teething

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Teething is a milestone every parent anticipates. When your baby’s first teeth begin to emerge, it can cause discomfort, irritability, drooling, and disrupted sleep. While teething is natural, it’s important to manage symptoms safely while protecting the developing teeth and gums.

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Signs of Teething

• Drooling more than usual
• Chewing on objects or hands
• Irritability or fussiness
• Mild gum swelling or redness
• Changes in sleep or feeding patterns

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Safe Ways to Soothe Teething Pain

1. Cold Teething Toys

Chilled teething rings or soft rubber toys can massage sore gums and provide relief. Avoid frozen items that are too hard, which could damage sensitive gums.

2. Gum Massage

Wash your hands thoroughly and gently rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger. The pressure can ease discomfort and help teeth emerge more comfortably.

3. Pain Relief Options

• Only use medications recommended by a pediatrician.
• Avoid teething gels with benzocaine for babies under 2 due to safety concerns.

4. Comfort and Distraction

Extra cuddles, rocking, and interactive play can help soothe a fussy baby.

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Teething and Oral Health: Protecting Baby Teeth

Even before teeth fully emerge, oral care matters. Bacteria can build up on gums and the emerging teeth, so parents should:

• Wipe gums daily with a soft, damp cloth
• Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk
• Begin gentle brushing as soon as teeth appear

Tips for Early Tooth Protection

• Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush
• Apply a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste once teeth appear
• Make brushing a calm, consistent part of daily routines

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When to Contact a Dentist During Teething

Most teething discomfort is normal, but parents should consult a pediatric dentist if they notice:

• Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C)
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Excessive gum swelling or bleeding
• Teeth that appear unusual or delayed beyond 18 months

Early visits help ensure baby teeth are developing correctly and can prevent complications.

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Tips for Parents: Managing Stress and Sleep

Teething affects parents too. A few strategies to make the process easier:

• Keep a teething kit ready with chilled toys and a soft cloth
• Establish a calm bedtime routine to minimize sleep disruption
• Share nighttime duties with a partner when possible
• Stay patient—this phase is temporary but essential for healthy teeth

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Fun Facts About Teething

• Most babies have 20 primary teeth by age 3.
• Chewing during teething actually stimulates faster tooth emergence.
• Some babies drool so much they need extra bibs or gentle face wipes throughout the day.

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Teething is a challenging but natural part of infant development. By understanding the timeline, using safe soothing methods, and maintaining early oral hygiene, parents can ease discomfort while protecting their child’s future smile.

At Huntington Smiles, we help families navigate every stage of dental development, from teething to early cavity prevention. With gentle care and guidance, parents can support their baby’s oral health confidently.

Teething can be a difficult period of time for both parents and babies. These important milestones are still important to understand, and we’re here to help with that.

But, first what is teething?

If you don’t know what teething is yet, don’t stress! You’re in the same boat as many other parents. Teething is the process in which teeth erupt from the gums, and lasts from 6 months to 3 years. Your baby will have symptoms from teething about a week during each stage. 

Symptoms of Teething

• Sore or red gums
• Mild temperature increase
• Drooling
• Gnawing/Chewing
• Potential Irritability

Stage 1 (0-6 months)

The first stage is right before teeth start to erupt. Babies are born with all of the 20 baby teeth, but they’re just located inside the gums. During this stage, gently massage your baby’s gums with a finger or damp washcloth to help them adjust.

Stage 2 (6-8 months)

When the first teeth, incisors, start to erupt, your baby has officially entered stage 2 of the teething process. You might notice your baby starting to chew objects or their hands, which is a result of the teeth applying pressure directly on the gums. Provide your baby with a hard rubber teething ring to aid them in this process. 

Also, make sure that you schedule your child’s first dentist appointment as soon as their first tooth appears. 

Stage 3 (10-14 months)

This stage is when the primary molars start to emerge. Provide hard, safe-to-eat foods for your baby, and watch out for restlessness during the night as well as a poor appetite, fussiness, and drooling.

Stage 4 (16-22 months)

During this stage, canine teeth start to erupt. Give your child a cold washcloth or teething ring to help soothe the symptoms.

Stage 5 (25-33 months)

Stage 5 is the final stage of teething when the large molars emerge. This is the most uncomfortable stage of teething, so you may also see your baby experiencing more symptoms, like biting on objects. Give them harder food to see if it helps.