If your baby has suddenly started drooling more, gnawing on everything in sight, or waking through the night fussier than usual, teething symptoms are often the reason. Every baby moves through this stage a little differently, and while it can be an unsettling few weeks for both of you, most of these signs are mild and manageable at home. In this guide, we’ll walk through the physical and behavioural signs to look out for, plus safe, reassuring ways to bring your little one some relief, and how to tell when something might point to more than just a new tooth coming through.
When Do Teething Symptoms Start, and How Long Do They Last?
When do babies start teething? According to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, an Australian Government health service, milk teeth generally start coming through from around six months of age, though some babies show teething signs earlier and others later, and that’s completely normal. True newborn teething, where a tooth is already visible at birth, is uncommon. By the time your child turns two to three, they’ll usually have a full set of twenty milk teeth, including the molar teeth at the back of the mouth.
How long does teething last? For each individual tooth, most babies show signs and symptoms of teething for just a few days before and after it breaks through the gum. The overall process, from that first tooth to the last molar, unfolds over a couple of years, so baby teething tends to come in waves rather than all at once. Every infant experiences teething a little differently, some sail through with barely a grumble, while others find each new tooth harder going, and neither is cause for concern.
Common Physical Symptoms of Teething
Every baby experiences teething a little differently, but there are some physical signs that tend to show up again and again. Common symptoms include:
- Increased drooling, more than usual for your baby’s age
- Swollen, red or tender gums, sometimes with a visible bump where the tooth is about to break through
- A mild, low-grade rise in temperature, sometimes called a teething temperature, though teething on its own does not cause a high fever
- Chewing, gnawing or gumming on anything within reach for relief
These signs often show up a few days before a tooth actually appears and tend to ease off once it’s broken through the gum. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, an Australian Government health service, confirms teething on its own isn’t usually associated with illness.
Behavioural Signs of Teething
Teething doesn’t only affect the mouth. Some of the clearest signs of teething show up in mood and routine too. You might notice:
- Increased irritability, fussiness or clinginess, especially in the lead up to a new tooth
- Disrupted sleep, with more night waking or trouble settling than usual
- Some babies going off feeds for a day or two, since sucking can put pressure on sore gums
These changes are usually temporary and tend to settle once the tooth comes through. If irritability or sleep disruption feels prolonged, or your baby seems unwell rather than just uncomfortable, check in with your GP or maternal child health nurse to rule out anything else going on. For more everyday guidance, our baby health and safety hub covers other common concerns new parents ask about.
Safe Ways to Ease Teething Discomfort at Home
There are plenty of gentle, low-risk ways to help ease teething discomfort at home. Try:
- Offering a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or damp washcloth to gently massage sore gums
- Gently rubbing a clean finger along your baby’s gums for light counter pressure
- Extra cuddles and comfort during flare-ups, since teething can be unsettling as much as uncomfortable
- Cold, soft foods for babies already on solids, if age appropriate
If you’d like some tried-and-tested options, our guide to the best teething toys rounds up safe, age-appropriate picks for every stage of baby teething. If you’re considering pain relief such as teething gels or infant paracetamol, speak with your pharmacist, GP or maternal child health nurse first to check what’s suitable and safe for your baby’s age and weight.
Common Questions
Why Do Babies Chew on Fingers and Toys During Teething?
Chewing and gnawing puts gentle counter pressure on sore, swollen gums, which many babies find comforting as a tooth pushes through. You’ll often see bub reach for fingers, toys, dummies or anything nearby during this stage. Offering safe, clean teething toys gives them somewhere appropriate to direct that urge.
Can Excess Drooling During Teething Cause a Rash?
Yes. Extra saliva can sit on your baby’s chin, cheeks and neck and irritate the skin, sometimes causing a mild rash or chapped patches. Gently patting the area dry with a soft cloth and applying a fragrance-free barrier balm can help protect the skin. Dribbling is listed as one of the common signs of teething by Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, an Australian Government health service, but if the rash looks infected, spreads, or doesn’t settle, it’s worth a check with your GP.
Is Diarrhoea a Typical Symptom of Teething?
This is a common belief among parents, but it’s not something teething medically causes. Extra saliva can be swallowed and occasionally loosen a baby’s stool slightly, but true diarrhoea on its own shouldn’t be put down to teething. According to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, an Australian Government health service, teething on its own is not usually associated with illness. If your baby has diarrhoea, it’s best to check with your GP or maternal child health nurse, since it’s more likely linked to something else, like a virus or a feeding change.
Can Teething Pain Cause Ear Pulling or Cheek Rubbing?
Yes, some babies pull at their ears or rub their cheek and jaw when a back molar tooth is coming through. This is often explained by the nerve pathways in that area overlapping, so pain from the gum can be felt around the ear and jaw too. It’s a normal teething sign in many babies, but ear pulling can also point to an ear infection. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, an Australian Government health service, notes teething alone shouldn’t make your baby seem unwell, so if it’s paired with a fever, seems painful rather than fussy, or your baby seems unwell, get it checked by your GP.
Are High Fevers, Vomiting or Severe Illness Typical During Teething?
No. According to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, an Australian Government health service, teething on its own does not cause a high fever, vomiting or serious illness, at most a mild rise in temperature. If your baby has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more, is vomiting, or seems seriously unwell, this points to something other than teething and needs medical attention rather than home teething remedies. Trust your instincts and speak with your GP or paediatrician if you’re worried.
What Should You Do If Your Baby Has a High Fever, Vomiting or Severe Illness During Teething?
Don’t put it down to teething. Contact your GP, paediatrician, or a maternal child health line the same day, and seek urgent care if your baby seems very unwell, is difficult to wake, or the fever is very high. It’s always safer to have a professional assess what’s going on rather than wait it out.
How Long Before a Tooth Appears After Symptoms Start?
Most babies show teething signs for a few days to about a week before a tooth actually breaks through the gum, though this varies widely from baby to baby. Some show barely any signs at all until the tooth is visible, while others seem unsettled for longer. If it’s been several weeks with no tooth in sight, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong, teething timelines are simply different for every baby, and a check with your maternal child health nurse can always offer peace of mind.
Are Teething Signs Worse at Night?
Many parents notice teething discomfort seems worse at night, though it’s more likely that daytime activities and distractions simply mask the discomfort rather than teething genuinely worsening after dark. With fewer distractions and more time lying still, sore gums and disrupted sleep can feel more noticeable to both baby and parent. The same safe relief options that help during the day, like a chilled teething ring or some extra cuddles, can help settle your baby overnight too.
Conclusion
Teething symptoms can be an exhausting stretch for the whole family, but in most cases they’re a normal, temporary part of your baby’s development rather than something to worry about. Keep an eye on the physical and behavioural signs covered above, lean on safe relief options like a chilled teething ring or a bit of extra cuddling, and trust your instincts if something feels off. If your baby’s symptoms seem unusually severe, or you’re simply after some reassurance, your GP or maternal child health nurse is always the best first call. And if you have any questions about products or content on our site, our team is always happy to help, just get in touch with us any time.
