The first tooth is a major milestone. It’s also, for many families, a sleepless and fussy season that can leave parents feeling helpless. If you have a baby who is suddenly drooling more, tugging at their ear, and refusing their favorite foods, you are likely in the middle of teething. While this stage is a normal part of development, that doesn’t make it any easier to manage.
At Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park, Dr. Allie Miller (a mom herself) wants parents to know what is actually happening, what signs to watch for, and how to soothe your baby safely.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. However, “normal” covers a wide range. Some children are born with a tooth (rare but possible), while others don’t see their first tooth until after their first birthday.
The two bottom front teeth (central incisors) usually arrive first, followed by the four upper front teeth. By age 3, most kids have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
Real Symptoms vs. Teething Myths
Here is where many parents get confused. Research shows that teething causes very specific symptoms, but it does not cause high fevers, vomiting, or severe diarrhea.
What is normal:
- Increased drooling (sometimes causing a facial rash)
- Chewing on hands, toys, or clothing
- Mild irritability or fussiness
- Slightly swollen, tender gums
- A low-grade temperature (under 101°F / 38.3°C)
- Slight ear-pulling on the same side as erupting teeth
- Decreased appetite for solid foods
What is NOT normal (call your pediatrician):
- High fever over 101°F
- Vomiting or severe diarrhea
- Rashes on the body (not just the face from drool)
- Extreme, inconsolable crying
- Coughing or congestion without a runny nose
If your child has these more serious symptoms, they are likely sick with a virus or ear infection, not just teething. Teething symptoms should only last a few days around the time a tooth breaks through.
Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
You don’t have to just suffer through it. These parent-tested, dentist-approved methods can help:
- Cold, Not Frozen: Cold numbs the gums safely. Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, a cold wet washcloth twisted and chilled, or cold fruit in a mesh feeder if your baby is eating solids. Avoid frozen teethers, which can be too hard and bruise delicate gums.
- Gentle Gum Pressure: Use a clean finger to gently rub or massage your baby’s gums. The counter-pressure often provides instant relief.
- The Towel Trick: Let your baby chew on a damp, chilled washcloth. The texture feels good on sore gums, and the cold reduces inflammation. Just supervise closely so pieces don’t come loose.
- What to Avoid: The FDA recommends against teething tablets containing benzocaine or belladonna, which can be dangerous for babies. Also avoid amber or teething necklaces, they are a choking and strangulation risk with no proven benefit.
- When to Call the Dentist: If your child is extremely uncomfortable or not sleeping at all, talk to Dr. Miller about safe options like children’s acetaminophen (use only as directed by weight, not age).
Teething Is Temporary, Healthy Smiles Are Forever
This fussy phase will pass. And once those teeth arrive, it is time to start caring for them.
Dr. Miller recommends bringing your child in for their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. This early visit is gentle, quick, and focused on helping you learn how to clean those new teeth and prevent cavities from the very start.
Is your baby showing signs of teething? Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park to schedule their first happy visit. We’re here to help make teething trouble feel a little less overwhelming.