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- Edwena Kennedy, RD
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Watching your little one grow past milestones can be super cute…until it’s not. The teething process is one of those milestones that every baby has to pass through, and can be filled with lots of discomfort and sleepless nights.
No two babies are exactly the same, so while teething can be a nightmare for some (their parents included) others may not be so bothered. Fingers crossed the latter is your experience!
In this article, we’ll be delving into teething, what to expect – especially when it comes to eating solids – and home remedies that might make life easier for you and your little one during the teething process.
Table of Contents
What is teething and why is it a significant milestone?
Teething is the process that a baby endures when their first set of teeth, also known as their baby or primary teeth, emerge through their gums.
Teething is a significant developmental milestone that marks the beginning of your baby’s journey toward a lifetime of healthy eating, speech, and oral development.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the importance of this milestone!
Prepares your baby for advanced solid food
While teeth aren’t required for starting solids, having those first few teeth erupt does impact eating solid foods.
First, it means that some phase 0 finger foods on our Texture Timeline™ (hard, resistive whole foods) are no longer safe for your baby and it’s time to move on.
Secondly, teething will eventually lead to more advanced chewing techniques (like grinding really tough meat or breaking down raw leafy greens) when more teeth, particularly molars, erupt.
Therefore, it signals the start of your baby being able to handle advanced foods and textures more safely.
Improves speech development
As your baby starts forming sounds and words, teeth help make the specific sounds needed for clear speech (1).
Jaw development
The eruption of teeth helps the jawbones and facial muscles grow and develop (1). This process ensures your child’s teeth align and have proper spacing as they grow (1).
When does teething start (and end)?
Most infants start teething between 4 to 7 months of age (2). However, some babies might begin as early as 3 months, while others may not show signs until they’re closer to their first birthday (2).
As with everything baby-related, each baby is so different and follows their own unique timeline!
Typical teething timeline
Your baby’s full set of teeth doesn’t come all at once. They appear gradually and at different times, with the lower teeth usually erupting first. By the age of 3, your child will likely have all 20 of their primary teeth.
This does mean that you’re in this for the long haul, but don’t worry, as you learn what to expect and what helps your baby it can get easier as you go!
Here’s a general guideline for when you can expect each tooth to come in (3):
Lower Teeth
- Lower central incisors: 6–10 months
- Lower lateral incisors: 10–16 months
- Canines (pointed teeth beside the lateral incisors): 17–23 months
- First molars (back teeth used for grinding): 14–18 months
- Second molars (the backmost teeth): 23–31 months
Upper Teeth
- Upper central incisors: 8–12 months
- Upper lateral incisors (beside the front teeth): 9–13 months
- Canines (pointed teeth beside the lateral incisors): 16–22 months
- First molars (back teeth used for grinding): 13–19 months
- Second molars (the backmost teeth): 25–33 months
Over time, your child will grow a total of 32 permanent teeth to replace their initial 20 primary ones (3).
How long does teething pain last?
The pain associated with teething can vary from baby to baby. On average, the discomfort may last for a few days to a week for each tooth as it erupts. However, it’s not unusual for some babies to experience teething pain intermittently over several months, especially as multiple teeth come in around the same time (4).
The intensity of teething pain can also differ, with some babies showing minimal signs of discomfort and others experiencing more pronounced symptoms.
Can a teething baby eat solid foods?
Yes, a teething baby can still eat solid foods, but you may need to make some adjustments to accommodate their changing needs.
Teething can cause swollen gums, soreness, and irritability, which may lead to changes in your baby’s appetite. While some babies continue to eat a variety of solids without any issues, others may become fussier or prefer softer textures due to the discomfort.
It’s important to listen to your baby’s cues and be flexible with their feeding routine during this period – without becoming stuck on simple textures for too long.
4 Tips for feeding teething babies
Here are some tips to make eating solids easier for you and your teething baby.
Tip #1: Opt for softer textures
While you can still offer harder foods that require more chewing, they can cause discomfort for some babies. Soft and easy-to-eat foods, like purees, scrambled eggs, yogurt, or oatmeal can be more comfortable on their sore gums and easier to swallow.
That being said, we don’t recommend offering only soft foods for any more than a few days to a week, maximum. This is because consistent exposure to soft foods may cause a preference to develop that can hold your baby back from advancing in textures and getting exposure to a variety of solid food textures.
We’ve seen many babies develop picky eating habits by getting stuck in a soft-food-only rut. So since teething can last a while, it’s important to only cater to it for the few days surrounding the actual rupture of the tooth through the gum.
To learn how to safely serve purees and finger foods in a step-by-step way that keeps your baby advancing in textures, check out our Baby Led Feeding Program which includes access to our exclusive Texture Timeline™ Food Video Library.
Tip #2: Serve cool or cold foods
Chilled foods can provide relief to tender gums. Try offering cold or semi-frozen soft fruits and veggies like strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or the inner portion of a cucumber. You could also offer chilled yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, or a chia seed pudding.
Consider trying breastmilk popsicles as well for a soothing and nutritious option that will have a familiar flavor for your baby.
Tip #3: Offer teething-friendly finger foods
If your baby enjoys self-feeding, offer teething-friendly finger foods like soft steamed vegetables, avocado slices, or soft cheese. These options are easy to hold and gentle on the gums.
You can also try some hard munchables that put more pressure on the gums, which can provide relief as well. These would be phase 0 foods on our Texture Timeline™, keep reading for more examples of those.
Tip #4: Monitor appetite and preferences
Teething can sometimes cause a temporary decrease in appetite. If your baby is less interested in solids, that’s to be expected. Continue to offer solids at their usual meal times but follow their lead and don’t be discouraged if their eating fluctuates.
Breastfeeding or formula feeding will still provide essential nutrients, and can sometimes increase during this time as it is often preferred over eating solids – for both comfort and ease. Their appetite will likely return when the pain subsides.
Common teething symptoms
Teething can manifest in various ways, and recognizing these signs can help you provide the comfort your baby needs. Additionally, we often find that teething is blamed for many symptoms that actually aren’t related to teething at all. Being able to recognize what is teething and what isn’t can help you to know when to seek medical care.
Let’s go through the common symptoms to give you an idea of what to expect (5).
Increased drooling
One of the earliest signs of teething is increased drooling. You may notice your baby’s clothes or chin becoming wetter than usual as their mouth produces more saliva in response to the emerging teeth.
Chewing and gnawing on objects
As new teeth push through the gums, your baby may seek relief by chewing on anything they can get their hands on. You might find them gnawing on toys, fingers, or even your shoulder!
Irritability or fussiness
The discomfort of teething can make your baby more irritable than usual. They may cry more often or seem generally unsettled, especially during times when the pain is more pronounced.
Swollen, tender gums
Your baby’s gums may appear red or swollen as teeth begin to emerge. Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can help soothe them, and you may even feel the tiny tooth just below the surface.
Slight increase in temperature (but not a fever)
A slight increase in body temperature, often referred to as a “teething fever,” can sometimes accompany teething. However, it’s important to note that any fever above 100.4°F (38°C) should be evaluated by a pediatrician, as it could indicate something other than teething.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Teething can disrupt your baby’s usual eating and sleeping routines. They may refuse solid food or milk feedings due to the discomfort in their mouth, or they might wake up more frequently during the night seeking comfort through nursing, a bottle, cuddles, etc.
Decreased appetite
As mentioned above, the discomfort that comes with teething may cause your baby to lose interest in meals altogether. You may find this to be true with solid foods, bottle feeds, or even nursing.
You might also experience biting at the nipple while nursing or your baby may chew on the bottle, as opposed to sucking from it, in an effort to get more relief. This sometimes results in shorter feeds with less intake.
Diarrhea or loose stools
Some parents report that their baby experiences looser stools during teething. While this can happen, it’s essential to monitor your baby for signs of dehydration or other symptoms that may require medical attention.
The Link Between Teething and Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is not a typical sign of teething. As mentioned, teething can sometimes cause your little one to experience more frequent or looser stools. This can increase the likelihood of diaper leakage and prolonged contact with stool, which can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin (5).
It’s important to remember that symptoms often linked to teething, such as diaper rashes, can actually be caused by other issues such as:
- Tight-fitting diapers or rough diaper materials
- Prolonged exposure to wet or soiled diapers
- Introducing new foods to your baby’s diet
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Sensitivity to diaper products
You should watch these symptoms closely and seek medical advice if they worsen or don’t improve within a couple of days.
When to see a doctor for teething symptoms
Most teething symptoms can be managed well at home, but the following are signs that would indicate further medical attention is necessary (6, 7).
High fever
While a slight increase in temperature can be normal, a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C) is not typically associated with teething. If your baby has a higher fever, it may be a sign of an infection or another underlying issue that requires medical attention.
Severe diarrhea
Mild changes in bowel movements can occur during teething, but severe diarrhea is not a common teething symptom. If your baby has frequent, watery stools, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out dehydration or other concerns.
Persistent crying or irritability
Teething can make babies fussy, but if your baby is inconsolable or crying persistently despite your soothing efforts, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider. This could indicate that something more than teething is causing their discomfort.
Rashes or skin reactions
While drooling can sometimes cause a mild rash around the mouth or chin, widespread rashes or unusual skin reactions might need to be evaluated by a doctor. It’s important to ensure that the rash isn’t a sign of an allergic reaction or other skin condition.
Refusal to eat or drink
Teething can sometimes make feeding uncomfortable, but if your baby consistently refuses to eat or drink, especially over a prolonged period, it’s important to see a doctor. This could lead to dehydration or indicate that your baby is experiencing pain beyond normal teething discomfort.
Ear pulling or rubbing
Some babies pull on their ears when teething because the pain from their gums can radiate to their ears. However, ear pulling can also be a sign of an ear infection. If your baby is showing this behavior, along with other symptoms like fever or persistent crying, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider.
As a parent, you know your baby better than anyone else. If something doesn’t feel right, or if your baby’s symptoms seem severe or unusual, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Your doctor can help determine if the symptoms are related to teething or if there’s something else that needs attention.
How do you soothe a teething baby?
Teething can be challenging for both babies and parents. However, with patience and some soothing techniques, you can help ease your baby’s discomfort. Every baby is different, so finding what works best for your little one may take some trial and error.
Soothing your teething baby can be done by implementing some simple at-home remedies or administering pain meds like acetaminophen. Remember, your baby will likely be more irritable and fussy during this time, so trying things like a baby carrier to keep them close to you, rocking, walks outside in a stroller, bathtime fun, etc. may help to calm them, and in turn, help decrease their fussiness or crying.
We recommend that you try safe natural remedies before giving medicine, but always speak with your pediatrician to get specific advice for your baby and do what feels best for your family. We suggest natural remedies first because, as mentioned, teething lasts a long time and it isn’t necessarily feasible (or advisable) to administer meds daily for potentially weeks at a time.
Safe natural teething remedies
Cold Compresses
A chilled washcloth or a clean, soft cloth can be a soothing option for sore gums. Place the cloth in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for a few minutes before letting your baby gently chew on it. The coolness helps reduce inflammation and numbs the gums.
Chilled Teething Toys
Teething toys designed for freezing can be an excellent option. Ensure the toy is soft, made from baby-safe materials, and designed for refrigeration.
Even if the toy can be frozen, we recommend placing it in the fridge instead. The cold helps numb the gums and can provide relief from teething pain without becoming too hard and uncomfortable to chew on. Always check the toy for any signs of wear or damage before giving it to your baby.
Here are a couple of our favorites but there’s no shortage of them on the market!
Made from silicone, these toys are safe, can be refrigerated, and come in various colors your baby will surely love. They’re also long enough to reach back to the molar area to provide relief there as well.
These are BPA-free silicone, refrigerator-safe toys with textured surfaces to massage your baby’s sore gums. They also come in several exciting colors and shapes.
Visit our Amazon store to check out more safe and effective teething toys for your little one.
Why can't you offer frozen teethers to your baby?
Although cold objects have been shown to relieve teething pain in babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises not to freeze toys like teething rings (8). This is because teething toys can get hard when frozen, which can worsen your baby’s pain and damage their gums when chewed on.
Breast Milk Popsicles
For a nourishing and soothing treat, consider making breast milk popsicles. Pour expressed breast milk into baby-friendly popsicle molds, freeze them, and let your baby suck or gnaw on them. This provides comfort and a taste of familiar milk.
Research suggests that human milk has natural pain-relieving properties, so human milk popsicles might also help some babies with teething pain (9).
Check out our blog on popsicles for babies for more information on when these are safe to offer, our favorite popsicle molds, and 9 delicious popsicle recipes for babies 6+ months.
Phase 0 finger foods
Phase 0 finger foods are also known as hard munchables. These are whole foods that are hard and resistive so that your baby is unable to take bites or chew through them, making them safe to offer from the start. These can feel soothing as they act as counter-pressure on your baby’s gums.
Some examples are large, whole carrots, turkey drumsticks (with all of the skin, meat, and cartilage removed), a cob of corn with the kernels removed, etc. Your baby can hold onto these and mouth them for flavor and exposure before any of their teeth erupt.
The counter-pressure from mouthing and chewing can soothe their gums and because they don’t have their teeth yet, they can’t actually bite through the resistive foods. As soon as their teeth break through the surface or if you see them able to take bites, stop offering these types of foods and move on to the next texture phase.
As an added bonus, you can place these hard munchables in the fridge to cool them off before offering them to your baby so they also get the benefit of a cold compress on their gums.
If you want to learn more about our signature Texture Timeline™ and how you use the phases to gradually introduce solids and advance your baby in textures at a pace that works for both of you, sign up for our Baby Led Feeding Program to get full access.
Gentle Gum Massage
Using clean fingers, gently rub your baby’s gums in a circular motion. This can help soothe the discomfort and provide relief from the pressure of erupting teeth.
Unsafe natural teething remedies
While natural teething remedies are popular, it’s crucial to recognize that not all are safe. Let’s delve into some unsafe natural teething remedies to understand why they should be avoided.
Amber teething necklaces
Amber teething necklaces are often touted for their supposed ability to release succinic acid, which is believed to relieve teething pain. However, these necklaces have been flagged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to pose significant choking and strangulation risks (10).
Additionally, there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in pain relief (11).
Essential oils
Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, marjoram, and ginger are sometimes suggested for teething pain relief (12, 13). However, these oils are highly concentrated and potent, which can lead to skin irritation or even poisoning if ingested (14). Because of the risks and the fact that young babies are very sensitive, only two essential oils—chamomile and lavender—are recommended for topical use in babies.
Always dilute essential oils with a base oil, such as vegetable oil, before applying them to your baby’s skin. As babies get older (over 6 months), more essential oils, such as ginger and marjoram, can be used on the jawline and gums (15).
It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any essential oils on or near your baby. Be sure to follow proper guidelines for use to ensure they are not receiving too much exposure.
Over-the-counter or herbal teething gels and teething tablets
Herbal teething gels and tablets may contain ingredients like belladonna or benzocaine, which can be harmful to infants. Belladonna, in particular, can cause serious health issues, including difficulty breathing, seizures, and lethargy.
Avoid these products completely as they could pose serious harm to your little one (16).
That said, a safe over-the-counter treatment to soothe your teething baby is Wellements Organic Baby Tooth Oil. It contains safe and effective essential oils and none of the harmful substances we mentioned earlier.
Check with your healthcare provider first before giving your baby any over-the-counter treatment.
Homemade Teething Remedies
Some homemade remedies, such as using alcohol-soaked cloths or applying honey to gums, can be hazardous. Alcohol should never be given to infants, and honey can lead to infant botulism, a severe and potentially fatal illness in babies under one-year-old (17, 18).
How to care for your baby’s new teeth
As those tiny teeth begin to emerge, it’s important to start caring for them right away. Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Let’s go through the basics of caring for your baby’s new teeth.
Start Early
Dental care begins even before the first tooth appears. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to remove any residue. This simple step helps keep their mouth clean and prepares them for the routine of oral care.
First Tooth, First Brush
Once that first tooth makes its appearance, it’s time to introduce a toothbrush. Choose a soft-bristled, baby-sized toothbrush (19).
The AAP also recommends the use of fluoride toothpaste (20). Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste – about the size of a grain of rice – and gently brush the tooth and gums twice a day, especially before bedtime.
Keep It Fun
Brushing can be a fun bonding experience. Sing a song, make funny faces, or play some music to keep your baby entertained during brushing time. Your positive attitude will help them associate tooth brushing with something enjoyable.
No bottles in bed
Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. Sugary liquids can pool around the teeth, leading to tooth decay (21). If your baby needs comfort at bedtime, offer their favorite pacifier instead, or a favorite stuffed animal if they’re old enough to safely have those in their crib.
Visit the Dentist
Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears (22). This initial visit helps the dentist check for any early signs of tooth decay and gives you a chance to ask questions about oral care.
Offer variety and avoid added sugar
Introduce healthy eating habits early. Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as your baby starts on solid foods.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks to protect their new teeth from decay. We recommend waiting until at least 2 years of age for added sugars, and continuing to be mindful of it after that.
Lead by Example
Babies learn by watching you. Let them see you brushing and flossing your teeth. Your example will teach them that dental care is a regular and important part of their daily routine.
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Edwena Kennedy, RD
Founder and lead Registered Pediatric Dietitian at My Little Eater Inc., creator of The Texture Timeline™, and mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eaters.
Edwena Kennedy, RD
Founder and lead Registered Pediatric Dietitian at My Little Eater Inc., creator of The Texture Timeline™, and mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eaters.
References
- https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/pregnancy-and-baby/life-with-your-baby-0-6-months/early-teething-and-toothcare
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-teething-chart
- https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/childrens-health/how-long-does-teething-last
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/teething-and-diaper-rash
- https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-teething-sick
- https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/teething-symptoms-remedies
- Jennifer Ball; Baby teething gels not recommended. AAP News August 2014; 35 (8): 32. 10.1542/aapnews.2014358-32
- Larry Gray, Lisa W. Miller, Barbara L. Philipp, Elliott M. Blass; Breastfeeding Is Analgesic in Healthy Newborns. Pediatrics April 2002; 109 (4): 590–593. 10.1542/peds.109.4.590
- https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/10807/Health-Alerts-Teething-jewelry-window-cords-and?autologincheck=redirected
- Cota ALS, Silva EAD, Freitas NBBS, Bisneto JSLI, Buriti GM, Valente JQLM, Nemezio MA. Use of the amber teething necklace by the child population: risks versus benefits. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2022 May 27;40:e2020412. doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2020412IN. PMID: 35648980; PMCID: PMC9150903.
- Lakhan SE, Sheafer H, Tepper D. The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Res Treat. 2016;2016:8158693. doi: 10.1155/2016/8158693. Epub 2016 Dec 14. PMID: 28070420; PMCID: PMC5192342.
- Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2010.377. PMID: 21132119; PMCID: PMC2995283.
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/are-essential-oils-safe-for-children
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/essential-oils-for-teething#oils-for-years-and-older
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/fda-warns-consumers-about-homeopathic-teething-products
- https://injury.research.chop.edu/blog/posts/babies-can-get-sick-alcohol#:~:text=Alcohol%20can%20affect%20an%20infant%27s,can%20occur%20in%20intoxicated%20infants.
- Abdulla CO, Ayubi A, Zulfiquer F, Santhanam G, Ahmed MA, Deeb J. Infant botulism following honey ingestion. BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Sep 7;2012:bcr1120115153. doi: 10.1136/bcr.11.2011.5153. PMID: 22962382; PMCID: PMC3448763.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/brushing-baby-teeth#resistance-to-brushing
- Alyson Sulaski Wyckoff; Fluoride toothpaste should be used when child’s first tooth erupts: AAP. AAP News September 2014; 35 (9): 18. 10.1542/aapnews.2014359-18
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/babies-and-bottles-in-bed
- https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=a-childs-first-dental-visit-fact-sheet-1-1509#:~:text=The%20first%20dental%20visit%20is,to%20check%20growth%20and%20development.
