Signs My Baby is Teething

When should I expect to see signs that my baby is teething?

Some babies are born with their first teeth; some babies start teething before they are four months old and others do not start teething until after twelve months old. Most babies start teething at around the age of six months, typically the two front teeth on the bottom gums come in first.

How Do I Know if My Baby Has Started Teething?

Teething can come unannounced, and the first sign you will see is a tiny white tooth in your baby’s smile quickly followed by another. Usually however, teething is accompanied by some or several of the signs and symptoms of teething:

Fretting and fussing

Your baby seems more fretful and unsettled than usual

Flushed cheek

You may notice one or sometimes both cheeks are flushed when your baby is teething.

Dribbling and drooling

Your baby is dribbling more than usual. Teething causes excess saliva and some babies drool a lot.

Rash or soreness around the mouth

The dribbling and drooling can cause a skin rash or soreness around the mouth which you may also notice.

Gnawing and chewing

Your baby seems to want to gnaw and chew on things more than usual. This is because the counter-pressure on the gums against the erupting tooth relieves discomfort.

Your baby is rubbing or pulling at one ear

This is caused by inflammation of the gums where the tooth is erupting; it can be particularly troublesome as the molars appear. Keep in mind that if this is accompanied by a fever it may be an ear infection and require medical attention.

Loss of appetite

It is usual that your baby may lose their appetite when they are teething. They are unsettled and preoccupied with discomfort and their gums may be sore. Keep in mind that prolonged loss of appetite may be linked to something more serious so consult your baby’s doctor if you are concerned.