“Watching teething babies is like watching over a thermonuclear reactor-it is best done in shifts, by well-rested people. ―Anthony Doerr
Teething is a key developmental milestone, marking the emergence of your baby’s first teeth and the beginning of new adventures. While this phase is a wonderful sign of growth, it often brings discomfort and irritability as the teeth push through the gums. Babies may experience swollen, tender gums, excessive drooling, and a strong urge to chew on objects. Some little ones may also become fussy throughout the day and night, making it challenging to keep them content.
However, not all babies struggle with teething in the same way. While some may hardly show signs of discomfort, others might become noticeably unsettled, especially around the time you’re trying to soothe them for naps or bedtime. The pressure and sensitivity in their gums can make it difficult for them to relax, leading to restlessness or increased wake-ups.
For parents and caregivers, understanding the teething process is essential for offering the right care and reassurance. Recognising common symptoms, knowing what to expect, and having soothing techniques on hand, such as gum massages, chilled teething toys, or safe teething pain relief can help ease any discomfort and make this stage more manageable for both you and your baby.
#Understanding the Challenges of Teething
Teething occurs when a baby’s first teeth start emerging through the gums, usually around six months of age. However, this timeline varies, some babies may begin teething as early as three months, while others might not get their first tooth until closer to their first birthday.
#Common signs of teething
Excessive Drooling – Teething stimulates increased saliva production, often leading to constant drooling. This can sometimes cause a rash or irritation around the mouth, chin, and neck due to prolonged moisture exposure. Using a soft bib and gently wiping their face with a warm flannel rather than wipes can help prevent skin irritation
Swollen, Red, or Tender Gums – The gums may appear inflamed, puffy, or sensitive, especially in the area where a tooth is about to break through. You may even notice a small white bump before the tooth fully emerges
Red or Flushed Cheeks – One or both cheeks may appear red or feel warm due to increased blood flow in the gums. This can happen on the side where a tooth is coming in
Runny Nose – Some babies develop a mild runny nose while teething, likely due to increased saliva production and slight inflammation in the gums. However, teething does not cause thick mucus, congestion, or severe cold symptoms. If a baby has significant nasal discharge, coughing, or fever, it may be due to a cold or infection rather than teething
Chewing and Biting Everything (Including You!) – Babies instinctively try to relieve gum discomfort by chewing on their fingers, toys, teething rings, or any object they can grab. Including their caregiver’s hands, arms, or even while breastfeeding. Biting is a natural reflex during this stage, but offering safe teething toys or chilled items can help redirect this behaviour
Increased Fussiness and Irritability – As the teeth push through, babies may become crankier than usual, especially in the days leading up to a tooth breaking through the gums. They may cry more, be harder to console, and become generally unsettled
Disrupted Sleep Patterns – Some babies have trouble settling at night or wake more frequently due to discomfort. Even if they previously slept well, teething may temporarily disrupt their sleep routine
Changes in Eating Habits – The pressure of sucking on a bottle or breastfeeding can make sore gums more uncomfortable. Some babies may refuse feeds, while others may want to nurse more for comfort. Offering cold or soft foods (for older babies, 6m+) may help e.g. frozen fruit lollies, watermelon sticks
Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing – Because teething pain can radiate to the ears and jaw, babies may tug at their ears or rub their cheeks in an attempt to soothe the discomfort. However, ear pulling can also be a sign of an ear infection, so if this symptom is accompanied by fever or other signs of illness, a doctor’s visit may be needed
Slight Increase in Temperature – A mild rise in body temperature is sometimes seen with teething, but it should not cause a high fever. If your baby has a fever over (38°C), it’s likely due to an illness rather than teething
Changes in Bowel Movements – Some parents notice slightly looser stools or more frequent bowel movements during teething, possibly due to excess saliva being swallowed. However, teething should not cause excessive diarrhoea
General Restlessness – Some babies become extra clingy, whiny, or seem generally out of sorts. They may seek more comfort from caregivers and prefer to be held more often than usual
#What Is Not a Sign of Teething?
While teething can cause discomfort, it should not cause high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, severe rashes, or extreme lethargy. If your baby is experiencing these symptoms, they are likely related to an illness rather than teething, and you should consult a doctor. If you are ever unsure, it is always best to seek medical advice rather than not.
#Order of Tooth Eruption
Lower Central Incisors (Bottom Front Teeth) – Usually the first to appear, these emerge around 6 to 10 months
Upper Central Incisors (Top Front Teeth) – Typically come in next, around 8 to 12 months
Upper Lateral Incisors (Beside the Top Front Teeth) – Emerge between 9 to 13 months
Lower Lateral Incisors (Beside the Bottom Front Teeth) – Appear around 10 to 16 months
First Molars (Back Teeth Used for Chewing) – The upper first molars come in around 13 to 19 months, while the lower first molars follow between 14 to 18 months
Canines (Pointed Teeth Between Incisors and Molars) – The upper canines usually emerge between 16 to 22 months, with the lower canines appearing between 17 to 23 months
Second Molars (Final Set of Baby Teeth at the Back of the Mouth) – The lower second molars typically arrive between 23 to 31 months, while the upper second molars follow between 25 to 33 months
By the age of 2.5 to 3 years, most children will have their full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.
While this sequence is common, some babies may get their teeth in a slightly different order. Additionally, some infants breeze through teething with little discomfort, while others experience significant irritability, drooling, and swollen gums.
#The Impact of Teething on Sleep
Teething can impact your little ones sleep temporarily due to the discomfort and irritation caused by emerging teeth pushing through the gums. The inflammation, swelling, and pressure can make it difficult for babies to relax, especially when they are lying down, as there are fewer distractions from the pain. Additionally, increased saliva production during teething can lead to coughing or gagging, further disturbing sleep.
Babies who were previously sleeping well may start waking more frequently during the night, struggling to settle back down. Some may also become more clingy and restless, seeking extra comfort from parents.
For parents, the stress of soothing an unsettled baby can result in sleep deprivation and exhaustion, creating a cycle of fatigue for the entire household. However, it’s important to remember that teething is a temporary phase, and taking proactive steps, such as offering comfort, pain relief (if needed), and a soothing bedtime routine, can help ease the challenges and support better sleep for both baby and caregiver.
#Practical Strategies for Supporting Sleep when your baby is Teething
1. Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine
Establishing a calming bedtime routine is essential for helping your baby relax and prepare for sleep, especially during the teething phase. Gentle, predictable activities such as a warm bath, a soothing massage, reading a short story, or singing lullabies can create a sense of security and comfort. Consistency in these routines helps signal to your baby that it’s time to unwind and settle down for the night.
A peaceful sleep environment also plays a key role in promoting better sleep. Keep the room dimly lit to encourage melatonin production, use white noise or soft music to mask household sounds, and ensure the temperature is comfortable to prevent restlessness.
By creating a consistent and soothing bedtime routine, you help alleviate any stress or anxiety your baby may feel, making it easier for them to drift off to sleep—even during challenging teething periods.
2. Use Teething Remedies
Chilled Teething Rings – A refrigerated (not frozen) teething ring can provide cooling relief to sore gums. The gentle pressure from chewing helps ease discomfort while the cool temperature soothes inflammation
Damp Muslin Cloth (Age-Dependent) – Offering a slightly dampened, chilled muslin cloth can be a great alternative for babies who prefer softer textures. They can gnaw on it to relieve pressure on their gums. Ensure it is appropriate for their age and supervised to avoid choking risks
Gum Massage – Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a soft, damp washcloth can help ease teething pain. The light pressure can provide relief and distract them from the discomfort
Cold Foods for Older Babies – If your baby has started solids, offering chilled purees, yogurt, or cold fruit slices (such as banana or cucumber sticks) can provide soothing relief while being safe for little mouths
Teething Toys – Soft silicone or rubber teething toys allow babies to chew and apply pressure to their gums safely. Look for BPA-free options designed specifically for teething
Extra Comfort and Cuddles – Sometimes, extra snuggles and reassurance are the best remedy. Babies may seek more comfort and closeness during teething, so responding with patience can help them feel secure
3. Monitor Baby’s Sleep Environment
Creating a soothing sleep environment is essential during teething, as discomfort can make it harder for babies to settle. A quiet, dark, and comfortably cool room can help promote better sleep. Many parents find that using pink or white noise helps mask background noises, reducing the likelihood of sudden wake-ups and encouraging longer sleep stretches.
Choosing the right bedding and sleepwear is equally important. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo, to keep your baby comfortable and prevent overheating. Ensuring that bedding is clean, fresh, and free of wrinkles creates a calm and cozy atmosphere, further supporting restful sleep.
By maintaining a consistent and relaxing sleep environment, you can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable, even during the challenges of teething.
4. Address Feeding Patterns
Teething can also affect your baby’s feeding habits, as sore and swollen gums may make sucking or chewing uncomfortable. Some babies may refuse to eat, become fussier during feeds, or have difficulty latching if breastfeeding. Others might prefer to nurse or bottle-feed more frequently, seeking comfort despite the discomfort.
How to Help
Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals – Instead of large feeds, try offering smaller, more frequent meals to make feeding more manageable and less overwhelming
Adjust Bottle or Breastfeeding Positions – Experiment with different nursing or bottle-feeding positions to find one that minimises pressure on sore gums
Provide Pain Relief Before Feeding – A chilled teething ring or gentle gum massage a few minutes before feeding can help numb discomfort, making it easier for your baby to latch.
Choose Soothing Foods for Older Babies – If your baby has started solids, chilled purees, yogurt, or soft fruits like banana and avocado can be easier to eat and soothing on sore gums. Avoid hard, crunchy, or overly warm foods that may irritate sensitive gums
For breastfeeding parents, being aware of teething-related challenges is important. Some babies may bite down while nursing due to gum discomfort. If this happens, gently unlatch and redirect them to a teething toy before resuming the feed.
By making small adjustments and ensuring feeding remains a calm and comforting experience, you can help your baby through this stage while ensuring they continue to get the nutrition they need.
5. Consult Healthcare Professionals
If teething pain seems excessive or if sleep disruptions persist long after teeth emerge, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is important. They can provide tailored strategies and help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to sleep problems.
Additionally, participating in parenting support groups can offer encouragement and shared experiences, which can be very comforting during this transitional phase.
#Register with a Dentist
You can register your baby with a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, which typically happens around six months of age. Early dental visits help ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are developing properly and allow you to receive expert advice on teething, oral hygiene, and diet. Regular check-ups from an early age also help prevent dental issues and get your child comfortable with visiting the dentist. Most pediatric dentists recommend scheduling the first appointment by their first birthday, even if only a few teeth have come through. Establishing good oral care habits early sets the foundation for healthy teeth and gums as they grow.
#Final Thoughts
Teething can present numerous challenges for both children and their caregivers, especially when it disrupts sleep. Understanding the process and implementing practical strategies can make this period less stressful.
By establishing a soothing bedtime routine, utilising effective teething remedies, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, parents can significantly ease their child’s discomfort. Remember, this phase is temporary. With the right support and care, both child and caregiver can navigate this unknown journey more peacefully, leading to restful nights ahead.
Patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt are keys to successfully managing the teething process. Prioritising your child's comfort invites smoother transitions through this vital stage of development.
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