended to continue breastfeeding up to age 2 and beyond.
When to start brushing your baby's teeth
Before teeth appear, clean your baby's gums twice a day with a clean soft wash cloth or gauze.
When your baby's first tooth appears you can introduce gentle toothbrushing twice a day. This normally happens before their first birthday.
Use water and a small, soft toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste at this age.
Brushing your baby’s teeth will get them used to toothbrushing as part of their daily routine.
Set a good example by letting them watch as you brush your teeth.
Looking after your child's teeth
First dentist appointment
Take your baby to the dentist when their first teeth start to appear before their first birthday.
Your dentist will check that their teeth are developing correctly. They will show you how to care for your baby's teeth.
They can also give advice on how to help with problems such as teething.
Dental treatment for your baby
Babies with tongue tie
Some babies are not able to move and stretch their tongues freely because they have a short, tight or thick frenulum (the skin attaching the tongue to the base of the mouth). This is known as tongue tie.
It results in reduced tongue movements, and can make breast feeding more difficult.
Some babies may need a frenectomy (frenotomy). This is where the frenulum causing the tongue tie is released in a minor operation.
When to get medical advice
Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if your baby:
- has a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius
- is lethargic and drowsy
These symptoms together are not caused by teething.
Teething may cause a mild rash on a baby’s chin or neck, but it does not cause a widespread rash.
Babies who are not drinking and not having plenty of wet nappies each day may be dehydrated.
Contact your GP for advice if you're worried about any symptoms in your baby.
You can get more advice on caring for your baby's teeth from your dentist or PHN.
