Teething Symptoms in Babies: Natural Remedies to Soothe Discomfort

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Teething is a major milestone in your baby’s development, but it can also bring discomfort, irritability, and sleepless nights. Understanding teething symptoms in babies and knowing how to naturally soothe discomfort can help make this phase easier for both baby and parents.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common teething symptoms in babies, safe and effective natural remedies, and when to seek professional advice.

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What is Teething?

Teething is an exciting developmental milestone, but it can also be challenging for both babies and parents. This process occurs when baby teeth start pushing through the gums, causing mild to moderate discomfort.

When Does Teething Start?

• While teething typically begins around 4 to 7 months, some babies start as early as 3 months, while others may not show signs until closer to 12 months.
• By the time your baby turns 3 years old, they will have a full set of 20 primary teeth (AAP).

Order of Tooth Eruption:
Teething follows a general pattern, though every baby is different:

• Bottom central incisors (front teeth) – 4 to 7 months
• Top central incisors – 6 to 10 months
• Top lateral incisors (next to front teeth) – 9 to 13 months
• Bottom lateral incisors – 10 to 16 months
• First molars – 13 to 19 months
• Canines (pointed teeth) – 16 to 22 months
• Second molars – 25 to 33 months

📝 According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the timing of teething varies widely, but the sequence of tooth eruption is generally predictable.

While most babies teethe without major issues, some experience discomfort, excessive drooling, and disrupted sleep—which is why understanding teething symptoms in babies is essential for early relief.

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Common Signs & Symptoms of Teething

Every baby experiences teething differently – some breeze through it with minimal discomfort, while others become fussy, irritable, and restless. Recognizing teething symptoms in babies can help parents provide timely relief and understand what’s normal versus what may require a doctor’s attention.

1️⃣ Excessive Drooling

💦 One of the first and most noticeable signs of teething is increased saliva production. Babies may:

📝 According to the AAP, excessive drooling can start months before a tooth erupts, so it’s often one of the earliest teething signs.

2️⃣ Constant Chewing & Biting

🦷 Babies instinctively chew on anything within reach to relieve gum pressure. You may notice them:

• Gnawing on their hands, toys, crib rails, or even your fingers.
• Seeking harder textures to soothe irritation.
• Becoming more aggressive with bottle nipples or pacifiers.

💡 How to Help:

• Offer safe, BPA-free teething toys to satisfy the chewing urge.
• Give a chilled teething ring for cooling relief.
• Avoid letting them chew on hard or unsafe objects (e.g., wooden furniture, keys).

📝 The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends offering firm but safe teething objects to ease discomfort without damaging emerging teeth.

3️⃣ Swollen & Red Gums

💡 How to Help:

• Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
• Offer a cold, damp washcloth for them to chew on.
• If pain persists, use chilled (not frozen) teething rings.

4️⃣ Increased Fussiness & Irritability

😩 Some babies become more cranky and clingy during teething because of gum inflammation and discomfort.

• They may cry more frequently or seem harder to console.
• Babies who were once calm may suddenly become more demanding and restless.
• The discomfort often peaks at night, leading to more frequent wake-ups.

💡 How to Help:

• Provide extra cuddles and comfort to reassure them.
• Try gentle rocking or white noise to help them settle.
• Use safe teething remedies (explored in the next section).

📝 The Mayo Clinic notes that teething discomfort can last for several days per tooth, so patience and soothing techniques are key.

5️⃣ Sleep Disruptions

🌙 Teething discomfort can make falling asleep more difficult, leading to:

• More night wakings due to gum pain.
• Shorter naps or difficulty settling.
• Increased crying at bedtime, even in well-established sleepers.

💡 How to Help:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine for familiarity.
• Offer comfort objects (like a favorite blanket).
• If they wake up fussing, try gently massaging their gums to help them resettle.

📝 Related Read: Understanding and Managing Baby Sleep Regressions – Sleep disruptions are common during teething, but they can also signal a regression.

6️⃣ Changes in Appetite

🥣 Some babies:

• Refuse bottles or breastfeeds due to gum pain.
• Prefer cooler foods (if eating solids) to soothe inflammation.
• Want to nurse more often for comfort.

💡 How to Help:

• Offer cooler, softer foods (chilled banana, yogurt, cucumber).
• Be patient—appetite will return once the tooth emerges.

📝 According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), temporary changes in appetite during teething are normal, but prolonged refusal to eat may indicate another issue.

7️⃣ Mild Temperature Increase (Not a Fever!)

🌡 Some parents notice a slight rise in body temperature, but teething does NOT cause a high fever.
✔ Mild temperature elevation is normal (below 100.4°F / 38°C).
✔ A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) is NOT due to teething—seek medical attention if fever persists.

💡 How to Help:
✔ Dress baby lightly to prevent overheating.
✔ Keep them hydrated with breastmilk, formula, or water (if 6+ months old).

📝 The Cleveland Clinic states that while teething can cause mild discomfort and fussiness, a fever or severe illness is likely unrelated.

When to Call a Pediatrician

Most teething symptoms in babies are manageable at home, but you should contact a doctor if:

• Baby has a high fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher).
• Teething symptoms last longer than expected without improvement.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive drooling leads to dehydration.
• Baby is extremely fussy, not eating, or showing signs of infection.

📝 The Mayo Clinic recommends ruling out other illnesses if teething symptoms appear severe.

Key Takeaways from This Section:

• Teething symptoms in babies vary, but drooling, chewing, swollen gums, fussiness, and sleep disruptions are the most common.
• A slight temperature increase is normal, but high fever or illness is likely unrelated.
• Offering comfort, cold teething items, and extra cuddles can help ease discomfort.

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Natural Remedies to Soothe Teething Discomfort

While teething can be uncomfortable, many natural remedies can help relieve your baby’s discomfort without resorting to medication. The key is to soothe swollen gums, distract from pain, and provide safe chewing options.

Here are the best natural remedies to ease teething symptoms in babies.

1️⃣ Chilled Teething Rings or Washcloths 🧊

Cold therapy is one of the most effective ways to reduce teething inflammation and numb gum pain.

⚠ Safety Tip: Avoid freezing teething rings or washcloths, as extreme cold can cause gum damage.

📝 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends chilled—not frozen—teething objects for pain relief.

2️⃣ Gentle Gum Massage ✋

Massaging your baby’s gums can relieve pressure and reduce discomfort.

💡 How to Do It:

• Wash hands thoroughly.
• Gently rub your clean finger over the affected gums for 1-2 minutes.
• Repeat throughout the day, especially before naps or feedings.

This method naturally soothes teething pain by applying counterpressure to swollen gums.

📝 According to the Mayo Clinic, gentle gum massages can help babies settle and reduce fussiness.

3️⃣ Frozen Breast Milk Popsicles (“Milk-sicles”) 🍼❄

For breastfed babies, frozen breast milk popsicles provide both comfort and nutrition while numbing the gums.

💡 How to Make:

• Pour breast milk into a pacifier feeder or ice cube tray.
• Freeze until slightly firm.
• Let your baby suck on the frozen milk for a cooling effect.

🌿 Formula-Fed Baby Alternative: Freeze plain water or chamomile tea in a feeder for a similar effect.

📝 The AAP approves cold breast milk as a safe teething relief option.

4️⃣ Teething-Friendly Foods (For Babies Eating Solids) 🍌🥒

5️⃣ Herbal Teething Remedies (Use with Caution!) 🌿

Certain herbal remedies have been used for centuries to ease teething discomfort.

💡 Popular Natural Teething Aids:

• Chamomile Tea Rubs – Chamomile has natural calming properties. Dip a clean cloth in cooled chamomile tea and gently rub it on baby’s gums.
• Clove Oil Dilution – Clove has natural numbing effects, but must be heavily diluted with a carrier oil before use (consult a pediatrician first!).

⚠ Safety Note:

🚫 Avoid teething tablets with belladonna (a potentially toxic ingredient).
🚫 Consult a doctor before trying herbal remedies, as not all are scientifically backed for babies.

📝 The FDA warns against teething tablets containing unregulated herbal ingredients.

6️⃣ Distraction & Extra Cuddles 🤗

Sometimes, extra comfort and attention work just as well as any teething remedy.

💡 Best Ways to Distract a Teething Baby:

• Offer a favorite toy or engage in gentle play.
• Rock or cuddle your baby more than usual.
• Use soothing white noise or soft lullabies to help calm fussiness.

📝 The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends skin-to-skin contact as a natural method to comfort teething infants.

What NOT to Use for Teething Relief 🚫

• Benzocaine Teething Gels – Unsafe for babies due to risk of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition (FDA warning).
• Amber Teething Necklaces – No proven benefits; choking & strangulation risk (AAP statement).
• Rubbing Alcohol or Aspirin on Gums – Highly dangerous for infants.
• Frozen Solid Objects – Too hard and can damage sensitive gum tissue.

Key Takeaways from This Section:

• Cold therapy (teething rings, chilled foods, frozen breast milk) is highly effective.
• Gentle gum massages provide natural relief.
• Distraction, extra cuddles, and safe chewing options help ease discomfort.
• Avoid unsafe remedies like benzocaine gels, amber necklaces, and frozen hard objects.

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When to Call a Pediatrician

Teething can be uncomfortable but manageable with natural remedies. However, parents should be aware that not all symptoms are caused by teething—some signs may indicate an underlying illness that requires medical attention.

Here’s when you should consult a pediatrician about your baby’s teething symptoms.

1️⃣ High Fever (Above 100.4°F / 38°C) 🌡

🚨 Teething does NOT cause high fever.

• A mild temperature rise is common due to gum inflammation, but if your baby’s fever is above 100.4°F (38°C), it is likely due to an infection, cold, or virus.
• If fever lasts more than 24 hours, seek medical advice.

✔ What to Do:

• Monitor temperature regularly with a thermometer.
• Keep baby hydrated (breastmilk, formula, or water for 6+ months).
• Dress lightly to prevent overheating.

📝 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirms that teething does NOT cause high fevers—parents should look for other causes like infections.

2️⃣ Persistent Diarrhea or Vomiting 💩🤢

🚨 Teething should not cause diarrhea or vomiting.

• While excessive drooling can loosen stools, persistent diarrhea is not a typical teething symptom.
• Vomiting may indicate a stomach virus, food intolerance, or another illness.

✔ What to Do:

• Watch for signs of dehydration (sunken fontanelle, dry lips, fewer wet diapers).
• If diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours or is accompanied by fever, call your pediatrician.

📝 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that diarrhea lasting longer than 48 hours may indicate an infection requiring medical attention.

3️⃣ Severe Rash or Facial Irritation

🚨 Mild drool rash is normal, but severe skin irritation is not.

• Excessive drooling can cause red, chapped skin, but if the rash becomes inflamed, blistered, or infected, it may need medical treatment.
• If a rash spreads beyond the mouth and chin (to the torso, back, or limbs), it could be an allergic reaction or another condition.

✔ What to Do:

• Keep skin dry and apply a baby-safe moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
• Call a doctor if the rash worsens, spreads, or looks infected.

📝 According to the Cleveland Clinic, severe teething rashes may require prescription creams or additional treatment.

4️⃣ Extreme Irritability & Sleep Disturbances

🚨 Prolonged fussiness could indicate more than just teething.

• While some irritability is expected, a constantly crying, inconsolable baby may have an ear infection, digestive discomfort, or another issue.
• If sleep disruptions last beyond a few days, it may not be teething alone.

✔ What to Do:

• Check for other symptoms (ear tugging, congestion, fever).
• Try soothing techniques, but if fussiness continues, call a doctor.

📝 The Mayo Clinic states that prolonged irritability should be evaluated to rule out other health concerns.

5️⃣ Refusal to Eat or Drink 🚫🥣

🚨 Temporary appetite changes are normal, but complete refusal to eat is not.

• Babies may reject solids or bottles due to gum pain, but they should still be drinking some breastmilk or formula.
• If your baby refuses fluids for more than 6-8 hours, dehydration may be a concern.

✔ What to Do:

• Offer cool, soft foods (chilled yogurt, banana, avocado).
• Try a different bottle nipple or breastfeeding position for comfort.
• If baby refuses all food and fluids for an extended period, seek medical help.

📝 The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes hydration as critical during early childhood, especially during teething discomfort.

6️⃣ Bleeding Gums or Pus

🚨 Mild gum irritation is normal, but bleeding and pus are not.

• Slight redness or a tiny bit of blood when a tooth erupts is common, but:
  ✔ If bleeding is excessive or continuous, call a doctor.
  ✔ If pus or foul odor develops, this could indicate an infection.

✔ What to Do:

• Avoid hard teething toys that could cause injury.
• Consult a pediatrician if the gums appear infected.

📝 The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends monitoring gums for infection and seeking professional help if there’s excessive bleeding or pus.

When Teething Symptoms May Signal Something Else

🚨 Call a doctor if your baby has any of the following symptoms, as they are NOT caused by teething:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) – Indicates infection, flu, or illness.
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting – Could be a stomach virus or food intolerance.
• Skin rash spreading beyond the face – May indicate allergies or another condition.
• Nonstop crying or extreme lethargy – Possible ear infection, UTI, or other medical issue.
• Signs of dehydration – Dry mouth, sunken eyes, fewer wet diapers.

Key Takeaways from This Section:

• Mild discomfort, drooling, and fussiness are normal teething signs.
• High fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe rash are NOT related to teething—seek medical attention.
• Persistent loss of appetite, bleeding gums, or dehydration require professional evaluation.
• When in doubt, trust your instincts and call your pediatrician.

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Final Thoughts

Recognizing Teething Symptoms:

• Drooling, gum swelling, irritability, sleep disturbances, and increased chewing are common signs.
• Teething does not cause high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea—seek medical attention if these occur.

Natural Remedies That Work:

• Cold therapy (chilled teething rings, frozen breast milk) is one of the most effective ways to reduce gum pain.
• Gentle gum massage and safe chewing options provide relief.
• Soft, chilled foods (bananas, cucumbers, yogurt) help soothe irritated gums.
• Extra cuddles and distractions can comfort an irritable teething baby.

When to Call a Pediatrician:

• If your baby has a high fever (above 100.4°F / 38°C), severe diarrhea, excessive crying, or dehydration.
• If there are signs of infection, such as bleeding gums, pus, or a spreading rash.

While teething can be difficult, it’s also an exciting sign of your baby’s growth! With safe remedies and plenty of love, you can help your little one through this phase with minimal discomfort.

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Further Reading & Related Articles

📌 Understanding and Managing Baby Sleep Regressions – Sleep disruptions are common during teething—this guide can help!
📌 How to Establish a Gentle Bedtime Routine for Newborns – A bedtime routine can help ease teething-related sleep troubles.
📌 Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional Weaning – Teething babies may have changes in their eating habits; here’s what to expect.

For expert-backed guidance, visit the AAP’s official teething recommendations.

💬 Has your baby started teething? What worked best for soothing their discomfort? Share your experience in the comments below!

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