Early Signs of Baby Teething Every Parent Should Know

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What Is Teething and Why Does It Cause Discomfort?

Teething is the natural process of a baby’s teeth pushing through the gums. It can leave the gums feeling tender and uncomfortable, which may shift your baby’s mood and daily habits a little.

Teething in simple terms: Baby teething happens when the milk teeth, which have been forming under the gums since before birth, start to move up to the surface. This movement can make the gum area feel tender, sensitive and a little different from usual.

When do babies start teething? Every baby is different, but most start teething at around 6 months of age ¹. Some begin as early as 3 months and others only after 12 months, and both are still considered normal ¹.

Baby first tooth symptoms: The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front teeth ². This is when you may start noticing baby first tooth symptoms more clearly, before the other teeth follow in turn ³.

What happens to the gums: As a tooth starts to emerge, the surrounding gum area may look a little different from usual and feel tender to the touch. This can be one source of the discomfort often linked with teething.

Early Teething Signs and Symptoms Parents Should Recognise

How do you know whether your baby has started teething? Every baby’s experience is different, but there are some common baby teething symptoms.

Changes to the gums: Take a gentle look inside your baby's mouth. You may notice an area of gum that looks a little different from usual where the tooth is coming through.

More drooling than usual: Teething can increase saliva production, so your baby may drool more than normal. Sometimes this can also cause mild discomfort on the chin or around the mouth.

Wanting to bite and chew: One of the most common signs of teething is the urge to bite something ³. Babies may chew on their fingers, toys or other safe objects to put gentle pressure on their gums.

Fussiness and irritability: Gum discomfort can leave a baby fussier, more restless, or wanting to be held more often. This is one of the baby teething symptoms parents notice most.

Changes to sleep and feeding: Teething discomfort can also disrupt naps or night sleep. Some babies temporarily lose interest in feeding, because sucking can make the gums feel more tender.

Other common signs: You may also see your baby rubbing their cheek or pulling at an ear. This can happen because the nerves around the gums, cheeks and ears are connected.

Teething or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference

It can be hard to tell whether your baby is uncomfortable because of teething or for another reason ⁴. Knowing the difference helps you take the right next step.

Symptoms that can look similar: Mild discomfort, extra drooling and a little fussiness can happen during teething or with other minor issues.

Teething and fever: A slight rise in body temperature can sometimes occur. However, a true fever above 38°C is not a typical symptom of teething and usually points to something else ².

Diarrhoea and tummy symptoms: Loose stools or diarrhoea are generally not considered signs of teething ⁵. If your baby has these symptoms, it is better to seek medical advice ⁶.

When it may not be teething: If your baby seems very unwell, symptoms become severe, or the changes last several days, it is best to speak to a doctor for a proper check.

Here is a quick comparison that may help parents:

Common Teething Signs

Mild fussiness and discomfort

More drooling than usual

Wanting to bite objects

Gums that look different from usual and feel tender

A slight change in body temperature

Disrupted sleep patterns

Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

When baby teething symptoms leave your little one uncomfortable, there are safe, practical ways to help settle them.

Offer extra cuddles and comfort: Sometimes babies simply need more holding, cuddling and reassurance from you.

Use gentle coolness: A clean, chilled cloth or a firm teether that has not been frozen can help soothe discomfort gums.

Gently massage the gums: With clean hands, rub your baby’s gums slowly with your finger. This light pressure can help ease discomfort.

Comfort at mealtimes: If your baby has started solids, soft, cool, age-appropriate foods may feel more comfortable on the gums.

Avoid unsafe options: For your baby’s safety, avoid numbing gels containing benzocaine, homeopathic teething tablets, and amber teething necklaces, as these can carry risks ³.

Safety reminder: Always supervise your baby when they use a teething aid, and choose only products suited to their age ⁶. When the first tooth appears, it is also a good time to introduce a gentle oral care routine with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste.

Baby Oral Care Before and After the First Tooth

Good oral care starts even before the first tooth appears. This early routine helps build healthy habits from the start.

Before the first tooth: Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds and before bed. This helps clear milk residue and gets your baby used to a mouth-cleaning routine.

When the first tooth appears: As soon as you see the first tooth, start brushing it gently with a small, soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste ⁴.

Choosing a baby toothbrush: Pick a brush with a small head and very soft bristles so it suits your baby’s mouth.

Using baby toothpaste: Use only a small amount and follow the age guidance on the product label.

A simple daily routine: Make cleaning the gums or teeth part of your morning and bedtime routine. Consistency helps build good habits early.

The first dental visit: A first dental check-up is usually recommended when the first tooth appears, or by your baby’s first birthday at the latest ⁴.

Growing into a toothbrushing routine your child enjoys

For very first teeth, a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste is all you need. As your little one grows into a toddler and is ready for a bit more independence, fun-flavoured options like Darlie Bunny Kids Strawberry Toothpaste, made with food-grade ingredient^ standards, or the mess-free ‘1 pump, 1 use’ Darlie Kids Pump Toothpaste, can help make brushing time something they look forward to. Pair either with Darlie Cutie Bunny Toothbrush (Age 2-5), sized and designed for small hands and small mouths.

When to Contact a Paediatrician or Paediatric Dentist

Most teething symptoms are mild, but parents should still know when to seek professional advice ⁴.

Seek medical advice if: Your baby has a true fever, ongoing diarrhoea, an unusual rash or vomiting. These are not typical symptoms of teething.

If your baby seems very uncomfortable: If your baby cries excessively, refuses to feed or eat for a long period, or sleep problems do not improve even after settling, it is worth seeing a doctor.

Check for other causes: Sometimes ear pulling that looks like a baby teething symptom is actually related to something else.

Concerns about the teeth: If you notice injury to a tooth or trauma to the mouth, contact a paediatric dentist as soon as possible.

If you are unsure: Trust your instincts as a parent. If something feels off, there is nothing wrong with getting it checked.

1. Baby’s First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know - HealthyChildren.org - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Babys-First-Tooth-Facts-Parents-Should-Know.aspx

2. TEETHING - Health Education England / NHS pharmacy factsheet (PDF) - https://london.wtepharmacy.nhs.uk/dyn/_assets/_folder4/community-pharmacy/dental-fact-sheets/dentalfactsheets_teething.pdf

3. Teething: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002045.htm

4. AAPD | FAQ - https://www.aapd.org/resources/parent/faq/

5. Does Teething Cause Fever? Signs and Symptoms - Cleveland Clinic - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/teething-signs-and-symptoms

6. Baby teething symptoms - NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/

^Over 80%(W/W) of ingredients in formula meet food grade standard of country of origin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When do babies usually start teething?

A: Most babies start teething between 6 and 12 months, but the timing varies. Some start earlier, and others only get their first tooth after their first birthday.

Q2: What are the most common signs of teething?

A: The most common signs of teething include extra drooling, wanting to bite objects, gums that look more tender than usual, fussiness, and small changes to sleep or feeding patterns ³.

Q3: Can teething cause fever or diarrhoea?

A: Generally, teething does not cause a high fever or diarrhoea ⁵. If your baby has these symptoms, it is better to speak to a doctor, as they may have another cause.

Q4: How can I safely relieve teething discomfort at home?

A: You can try a clean chilled cloth, a safe teether, or a gentle gum massage with a clean finger. Cuddles and reassurance from you also go a long way.

Q5: When should I take my baby for their first dental check-up?

A: A first dental visit is usually recommended when the first tooth appears or before your baby’s first birthday. An early visit helps parents understand the right oral care routine, including when to move from a plain baby toothbrush to fun options like Darlie Cutie Bunny Toothbrush (Age 2-5) and flavoured toothpaste such as Darlie Bunny Kids Strawberry Toothpaste.