Overview

Teething is the normal process in which your baby's first set of teeth break through the gums (erupt). Teething may begin around 6 months of age, but each child is different. Teeth often come in first in the front of the mouth. Lower teeth usually erupt 1 to 2 months earlier than their matching upper teeth.

Your child may be irritable and uncomfortable when teething. Your child may bite on fingers or toys to help relieve the pressure in the gums. Children sometimes drool more during this time. The drool may cause a rash on your child's chin, face, or chest.

Teething may cause a mild increase in your child's temperature. But if their temperature is above 38°C (100.4°F), look for symptoms that may be related to an infection or illness.

Try rubbing the gums and giving your child safe objects to chew on to help ease the pain.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain or fussiness. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Gently rub your child's gum where the tooth is erupting for about 2 minutes at a time. Make sure your finger is clean, or use a clean teething ring.
• Do not use teething gels. Some teething gels contain the medicine benzocaine, which can harm your child. Talk to your child's doctor about other teething remedies.
• Give your child safe objects to chew on, such as teething rings. Do not use fluid-filled teethers.
• If your child is eating solids, try offering cold foods and fluids, which help to ease gum pain. You can also dip a clean face cloth in water, freeze it (but let it soften a little), and let your child chew on it.