A Simple Guide to Teething for Parents

Teething is a natural part of your baby’s development, but it rarely feels straightforward when your baby is going through the stage. Many parents notice changes like constant drooling, chewing on everything, disrupted sleep, or sudden clinginess, often without being sure what is normal.

Some babies seem to sail through teething, while others appear unsettled for weeks. Hearing other parents’ experiences can sometimes make it feel even more confusing, especially when timelines and symptoms vary so much.

Understanding what is happening in your baby’s mouth, and how this links to their behaviour, can make this stage feel more manageable. This guide brings together clinical guidance and real-world experience to help you support your baby with confidence.

 

In this article

• What is teething
• Understanding the teething timeline
• Recognising normal teething symptoms
  
• Teething and behaviour
• Providing relief during teething
• Feeding during teething

 

What is teething?

Teething is the process of your baby’s teeth developing beneath the gums and gradually breaking through to the surface. This usually begins in the first year of life and continues into toddlerhood as more teeth appear.

Before a tooth becomes visible, it moves through the gum tissue. This can create pressure and sensitivity, which is why babies often chew more or seem unsettled during this stage.

Some parents expect to see a tooth quickly once symptoms begin, but the process can take time. A baby may show signs of teething for days or even weeks before a tooth actually appears.

Teething is a normal part of development, and while it can be uncomfortable, it is not an illness. Understanding this helps separate typical teething behaviour from signs that may need medical attention.

 

Understanding the teething timeline

Teething usually begins around 6 months, although many parents report signs earlier, sometimes as early as 3 to 4 months. In many of these cases, babies are exploring their mouths more rather than actively cutting teeth (NHS).

The first teeth to appear are typically the bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth. From there, teeth emerge gradually over the next two years, with most children having a full set of 20 baby teeth by around age three (NHS; Johns Hopkins Medicine).

In practice, the order and timing are not always exact. Some parents notice top teeth appearing first, while others see several teeth come through close together. These variations are common and usually not a cause for concern.

What matters most is that teeth continue to appear over time and your baby is otherwise well.

You can download and print our bespoke teething chart here to track your baby's teething journey.

(image from Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust)

Recognising normal teething symptoms

Teething can look different from one baby to another. Some babies show very few signs, while others become noticeably unsettled.

Common symptoms include:

• Increased drooling
• Sore or sensitive gums
• Chewing or gnawing on objects
• Fussiness or clinginess
• Mild sleep disruption
• Changes in feeding patterns

Many parents notice their baby chewing on fingers, toys, or anything within reach. This is a natural response, as pressure on the gums can help relieve discomfort.

It is also common to hear parents link teething with symptoms like fever or diarrhoea. Clinical guidance does not support this. While babies may seem slightly warmer or unsettled, a high fever, vomiting, or persistent diarrhoea is unlikely to be caused by teething and should be treated separately (NHS; Mayo Clinic).

When to seek professional advice

Teething symptoms are usually mild, but it is important to recognise when something else may be going on.

Some symptoms that parents associate with teething can also be linked to other conditions. For example, ear pulling may be related to teething discomfort, but it can also be a sign of an ear infection.

You should seek medical advice if your baby has:

• A high temperature above 38°C
• Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
• Unusual swelling, discharge, or signs of infection
• Symptoms that feel severe or out of character

If you are unsure, it is always appropriate to speak to a GP, health visitor, or dentist.

 

Teething and behaviour

Teething often affects behaviour as much as it affects the gums.

Many parents describe their baby as suddenly more clingy, more wakeful at night, or harder to settle. Others notice increased frustration, especially during feeding or when trying to sleep.

At the same time, babies tend to chew more. This can include toys, fingers, and sometimes even parents’ hands. While it may feel like a new habit, it is a natural way for babies to manage pressure in their gums.

Some parents find that chewing seems to calm their baby, even if only temporarily. This reflects both comfort and development, as chewing also helps babies learn how to use their mouth more effectively.

These changes can come and go in phases, often settling once a tooth has come through.

Providing relief during teething

There are a range of ways parents try to soothe teething discomfort. Some approaches are widely recommended, while others are more anecdotal.

The NHS recommends simple, safe methods:

• Offering a teething ring or something safe to chew
• Chilling teething items in the fridge
• Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger
• Keeping routines consistent and reassuring

Many parents also share that certain approaches seem to work for their baby, such as offering a cold spoon or letting their baby chew on a firm food. These can sometimes help, but it is important to ensure anything given is safe and age-appropriate.

Some remedies are commonly discussed but not recommended. For example, teething gels are widely used, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and some are not suitable for young babies (NHS). Amber teething necklaces are also often mentioned by parents, but they are not advised due to safety risks.

If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, a pharmacist or GP can advise on appropriate pain relief.

Feeding during teething

Teething can temporarily affect how your baby eats.

Some parents notice their baby refusing food or preferring softer textures when their gums feel sore. Others find their baby wants to chew more, even if they are not eating much. Both patterns are common.

Continuing to offer regular meals helps maintain routine and nutrition. At the same time, allowing your baby to explore chewing can support comfort and oral development.

It is not unusual for intake to vary during teething. Appetite usually returns once discomfort settles.

 

References

NHS - Baby teething symptoms
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/

NHS - Tips for helping your teething baby
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/tips-for-helping-your-teething-baby/

Johns Hopkins Medicine - Teething
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/teething

Mayo Clinic - Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/teething/art-20046378

MedlinePlus - Teething
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002045.htm

Macknin, M. et al. (2000)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10742315/