Baby Teething Symptoms and Relief: What Works

By Dr. Sarah Mitchell · Updated 2026-06-30 · 8 min read · Child Health

Spot the real signs of teething and find proven baby teething relief — from chilled teethers to safe gum massage and what to skip.

Key Takeaways

Drooling, chewing, gum swelling, and mild fussiness are real teething signs
High fever, diarrhea, or vomiting are NOT caused by teething
Chilled (not frozen) teethers and gum massage are the safest relief
Avoid amber necklaces, teething tablets, and benzocaine gels
Start brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears

Few baby milestones cause as much worry — or as much misinformation — as teething. Between roughly 4 and 24 months, most babies cut all 20 primary teeth, often with weeks of fussiness in between. This guide covers the real symptoms, the most effective baby teething relief strategies, and the popular products you should avoid.

!Baby chewing on a silicone teether

Real Teething Symptoms

Decades of research (and a 2016 Pediatrics meta-analysis) confirm these are the genuine signs:

Increased drooling — often the earliest sign
Chewing and biting everything in reach
Mild irritability and disrupted sleep
Red, swollen gums, sometimes with a visible tooth bud
Slight rise in temperature (under 100.4°F)
Mild cheek rash from drool

Symptoms NOT Caused by Teething

High fever (≥100.4°F), diarrhea, vomiting, congestion, and persistent rashes are not caused by teething. If you see these, look for another cause and call your pediatrician — assuming "it's just teething" can delay diagnosis of ear infections, viruses, or UTIs.

When Teeth Typically Come In

| Age | Teeth | |---|---| | 4-7 months | Lower central incisors | | 8-12 months | Upper central incisors | | 9-16 months | Lateral incisors | | 13-19 months | First molars | | 16-23 months | Canines | | 23-33 months | Second molars |

Don't worry if your baby is on a different schedule — first teeth can erupt anywhere from 3 to 14 months.

Baby Teething Relief That Actually Works

Cold Pressure

The most reliable form of baby teething relief is gentle, cool counter-pressure on the gums:

Chilled (not frozen) teethers made of solid silicone or BPA-free rubber
A clean, damp washcloth twisted and chilled in the fridge for 15 minutes
A spoon chilled in the fridge for older babies who can hold it safely

Gum Massage

Wash your hands and gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger for 1-2 minutes. The pressure provides instant relief.

Offer Cool, Soft Foods

If your baby is already eating solids, chilled applesauce, plain yogurt, or a mesh feeder with frozen banana can soothe sore gums.

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (Sparingly)

For severe nights, pediatricians may approve weight-based doses of acetaminophen (over 2 months) or ibuprofen (over 6 months). Never give unless cleared by your doctor and never on a schedule for days.

Distraction and Extra Cuddles

Teething babies often want more comfort. Skin-to-skin, babywearing, and extra rocking are legitimate, evidence-friendly forms of baby teething relief.

What to Avoid

Amber teething necklaces — choking and strangulation hazard, no proven benefit
Frozen teethers — can damage gums
Teething tablets with belladonna — recalled by the FDA after seizures and deaths
Topical benzocaine gels (Orajel, Anbesol) — FDA warns against use under 2 years (methemoglobinemia risk)
Whole carrots, frozen waffles, or hard foods for young babies — choking risk

Caring for New Teeth

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears:

Use a soft infant toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste
Brush twice daily, especially before bed
Schedule the first dental visit by age 1, per AAPD guidelines
Never put baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice (bottle rot)

When to Call the Doctor

Call if your baby has fever above 100.4°F, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, refuses to drink, or shows signs of a tooth abscess (swelling, pus, severe pain). Otherwise, ride out each tooth with chilled teethers, gum massage, and patience — most teething symptoms resolve within a few days as the tooth breaks through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best baby teething relief?

Chilled solid silicone teethers, a chilled wet washcloth, and gentle gum massage with a clean finger are the safest and most effective options.

Does teething cause fever?

Teething can cause a slight rise in temperature (under 100.4°F), but true fever is not caused by teething — call your pediatrician to rule out illness.

Are amber teething necklaces safe?

No. The FDA and AAP warn against them due to choking and strangulation risk, with no proven benefit.