What Are Symptoms of Teething in a Baby?
That’s a great question — and one that every parent wonders about sooner or later! 🍼🦷
Teething is a normal part of your baby’s growth, but it can cause a range of symptoms as those tiny teeth push through the gums. Understanding these signs helps you comfort your baby and know when it’s just teething — or something more.
👶 What Are Symptoms of Teething in a Baby?
🦷 1. Swollen or Tender Gums
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You may notice red, puffy, or slightly bulging gums where a tooth is about to come in.
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Sometimes you can even see or feel a small white bump under the gum.
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Babies might rub their gums or chew on things for relief.
💧 2. Increased Drooling
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Teething stimulates extra saliva production.
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You might see your baby drooling more than usual, soaking bibs and shirts.
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Keep a soft cloth handy and use a baby-safe moisturizer to prevent drool rash around the mouth and chin.
😣 3. Fussiness or Irritability
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The pressure of teeth coming through tender gums can make babies cranky, clingy, or restless.
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They may cry more often, especially at night when discomfort feels worse.
🍼 4. Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits
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Babies may refuse the bottle or breast, or eat less solid food because their gums hurt.
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They might also wake up more often or have trouble sleeping.
👋 5. Biting and Chewing on Everything
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To relieve pressure, babies instinctively bite on toys, fingers, or anything they can reach.
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Offering a cool teething ring or chilled washcloth can help.
🌡️ 6. Slight Temperature Increase (But Not a Fever)
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A mild rise in body temperature can happen with teething, but a true fever (above 100.4°F / 38°C) is not caused by teething.
⚠️ If your baby has a fever, diarrhea, or rash, contact your pediatrician — those are likely signs of illness, not teething.
💩 7. Mild Changes in Drool or Bowel Habits
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Some babies may get looser stools or mild irritation from swallowing extra saliva, but it should not be severe or prolonged.
💔 8. Ear Pulling or Cheek Rubbing
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Babies sometimes rub their cheeks or tug their ears on the same side as a coming tooth — the pain can radiate from the gums to nearby areas.
🕒 When Does Teething Start?
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Most babies start teething around 6 months, though it can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months.
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The lower front teeth (bottom central incisors) usually appear first.
🩺 When to Call the Doctor
Contact your pediatrician if your baby:
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Has a high fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C)
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Shows severe diarrhea, rash, or vomiting
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Is refusing to eat or drink
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Seems unusually lethargic or unwell
These are not typical teething symptoms and may indicate another issue.
❤️ In Summary
Common teething symptoms:
✅ Swollen, tender gums
💧 Lots of drool
😣 Irritability or crying
👶 Biting and chewing
🍼 Changes in sleep or appetite
💔 Rubbing cheeks or ears
Teething is temporary — but those little smiles that follow are worth it!
OTHER SOURCESSymptoms of teething in a baby can include:
* Increased irritability
* Placing objects or fingers in the mouth and biting down on them
* Increased saliva or drooling
* Loss of appetite or becoming choosy about foods
* Tender and swollen gums
* Rash on cheeks or redness in the area of the cheeks near the affected gums
* Restlessness
* Ear pulling, which may be a sign of teething or possibly an ear infection (make an appointment to have your child seen by your doctor or pediatrician)
Teething does not result in fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your child experiences these problems, contact your doctor.
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