There is something wonderfully bittersweet about spotting that tiny white edge pushing through your baby's gum for the very first time. It is a milestone worth celebrating, and also the beginning of a whole new set of questions. Is my baby teething? Why are they so unsettled? What can I do to help? And when should I start thinking about their oral health? If those questions sound familiar, this guide is for you.
In the pages that follow, you will find everything you need to know about your baby's teething journey: when those first teeth typically arrive, how to tell if your baby is teething rather than unwell, which soothing methods are truly safe, which remedies to steer well clear of, and how to lay the foundations for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Whether you are a first time parent in Amsterdam, a grandparent in Berlin, or a new mum in Copenhagen, the same reassuring principles apply.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Teething follows its own schedule and no two babies are exactly alike. Most babies cut their first tooth somewhere between four and seven months of age, though it is entirely normal for teeth to arrive as early as three months or as late as the first birthday. If your baby reaches twelve months without a single tooth, it is worth mentioning to your health visitor or dentist, but in most cases there is nothing to worry about.
The lower central incisors are usually the first to appear, those two tiny bottom front teeth, followed shortly after by the upper central incisors. From there, teeth tend to arrive in a fairly predictable sequence, moving outward from the centre. The lateral incisors typically emerge between nine and twelve months, the first molars between twelve and sixteen months, the canines around sixteen to twenty months, and the second molars between twenty and thirty months. By the time most children reach their third birthday, they have a full set of twenty baby teeth. The NHS confirms this general timeline, though variation is completely normal.
How to Recognise the Signs of Teething
Teething can be a genuinely uncomfortable process. As a tooth pushes through the gum tissue, it causes localised pressure and tenderness that many babies find distressing. Knowing what to look for makes it far easier to offer the right kind of comfort at the right moment.
The Most Common Signs
Increased drooling is one of the earliest and most reliable signs that teething is underway. Many parents are caught off guard by just how much saliva a teething baby can produce, and a pack of soft, absorbent bibs quickly becomes an essential item in the daily routine. Alongside the drooling, you may notice your baby chewing or gnawing on everything within reach, from their own fist to the edge of their cot. This is a natural response to the pressure they are feeling in their gums, and it is a signal that they could benefit from something safe and firm to chew on.
Irritability and disturbed sleep are also common during active teething phases, and so is a mildly elevated temperature. According to the NHS, teething can cause a minor increase in body temperature, but it does not cause a genuine fever above 38 degrees Celsius. You may also notice redness or soreness on the gums themselves, and sometimes a faint fluid-filled blister called a teething cyst, which tends to resolve on its own without any treatment needed.
What Teething Does Not Cause
This is an important distinction that can save a great deal of unnecessary worry and, in some cases, make sure your baby gets the medical attention they actually need. Teething does not cause high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, persistent coughing, ear infections, or prolonged refusal of food. These symptoms may coincide with teething simply because babies in this age range are also encountering many new viruses and infections for the first time. If your baby has a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, is consistently unwell, or you have any concerns, contact your GP or health visitor rather than assuming it is just teething.
Safe Ways to Soothe Teething Discomfort
Watching your baby struggle with gum pain is never easy, but there is plenty you can do to help them feel more comfortable. The safest and most effective approaches are also the simplest ones.
Gentle Gum Massage
Using a clean finger to gently rub your baby's gum in the area where the tooth is emerging can provide significant relief. The counter-pressure helps to ease the sensation of the tooth pushing upward, and many babies settle almost immediately when offered this kind of direct, warm comfort. Wash your hands thoroughly before doing this, and keep sessions short so you do not irritate the already tender tissue.
Safe Teethers for Chewing
A good quality teether is one of the most useful items you can have during the teething months. Firm, natural teethers give babies something safe to gnaw on, providing that same gum pressure relief without the risk of choking or injury. Wooden teethers made from natural materials have become increasingly popular with parents looking for sustainable, non-toxic options, and they work beautifully because the firm texture gives just the right amount of resistance against sore gums.
The HelloLoomi Wooden Teether in Teddy is a wonderful example of a teether that ticks every box. Crafted from natural wood with a smooth finish that is safe for babies, it is the ideal size for small hands to grip and small mouths to explore. It also makes a genuinely charming keepsake once the teething phase has passed.
If you prefer an animal shape with a slightly different size and weight, the HelloLoomi Wooden Teether in Koala is equally lovely. Both options are free from BPA, PVC, and other synthetic materials, making them a reassuring choice for parents who care about what goes in their baby's mouth.
You can also chill a clean, damp cloth in the fridge (not the freezer) and allow your baby to chew on it. The cool temperature soothes inflamed gum tissue and many babies find this enormously comforting. Always supervise any chewing activity and replace the cloth as soon as it starts to feel warm.
Managing the Drool
The rivers of drool that accompany teething are entirely real, and constant wetness around the mouth and chin can quickly lead to a drool rash. Keeping your baby's skin dry and comfortable is an important part of managing the teething period. Soft bandana-style bibs worn throughout the day absorb saliva before it reaches the skin, and changing them frequently makes a noticeable difference to your baby's comfort and skin health. The HelloLoomi Cotton Bandana Scarves 3-pack is made from breathable cotton and comes in a sweet mix of prints that layer beautifully over a range of outfits.
Remedies to Avoid
Not everything marketed for teething is safe, and it is worth knowing what to steer clear of before you reach for a product. Topical anaesthetic gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine are not recommended for babies under two years old. Both the FDA and European health authorities have raised concerns about these products, as benzocaine can cause a rare but serious condition called methaemoglobinaemia, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen effectively.
Amber teething necklaces and bracelets remain popular in some circles but carry real risks. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and multiple European paediatric organisations advise strongly against them. There is no scientific evidence that succinic acid released from amber beads has any analgesic effect, and the physical hazards of strangulation and choking are well documented in medical literature. Health authorities in several European countries have issued formal warnings following reports of serious injuries.
Homeopathic teething tablets have also come under scrutiny in recent years. Some products have been found to contain inconsistent amounts of active ingredients, and at least one formulation was subject to safety recalls due to potentially toxic levels of belladonna alkaloids. When in doubt, the simplest approaches are the safest ones.
Starting Oral Hygiene From the Very First Tooth
Good oral health begins the moment that first tooth appears, and the habits you establish now will set the tone for years to come. Most paediatric dental guidelines agree that you should start cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as they emerge, using a small soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride is genuinely important: it helps to protect the enamel from the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of early childhood tooth decay.
Brush twice a day, morning and before bed. The bedtime brush is particularly important, as milk or food left on the teeth overnight significantly increases the risk of decay, sometimes called nursing caries. After the bedtime brush, offer nothing except water until morning. Before any teeth emerge at all, you can begin getting your baby used to the sensation by gently wiping their gums with a clean damp cloth or a silicone finger brush. This familiarises them with having something in their mouth and makes the transition to a proper toothbrush much smoother when the time comes.
The First Dental Visit
Most paediatric dental organisations, including those in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and across Scandinavia, recommend booking your baby's first dental appointment around the time of their first birthday or within six months of that first tooth appearing. This initial visit is usually relaxed and brief. The dentist will check that the teeth are developing normally, offer guidance on diet and oral hygiene, and help your child build a positive association with dental care from an early age.
Diet also plays a significant role in dental health even at this early stage. Frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks, including fruit juice, increases the risk of decay. Water and milk are the safest drinks for babies and toddlers, and limiting sweet snacks helps to protect those precious first teeth.
Teething Across Northern Europe: What the Guidelines Say
Parents in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and across Scandinavia share access to excellent paediatric healthcare, and the guidance from national health bodies in these countries aligns closely with international best practice. In the Netherlands, the Centrum Jeugd en Gezin and the Royal Dutch Dental Association both emphasise early oral hygiene and recommend fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth. German paediatric guidelines from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn, Mund und Kieferheilkunde follow similar recommendations. Across Scandinavia, subsidised dental care for children is widely available and dental visits are encouraged from a young age, reflecting a broader cultural commitment to prevention over treatment.
A Gentle Start to Lifelong Dental Health
Teething is a rite of passage for every baby and every parent, and while it can be challenging, it does pass. Armed with the right knowledge and a handful of well chosen tools, you can support your baby through this phase with calm and confidence. The HelloLoomi range is designed with exactly this kind of thoughtful, natural approach to babyhood in mind. From wooden teethers crafted from natural materials to soft cotton bibs that keep your baby comfortable through every drool-filled day, HelloLoomi is here to make the early months gentler for both of you. Explore the full HelloLoomi collection and find everything you need to welcome those first tiny teeth with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do babies usually start teething?
Most babies begin teething between four and seven months of age, though it is perfectly normal for teeth to arrive as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The lower front teeth, known as the central incisors, are usually the first to appear. If your baby has not cut any teeth by their first birthday, it is worth mentioning to your dentist or health visitor, but in the majority of cases there is no cause for concern.
What are the signs that my baby is teething?
The most common signs of teething include increased drooling, chewing or gnawing on objects, swollen or tender gums, mild irritability, and disturbed sleep. Some babies also develop a mild facial rash from the excess saliva around their chin and cheeks. These symptoms tend to be most noticeable in the days just before and after a tooth breaks through the gum surface.
Can teething cause fever or diarrhoea in babies?
Teething may cause a very slight rise in body temperature, but it does not cause a true fever above 38 degrees Celsius, and it does not cause diarrhoea, vomiting, or persistent coughing. If your baby is showing these symptoms, they are most likely caused by a separate viral or bacterial infection and you should contact your GP or health visitor rather than attributing the illness to teething.
What are the safest teething remedies for babies?
The safest teething remedies include gentle gum massage with a clean finger, firm natural teethers such as a wooden teether, a chilled but not frozen damp cloth for your baby to chew, and keeping the face clean and dry with soft absorbent bibs. You should avoid topical numbing gels containing benzocaine, amber teething necklaces or bracelets, and homeopathic teething tablets, as these carry documented safety risks according to health authorities in Europe and North America.
Are amber teething necklaces safe for babies?
Amber teething necklaces are not considered safe for babies. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and European paediatric health bodies strongly advise against them due to the risk of strangulation and choking from broken beads. There is also no scientific evidence that these necklaces provide any pain relief, making them an unnecessary hazard that serves no medical purpose.
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 small soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush twice daily, with the bedtime brush being particularly important to remove milk or food residue before sleep. The NHS and European paediatric dental associations all recommend beginning oral hygiene at this stage to protect against early childhood tooth decay.
What is a safe and natural teether for a teething baby?
A wooden teether made from natural, untreated wood with a smooth finish is one of the safest and most effective options for teething babies. The HelloLoomi Wooden Teether range, available in a Teddy and Koala shape, is crafted from natural wood and free from synthetic materials, sized perfectly for small hands. These teethers provide the firm pressure that soothes sore gums while being kind to the environment and gentle on your baby.
