Teething is one of those baby milestones that every parent hears about long before it happens. When your little one suddenly becomes fussier than usual, starts drooling through every outfit, and chews on anything they can get their hands on, you may find yourself wondering: is this teething? And if it is, what can you actually do about it? This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the first signs that a tooth is on its way to the safest and most effective ways to bring your baby some relief.

When Does Teething Begin?

Most babies cut their first tooth somewhere between four and seven months of age, though the range is wide. Some babies are born with a tooth already present, while others will not show any signs until close to their first birthday. If your baby reaches twelve months without a single tooth, there is no immediate cause for alarm, but it is worth mentioning to your health visitor or paediatrician. Whatever the timing, a full set of twenty primary teeth is usually in place by around three years old.

The first teeth to arrive are typically the two bottom front teeth, known as the lower central incisors. These are followed by the two upper front teeth, then the lateral incisors on either side, and later the first molars, canines, and second molars. Each new tooth brings a new round of gum sensitivity, so teething is not a single occasion but a process that continues for the first two to three years of your child's life.

What Does Teething Feel Like for a Baby?

To understand why your baby is uncomfortable, it helps to picture what is happening beneath the surface. As a tooth pushes up through the jawbone and gum tissue, it creates pressure and inflammation. The gum may look red and swollen in the area where the tooth is about to emerge. Some babies sail through this process with barely a whimper, while others are clearly in a great deal of discomfort.

The intensity of teething symptoms can also vary depending on which teeth are coming through. The larger back molars, which tend to arrive between twelve and sixteen months, often cause more significant discomfort than the smaller front incisors, simply because they have a broader surface pushing through the gum tissue.

Recognising the Signs of Teething

There are several signs that your baby may be teething, and most of them are fairly straightforward once you know what to look for.

Increased drooling is one of the earliest and most common signs. Teething stimulates saliva production, so you may find your baby soaking through bibs and clothing throughout the day. You may also notice a mild rash around the mouth, chin, or chest caused by contact with saliva. Keeping the skin clean and gently patting it dry can help prevent irritation.

Chewing and gnawing on anything within reach is another telltale sign. Babies instinctively apply counter-pressure to their gums to relieve the sensation of a tooth pushing through. If your baby is suddenly putting their fists, toys, and even your fingers into their mouth with unusual enthusiasm, a tooth may be on its way.

Gum changes are worth looking for too. Gently pulling back your baby's lip may reveal an area of red, raised, or slightly bruised-looking gum where a tooth is close to erupting. Fussiness and disrupted sleep are common as well. A baby who suddenly becomes harder to settle at night or more irritable during the day may be reacting to teething discomfort, particularly if no other signs of illness are present.

One important point worth emphasising is what teething does not cause. Teething does not cause high fevers, diarrhoea, vomiting, or persistent coughing. These symptoms point to something else, possibly a viral infection, and should be assessed by a doctor. A very mild rise in temperature under 38 degrees Celsius during teething is occasionally reported by parents, but this is not the same as a fever. If your baby has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above, always seek medical advice rather than attributing it to teething.

Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

The good news is that there are several safe and effective approaches you can use to help your baby through the discomfort of teething.

Gum massage is one of the simplest and most soothing options. Wash your hands thoroughly and then gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger, using small circular movements. The direct pressure can provide meaningful relief, and many babies find the sensation calming.

Chilled teething toys are another excellent option. A teether that has been cooled in the refrigerator (not the freezer) can help soothe inflamed gum tissue. The cold reduces swelling and numbs the area slightly, offering genuine comfort. Always choose teethers made from natural materials or certified food grade silicone, and check them regularly for cracks or damage that could harbour bacteria. The HelloLoomi Wooden Teether in the Teddy design is made from natural wood with a safe finish, and its gentle shape is perfectly sized for little hands and sore gums.

A chilled, damp cloth can work just as well as a specialised toy if your baby prefers it. Simply wet a clean washcloth, tie it in a knot, chill it briefly in the refrigerator, and let your baby gnaw on it. Always supervise your baby during this activity. A chilled spoon held gently against the gum is another simple remedy that many parents find effective.

If your baby enjoys something with a different shape to chew on, the HelloLoomi Wooden Teether in the Penguin design offers a fun and tactile shape that babies tend to reach for readily. Like all HelloLoomi wooden teethers, it is made without harmful chemicals and designed to withstand enthusiastic chewing.

For babies who are experiencing significant pain and none of the above is providing sufficient relief, infant paracetamol or infant ibuprofen (for babies over three months and above a minimum weight) can be considered. Always follow the dosage instructions appropriate for your baby's age and weight on the packaging, and speak with your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure.

What to Avoid When Your Baby Is Teething

As tempting as it may be to reach for a quick fix, several commonly used teething products carry real risks.

Topical teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for babies under two years old. Regulatory bodies including the US Food and Drug Administration have warned against these products because benzocaine can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Most of these gels also wash away within minutes, making them both ineffective and potentially risky.

Teething necklaces and bracelets, whether made from amber, wood, or silicone beads, are not recommended by paediatric health organisations. They pose a choking hazard and a strangulation risk, and there is no scientific evidence that they reduce teething pain. The same concern applies to any small bead-based product worn around a baby's neck or wrist.

Homeopathic teething tablets have also drawn regulatory attention. Certain products have been found to contain variable levels of belladonna, a toxic plant extract, and have been linked in rare cases to serious adverse events in infants. These products are best avoided entirely. Finally, frozen teethers should not be given to babies. An extremely cold teether can bruise and damage the delicate gum tissue rather than soothe it.

Taking Care of Your Baby's First Teeth

One of the most important things you can do during and after teething is establish good oral hygiene habits early. You do not need to wait until your baby has a full set of teeth to begin caring for their mouth. From birth, gently wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth helps remove milk residue and keeps the gum tissue healthy.

As soon as the first tooth appears, begin cleaning it twice a day with a soft bristled baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, roughly the size of a grain of rice. This amount of fluoride is safe for babies and plays an important role in protecting those first teeth from decay. It is also worth booking your baby's first dental visit within six months of that first tooth appearing, as early dental check-ups help to establish positive associations with the dentist from a young age.

Teething can feel like a long road, but with the right support and a few trusted tools in your kit, you and your baby can get through it together. At HelloLoomi, we design baby products with safety and natural materials at the heart of everything we make. Browse our collection of wooden teethers and baby essentials to find exactly what your little one needs during this milestone stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do babies usually start teething?

Most babies begin teething between four and seven months of age, though it is entirely normal for a first tooth to appear as early as three months or as late as twelve months. Every baby develops at their own pace, and the timing of teething is largely determined by genetics. A full set of twenty primary teeth is usually in place by around age three.

What are the first signs that my baby is teething?

The most common early signs of teething are increased drooling, chewing on hands and objects, red or swollen gums in a specific area, and increased fussiness or disrupted sleep. These signs can appear several weeks before a tooth actually breaks through the surface of the gum.

Is it safe to use teething gel on my baby?

Teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for babies under two years old. Regulatory bodies including the FDA have warned against their use due to the risk of a serious blood oxygen condition. Safer alternatives include gum massage, chilled teething toys such as a natural wooden teether, and a chilled damp cloth for your baby to gnaw on.

Can teething cause a fever?

Teething can occasionally cause a very mild rise in temperature, but it does not cause a true fever. If your baby's temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or above, this is most likely caused by something other than teething and you should contact your GP or health visitor rather than assuming it is tooth-related.

What is the safest teething toy for a baby?

The safest teething toys are made from natural wood with a non-toxic finish, or from certified food grade silicone, and should be free from BPA and phthalates. The HelloLoomi wooden teethers are made from natural materials and designed to be safe for babies to mouth. Always chill a teether in the refrigerator rather than the freezer, and check it regularly for signs of wear or damage.

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

You should start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste no bigger than a grain of rice, twice a day. Before any teeth appear, you can wipe the gums daily with a clean damp cloth to keep the mouth clean and get your baby used to the sensation of gum care.

How long does teething last?

Teething is an ongoing process that begins with the first tooth, typically around six months, and continues until all twenty primary teeth have come through, usually by the time your child is around two to three years old. Each individual tooth may cause discomfort for several days to a couple of weeks before and after it breaks through the gum.