Baby Teething: Symptoms, Timeline, and Soothing Remedies

Teething is one of those baby phases that seems to get blamed for everything from sleepless nights to runny noses. Some babies breeze through it; others seem genuinely miserable. Here’s what’s actually happening, what the evidence says about symptoms, and which remedies really help.

Teething Timeline

The average order and timing of teeth is:

• 6–10 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) — usually the first to arrive
• 8–12 months: Upper central incisors
• 9–13 months: Upper lateral incisors
• 10–16 months: Lower lateral incisors
• 13–19 months: First molars (often the most uncomfortable)
• 16–23 months: Canines
• 23–31 months: Second molars

The range of “normal” is very wide — some babies get their first tooth at 4 months, others at 12 months. Late teething is not a sign of a problem.

What Teething Actually Causes

Research consistently shows that teething causes local symptoms — not systemic ones. Confirmed teething symptoms include:

• Increased drooling
• Biting and chewing on objects
• Gum rubbing and tugging at the ear on the same side
• Irritability and fussiness
• Mild gum soreness and swelling
• Slightly disrupted sleep around tooth eruption

What teething does NOT cause: high fever (over 38°C/100.4°F), severe diarrhoea, or rashes. If your baby has these symptoms, they’re likely ill — consult your GP.

Evidence-Based Soothing Remedies

Cold pressure on the gums

This is the most effective approach. Try: chilled (not frozen) teething rings, a clean cold flannel to chew on, or chilled fruit/veg in a mesh feeder (carrot, cucumber, cold mango). Frozen teethers can be too cold and may damage gums.

Counter-pressure

Many babies find relief from a clean adult finger gently rubbing their gums. The pressure counteracts the discomfort of the tooth pushing through.

Distraction

On difficult days, extra play, cuddles, and distraction genuinely help. Your calm presence is comforting.

Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen

For genuinely uncomfortable periods (especially molar teething), age-appropriate paracetamol (from 2 months) or ibuprofen (from 3 months, minimum 5kg) are appropriate. Always use the correct dose for their weight. Don’t use these routinely — save for when your baby is clearly distressed.

What to Avoid

Caring for New Teeth

As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing. Use a soft infant toothbrush and a grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1000ppm). Brush morning and night, especially before bed. Don’t give sweet drinks in bottles, and avoid dipping dummies in sweet substances.

Your baby’s first dental check is recommended around their first birthday or when the first tooth appears — don’t wait until age 2 or 3.