Learn to spot teething signs in infants and safe, doctor-approved remedies for teething pain. Expert-reviewed guide from Apollo Pharmacy.
Dr.Bhanu Prakash
Every new parent hits that moment: the baby is crying, drooling through three bibs, and gnawing on anything within reach. Teething for infants is one of the earliest parenting challenges, and knowing what to expect makes it far less stressful. This guide covers the typical timeline, which symptoms are genuinely linked to teething, and which remedies are safe to use at home.
Teething is the process by which a baby's first set of teeth (called primary or milk teeth) push through the gums. Most babies begin teething between about 4 and 7 months, although the timing varies considerably. Some babies may show teething discomfort before a tooth appears, while others may not have a first tooth until closer to 12 months.
Typical order of tooth eruption:
Most children have all 20 primary teeth by about 3 years of age. If you're also adjusting to newborn care alongside an older toddler who is teething, our newborn care essentials guide covers the basics in one place.
Teething signs in babies can vary quite a bit from one child to the next. Some babies sail through with minimal fuss; others are clearly miserable for days before a tooth breaks through. How long does teething last for a single tooth is usually a few days of peak discomfort, though the full process of all 20 teeth can stretch across two or more years.
Symptoms genuinely linked to teething:
A common concern is whether teething causes fever or diarrhea. Current pediatric guidance does not confirm a direct link.Teething may be associated with a slight rise in temperature, but a true fever should not automatically be attributed to teething. A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, particularly in a young infant, should be assessed according to the child's age and other symptoms. Loose stools are similarly not a confirmed baby teething symptom. If your baby has significant diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash alongside fussiness, see a doctor rather than attributing it to teething.
Teething remedies for infants work best when they address the gum pressure and inflammation that come with a tooth pushing through.
A chilled (not frozen) silicone or rubber teether is one of the simplest teething pain relief options for infants. The cold reduces inflammation and the pressure gives the gum something to push against. Chill the teether in the refrigerator, not the freezer. Frozen-solid teethers can damage delicate gum tissue. Do not freeze teething rings solid or give your baby ice directly to chew. Very hard or frozen objects can injure the gums.
Wash your hands thoroughly, then use a clean finger to gently rub the sore gum area for a couple of minutes. The counter-pressure often settles a fussy baby quickly. A clean, dampened gauze pad works equally well.
If your baby is already eating solids,If your baby is already eating complementary foods, appropriately prepared cool foods may provide temporary relief. Choose textures that are safe for your baby's developmental stage and supervise closely to reduce choking risk. Always supervise closely to avoid choking.
If teething discomfort is causing significant distress, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist whether an age- and weight-appropriate dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen) is appropriate. Ibuprofen may be an option for babies aged 6 months and older, but it should not be used in younger infants unless specifically advised by a doctor. Always dose medicines according to the child's weight and the product instructions.Always use the correct dose for your baby's weight, follow the package instructions carefully, and consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication. Do not give both paracetamol and ibuprofen together without medical advice.
If you notice any unexpected reaction after giving a teething remedy, report adverse events to your healthcare provider or to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) via your doctor.
Not everything marketed for teething is safe. Some popular products carry real risks.
Do not use benzocaine-containing gels or other topical numbing medicines to treat teething pain in infants. Benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. The FDA advises against using benzocaine products for teething in children younger than 2 years, and the AAP recommends safer alternatives such as gum massage and a firm teething ring.
Do not use topical lidocaine products to treat teething pain unless specifically prescribed for another medical indication. Topical lidocaine can cause serious adverse effects in infants and young children and is not recommended as a routine teething treatment.
Amber teething necklaces have not been shown to relieve teething pain and can pose choking and strangulation risks. Do not place necklaces, cords, or similar teething jewellery around an infant's neck.
Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional. Aspirin use during certain viral illnesses has been associated with Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Homeopathic teething tablets and gels are not recommended because they have not been shown to provide meaningful benefit and some products have raised safety concerns. Avoid products containing potentially harmful ingredients such as belladonna.
Most teething discomfort is manageable at home, but certain situations call for a medical review.
Do not give ibuprofen to babies younger than 6 months unless specifically advised by a doctor. Before giving ibuprofen, seek medical advice if your child has kidney disease, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, a bleeding disorder, dehydration, or a previous allergic reaction to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Also check with a healthcare professional before using it with other medicines.
Paracetamol should be given only at the recommended dose for the child's age and weight. Check other medicines carefully to make sure they do not also contain paracetamol, and seek medical advice before use in a child with significant liver disease. Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency.
Red flags that need a doctor's attention:
In these situations, teething is unlikely to be the sole explanation. A healthcare provider can rule out infections or other causes.
Teething is a normal part of infancy, but the timing and level of discomfort can vary from baby to baby. Drooling, tender gums, chewing, and increased fussiness are common, while high fever, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, widespread rash, or significant lethargy should not simply be attributed to teething. Gentle gum massage and chilled—not frozen—teething rings can provide relief, while medicines such as paracetamol or age-appropriate ibuprofen should be used only at the correct dose and with appropriate guidance. Avoid benzocaine or lidocaine teething products, amber necklaces, aspirin, and potentially unsafe homeopathic remedies. If your baby is very unwell, has a fever at a young age, is feeding poorly, or has persistent symptoms, consult a pediatrician to rule out another cause.
Teething discomfort, when it occurs, is usually mild and short-lived. A baby may be fussier for a few days around the time a tooth erupts, but persistent or severe symptoms should not automatically be attributed to teething.
Yes, temporarily. Sore, swollen gums can make feeding uncomfortable, so some babies nurse less or refuse solids for a day or two. If appetite loss lasts more than two to three days or your baby seems unwell, speak to your doctor.
Infant paracetamol is generally considered safe when given at the correct dose for your baby's weight and age, and only when pain is genuinely causing distress. Always follow the package instructions and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about the right dose.
Teething biscuits may provide chewing pressure, but they can also become soft or break into pieces that pose a choking risk, and many contain added sugar. Safer options include a firm teething ring or gentle gum massage. If you offer any food for teething relief, choose an age-appropriate texture and supervise your baby closely.
Teething typically produces localised gum swelling, drooling, and fussiness without a high fever, rash, or vomiting. If your baby has a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, a rash, persistent diarrhea, or seems unusually unwell, consult a doctor to rule out an infection or other cause.
