Teething is one of the biggest milestones in your baby’s first year — and often one of the most challenging. As those tiny teeth begin to appear, your little one may experience discomfort, disrupted sleep, or changes in mood. Understanding what’s happening beneath the gums can help you soothe your baby with confidence and care.
At Carla’s Love School, we guide parents through this natural developmental stage with evidence-based advice that brings calm to those tender moments.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age, though timing varies widely (AAP, 2022). The two lower central incisors usually appear first, followed by the upper front teeth.
By around 3 years old, most children will have a complete set of 20 primary teeth (Cameron et al., 2013).
Every baby experiences teething differently, but some common signs include:
Increased drooling
Chewing on hands or objects
Mild gum swelling or tenderness
Irritability or fussiness
Disrupted sleep or feeding patterns
Rubbing cheeks or ears
Important note:
While teething can cause mild discomfort, it should not cause high fever, diarrhea, or severe illness. Studies show no strong evidence linking teething to systemic symptoms like fever or vomiting (Macknin et al., 2000). If your baby has these symptoms, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.
Teething occurs when developing teeth move through the gums — a process that stimulates local inflammation and pressure (Rodd & Boissonade, 2000). This can make babies irritable and trigger mild physiological changes, such as slight temperature elevation (but not true fever).
This gum pressure is what leads babies to instinctively chew or bite for relief — a completely normal and healthy self-soothing behavior.
1. Teething Toys & Cold Relief
Chilled (not frozen) teething rings or a clean, cold washcloth can reduce inflammation and numb sore gums (Cameron et al., 2013).
2. Extra Comfort & Feeding
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can provide both nourishment and emotional comfort. Some babies feed more frequently during teething for reassurance.
3. Gentle Gum Massage
Using a clean finger to gently rub your baby’s gums can help relieve pressure.
4. Avoid Unsafe Remedies
Health authorities strongly advise against teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine, as they pose health risks (FDA, 2018). Also avoid amber teething necklaces, which carry a risk of strangulation or choking (AAP, 2022).
5. Keep Drool Under Control
Frequent drooling can cause skin irritation. Keep your baby’s chin dry with soft bibs and apply a gentle, baby-safe barrier cream.
Teething sometimes affects appetite, but nutrition remains vital for growth and development. Offer soft, cool foods (like yogurt, pureed fruits, or mashed vegetables) if your baby is eating solids. For breastfeeding infants, continue feeding on demand — it provides hydration, antibodies, and comfort.
Research shows that maintaining adequate nutrition during teething supports both immune function and oral development (Palmer, 2014).
Teething can be a tough phase for both parents and babies — but it’s also a sign of healthy growth and development. With patience, gentle comfort, and the right soothing strategies, you can help your baby navigate this milestone with ease.
Remember, this stage won’t last forever. Each new tooth brings your little one closer to those heart-melting smiles filled with pearly whites.
References
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