teething
also known as: cutting teeth, baby teeth, first teeth
teething is the process of baby teeth (primary teeth) breaking through the gums. most babies start teething around 6 months, but it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. teething can cause mild discomfort but it does NOT cause high fever, diarrhoea, or serious illness — if your child has these symptoms, see a doctor.
contagious
not contagious — teething is a normal developmental process
duration
each tooth takes about 8 days to fully emerge (4 days before and 4 days after breaking through the gum). all 20 baby teeth are usually in by age 3
common age
6 months to 3 years (first teeth to full set of 20)
symptoms
- •red, swollen gums where the tooth is coming through
- •increased drooling
- •chewing on fingers, toys, or anything within reach
- •mild irritability or fussiness
- •slightly raised temperature (under 38degC) — this is NOT a fever
- •a visible white tooth under the gum
- •mild cheek rash from drooling
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •fever of 38degC or above — teething does NOT cause fever. your child likely has an infection
- •diarrhoea or vomiting — NOT caused by teething
- •rash on the body — NOT caused by teething
- •your child is very unsettled for more than a day
- •your child is refusing to drink
- •your child is pulling at their ear (may be an ear infection, not teething)
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •teething is never a medical emergency — if your baby is seriously unwell, it is not teething
home treatment
- •give your child a cold (not frozen) teething ring or clean, cold washcloth to chew on
- •gently rub the gum with a clean finger
- •give paracetamol if your child is clearly in pain (from 1 month old on medical advice)
- •ibuprofen can be used from 3 months and over 5 kg
- •do NOT use teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine — risk of serious side effects
- •do NOT use amber teething necklaces — choking and strangulation risk, no proven benefit
- •do NOT use homeopathic teething tablets — some have been found to contain harmful ingredients
- •cold foods like yoghurt or cold fruit puree can help for babies on solids
prevention
- •teething cannot be prevented — it is a normal developmental process
- •once teeth appear, start brushing twice daily with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste
- •avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk or juice (risk of tooth decay)
- •first dental visit by age 1 or when the first tooth appears
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.