Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline & How to Soothe Discomfort

One day your baby seems perfectly settled. Next, they're chewing on everything they can reach, dribbling more than usual and becoming noticeably unsettled. You start wondering: is this teething, or is something else going on?

Teething is a normal part of your baby's development, but it doesn't follow exactly the same pattern for every child. Some babies sail through their first teeth with little fuss, while others can become noticeably unsettled as sore gums make eating, sleeping and settling more difficult.

Knowing when babies usually start teething, which signs to look for and how to ease discomfort can make this stage much easier to navigate. From simple measures such as a cool teething ring and gentle gum massage to suitable pharmacy options when extra relief is needed, there are practical ways to support your baby.

Let's start with when you can expect those first little teeth to appear.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, although there is plenty of variation. Some babies start teething earlier, while others may not see their first tooth until later.

The lower front teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the upper front teeth. Other teeth then come through gradually, with most children having all 20 baby teeth by around 2½ to 3 years.

A typical baby teething timeline

This timeline is only a general guide. Teeth can appear earlier or later, and that doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. What matters is your baby's overall development rather than following an exact schedule. 

What Are the Signs of Teething?

Teething can look different from one baby to another. Some babies seem barely bothered, while others become more unsettled as their gums become sore. Common signs include:

• Sore or tender gums: Gums around an emerging tooth may look red, swollen or feel sensitive.

• More dribbling: Extra saliva can lead to wet clothes and mild irritation around the mouth or chin.

• Chewing and biting: Your baby may chew their fingers, toys or other safe objects for comfort.

• Fussiness: They may become more irritable, clingy or prone to crying.

• Changes in sleep: Gum discomfort can make settling or staying asleep more difficult.

• Changes in feeding: A sore mouth may temporarily make feeding less comfortable.

• Flushed cheeks: Some babies may have noticeably flushed cheeks while teething.

Not every baby will experience all of them, and some may show very few noticeable symptoms.

What Isn't Usually Caused by Teething?

It's easy to blame every change in your baby's behaviour on a new tooth, but some symptoms shouldn't automatically be attributed to teething. A temperature above 38°C, diarrhoea or a baby who seems generally unwell may have another cause. 

If your baby also has poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or other signs of illness, don't assume it's teething. These symptoms may need medical assessment. 

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

You don't always need medicine to manage teething discomfort. Simple measures can often provide enough comfort while your baby's gums are sore. 

Use a Cool Teething Ring

A cool teething ring can give your baby something safe to chew while helping soothe sore gums. The Matchstick Monkey Gigi Giraffe Teether is a soft, textured silicone teether designed for little hands to grip and chew.

Choose one that's suitable for your baby's age and check it regularly for signs of damage. Never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck.

Massage Sore Gums

Wash your hands and gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger. Gentle pressure may help ease the feeling of sore or swollen gums. Stop if your baby seems uncomfortable.

Offer Suitable Cool Foods

Once your baby is ready for complementary foods, suitable cool foods may provide some comfort. Choose foods appropriate for their age and development, and always supervise your baby while eating.

Offer Comfort and Distraction

Teething can make babies more unsettled, so cuddles, gentle play and familiar routines can help provide reassurance and distraction. 

Teething Gels and Baby Pain Relief

If simple comfort measures aren't enough, suitable pharmacy products may provide additional support when your baby is struggling with teething discomfort.

Teething Gels

Some teething gels are designed to soothe discomfort in the gums, but they aren't all suitable for the same ages or used in the same way. Always check the individual product information and follow the recommended directions.

Bonjela Teething Gel and Dentinox Teething Gel are examples of products available for teething, each with specific age requirements and instructions.

For a closer look at teething gel ingredients, formulations and what to consider when choosing one, read our guide to teething gels.

Baby Pain Relief

If your baby is experiencing significant discomfort, age-appropriate pain relief may sometimes be considered. Paracetamol may be suitable for babies and children when the correct product and dose are used. Ibuprofen may also be appropriate for some children, but it isn't suitable for babies under 3 months and may not be appropriate in certain circumstances.

Always follow the product instructions and use the measuring device provided. If you're unsure which medicine or dose is appropriate, ask your pharmacist or GP.

Teething Products and Remedies to Avoid

Some teething remedies can carry unnecessary risks, so it's important to choose products specifically designed for babies.

Amber Teething Jewellery

Amber teething necklaces, bracelets and anklets are not recommended for babies because they can pose choking and strangulation risks. They should not be used to relieve teething discomfort.

Frozen Teething Rings

Teething rings should be cooled according to the manufacturer's instructions rather than frozen solid. Extremely cold or hard surfaces may hurt sore gums.

Products Not Designed for Babies

Don't use adult oral pain gels or medicines for your baby unless advised by a healthcare professional. Age restrictions, strengths and ingredients vary, so check that any product is specifically suitable for your baby's age.

When Should You Speak to a GP?

Teething can make your baby fussy and uncomfortable, but some symptoms need more than teething care. Speak to your GP or healthcare professional if your baby has:

• A temperature above 38°C

• Diarrhoea

• Difficulty feeding or drinking

• Fewer wet nappies than usual

• Unusual drowsiness or lethargy

• Severe or persistent discomfort

• Other signs that your baby is generally unwell

You know your baby best. If something doesn't seem right or you're concerned about their symptoms, seek medical advice rather than assuming it's teething.

Looking After Your Baby's First Teeth

Once that first tooth appears, it's time to start building good oral-care habits.

Use a small, soft toothbrush suitable for babies and brush the teeth twice a day. For children under 2, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm fluoride, unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Making brushing part of your baby's daily routine from the start can help them become comfortable with it as more teeth appear. Try to keep the experience gentle and positive.

Baby teeth may eventually fall out, but they still need proper care. They help your child eat comfortably and hold space for their developing permanent teeth.

If you're unsure about brushing, toothpaste or your baby's dental development, speak to your dentist or public health nurse.

Conclusion

Teething can be a challenging stage for both babies and parents, but understanding what to expect can make it easier to manage. If your baby needs additional relief, suitable pharmacy products may also help when used as directed. If your baby needs additional relief, suitable pharmacy products may also help when used as directed.

Most importantly, don't assume every symptom is teething. If your baby seems genuinely unwell or you're concerned about their symptoms, seek medical advice. 

For help choosing suitable teething rings, gels or baby pain relief, explore Ballyduff Pharmacy's Teething range or speak to our pharmacy team.