Quick answer
What could teething symptoms mean?
Teething often starts around 6 months and may cause a sore red gum, dribbling, chewing, irritability and disturbed sleep. It may cause a slight temperature below 38C, but high fever, diarrhoea or a very unwell baby should not be assumed to be teething.
Typical symptoms
Look for one sore or red gum, increased dribbling, chewing, one flushed cheek, irritability and unsettled sleep around the time a tooth appears.
Safe soothing
Offer a teething ring cooled in the fridge, not freezer, or gently rub the gum with a clean finger. A pharmacist can advise on age-appropriate pain relief.
Illness is not teething
Babies commonly encounter infections at the same age teeth emerge. Assess fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing and responsiveness on their own merits.
Common questions about teething symptoms
- Does teething cause a high temperature?
- It may cause a slight rise below 38C. A temperature of 38C or more should not be dismissed as teething.
- Are teething gels safe?
- Ask a pharmacist and use only products specifically licensed for young children. General oral pain gels are not suitable.
- Do amber teething necklaces work?
- There is no good evidence they help, and necklaces can cause choking or strangulation.