One of the most exciting milestones in your baby's first year is the arrival of the first tooth. While it's a joyful moment, it can also bring sleepless nights, extra fussiness, and plenty of questions. The good news is that teething is a normal part of development, and understanding what your baby is experiencing can make this phase much easier.
What Happens During Teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age, although some may begin earlier or later. As the tooth pushes through the gums, it can cause mild inflammation, making the gums tender and uncomfortable.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Health Service (NHS), UK, common signs of teething include the following:
- Excessive drooling
- Swollen or sensitive gums
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or anything within reach
- Mild irritability
-
- Disturbed sleep
- A temporary decrease in appetite
Teething does not usually cause a high fever, severe diarrhea, or vomiting. If your baby develops these symptoms, consult your pediatrician.
Why Do Babies Cry More During Teething?
Babies cannot tell us where it hurts. Crying is simply their way of communicating discomfort.
As the gums become sore, your baby may become fussier than usual, seek extra cuddles, wake more frequently, or want to chew constantly for relief. Sometimes the crying isn't caused by teething alone; your baby may also be tired, hungry, or overstimulated. Learning to observe your baby's cues, rather than focusing only on the crying, helps you respond with greater confidence.
How Can You Comfort Your Baby?
Fortunately, most babies don't need medication. Simple, gentle remedies are often enough.
Try these safe methods:
- Offer a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring.
- Gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.
- Let your baby chew on a cool, clean washcloth.
- Continue breastfeeding or bottle feeding as usual if your baby is willing.
- Wipe away excess drool to help prevent rashes around the chin and neck using soft, absorbent Quick Dry Silq Towels.
Avoid freezing teethers, as they can become too hard and may injure delicate gums.
Should You Use Teething Medicines?
Most healthcare professionals recommend avoiding medication unless your baby is clearly distressed and your pediatrician advises it.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend an age-appropriate dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (for babies over six months), but these should never be given routinely.
Parents should avoid:
- Teething gels contain benzocaine or lidocaine, which have been linked to serious side effects in infants
- Homeopathic teething tablets or remedies containing belladonna. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against some of these products because inconsistent levels of belladonna have been associated with seizures, breathing difficulties, excessive sleepiness, and other serious complications.
- Amber teething necklaces, which increase the risk of choking and strangulation and are not recommended by pediatric experts.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While teething is usually harmless, seek medical advice if your baby has:
- A fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Persistent diarrhoea or repeated vomiting
- Difficulty feeding for an extended period
- Excessive sleepiness
- Inconsolable crying that continues for several hours
- Signs of dehydration
Research published in Pediatrics by Macknin et al. found that teething may cause mild irritability, drooling, gum rubbing, and temporary sleep disturbances, but serious illness should never be attributed to teething alone.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The first tooth is more than a tiny white smile; it's a sign that your baby is growing beautifully. Like every developmental milestone, it comes with a few challenging days, but they won't last forever.
Responding with patience, comfort, and evidence-based care will help your baby navigate this phase safely. And remember, if you're ever unsure whether your baby's symptoms are related to teething or something more serious, trust your instincts and speak with your pediatrician.
Helping You Through Every Little Milestone
Every milestone in your baby's journey deserves comfort, confidence, and care. At Quick Dry, we're committed to supporting parents with trusted parenting advice and thoughtfully designed newborn baby essentials that are gentle on delicate skin, from ultra-soft bibs that help manage teething drool to premium towels made for everyday cuddles.
Explore more expert parenting tips on the Quick Dry Blog and discover products designed to make every milestone a little more comfortable for both you and your baby.
