Drooling, chewing on everything and crying more than usual are familiar signs of teething. Parents should know what is normal and when to take the baby to be checked.
- The first baby tooth usually appears at around 6 months, a little earlier or later in some babies.
- Drooling, chewing, red swollen gums and fussiness are common signs of teething.
- A high fever, heavy diarrhoea, repeated vomiting or drowsiness should not be put down to teething and needs a paediatrician.
- Start cleaning from the first tooth and book a first dental visit by about one year of age.
The first baby tooth usually appears at around 6 months, a little earlier or later in some babies. It is a happy milestone, but also a period when many parents see their child uncomfortable and worry.
Common signs of teething
Every baby is different, but common signs include:
- Heavy drooling, sometimes with a mild rash around the mouth and chin.
- Chewing on hands, toys and the cot rail.
- Red, swollen gums where a tooth is about to come through.
- Fussiness, poor sleep, and feeding less than usual.
Some babies feel slightly warm. However, a high fever, heavy diarrhoea, repeated vomiting or a very drowsy baby should not be put down to teething and needs a paediatrician to look for another cause.
What can parents do to help?
Simple, safe ways that are often used:
- Let the baby chew on a clean teething ring, which can be cooled in the fridge (not frozen hard).
- Gently rub the gums with a clean, damp, cool piece of gauze.
- Wipe away drool often to prevent a rash around the mouth.
- Offer extra comfort and cuddles because the baby is uncomfortable.
Please do not put gels or medicines on the baby's gums without asking a doctor, and do not let the baby wear necklaces or small items that could end up in the mouth.
Caring for teeth from the very first one
Once a tooth is through, start cleaning: wipe the gums and tooth with damp gauze or a soft cleaning tool made for infants after feeds, especially in the evening. Avoid letting the baby fall asleep with a bottle, a common cause of early decay. You can read more in night-time bottle feeding and tooth decay in children.
When should the baby have a first dental visit?
A first visit is advised when the first tooth appears, or by about one year of age at the latest, so the dentist can check and show you how to care for the teeth. See when to take a child for a first dental visit. You can visit in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does teething cause a fever?
Some babies feel slightly warm while teething, but a high fever, heavy diarrhoea or repeated vomiting should not be blamed on teething. See a paediatrician in that case.
How long does teething fussiness last?
It differs between babies; it is often worst for a few days around when the tooth breaks through, then eases. If it lasts long or comes with unusual signs, get the baby checked.
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears, wipe the gums and tooth with damp gauze or a soft tool after feeds, especially at night.