Skip to content

Teething: Signs, Symptoms and Remedies

  • How do you help your baby through the teething process, and what can you do? It’s an essential part of growth, but it can be a little distressing for your little one.
  • Here’s a guide to help you care for your baby during this phase of growth.

What is teething?

Teething happens at around 6-10 months old, when your baby’s little tooth buds start pushing through, leaving their gums red, sore, and painful.

Babies experience the process in different ways. The best way to prepare for your child’s teething is to know the signs when you see them.

Signs and symptoms of teething

You won’t always see your baby’s tooth appearing, maybe you’ll just feel a bump in the gum. Sometimes teeth may emerge with no discomfort – but this is not always the case. If your baby’s teething, you may notice:

  • One flushed cheek
  • Sensitive and red gums
  • Excessive dribbling
  • Baby is chewing whatever they can find
  • More crying than usual
  • Ear rubbing
  • Waking up at night distressed
  • Refusing food.

The teething process:

Most children will have all their milk teeth at around 2-and-a-half years. Every baby is different, but here’s how it usually happens:

  • months 5-7: bottom front teeth (incisors)
  • months 6-8: top front teeth (incisors)
  • months 9-11: either side of the top front teeth (lateral incisors)
  • months 10-12: either side of bottom front teeth (lateral incisors)
  • months 12-16: back teeth (first molars)
  • months 16-20: back of the mouth (canines)
  • months 20-30: second molars.

How to treat teething?

All babies are unique and you’ll learn what’s best for comforting your baby. Meanwhile, the following measures are recommended:

Teething rings

If your baby feels the need to chew something, a teething ring might be a good option. It can ease discomfort and distract from any pain. Follow the instructions that come with your teething ring of choice closely.

Cleaning baby’s face

If your baby is dribbling more than usual, be sure to gently wipe away the dribble to help prevent a rash.

Comforting your baby

Extra cuddles and hugs help to comfort your baby. You can also try gently massaging your baby’s gums with your finger.

Why Ibuprofen can help

Ibuprofen can be given to young children aged 3 months and older weighing 5kg plus. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve fever, aches and pains associated with teething.

Why Nurofen For Children can help

Nurofen for Children 3 Months to 9 Years - Strawberry contains ibuprofen. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce painful swelling. This oral suspension provides up to 8 hours fever relief, and gets to work in 15 minutes. It’s also available in either strawberry or orange, and is free from artificial flavours and colours.

If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your GP or a Pharmacist.

Need more advice?