When teething usually starts
The NHS says most babies get their first teeth at around 6 months. That is an average, not a deadline. Some babies start earlier, some later, and the order and speed teeth arrive in vary from child to child. A baby who has no teeth at 6 months is not behind.
Teething can also come and go. A few unsettled days may be followed by a calm stretch before the next tooth starts to move.
Common teething signs
According to the NHS, signs your baby may be teething include:
- Sore, red gums where a tooth is coming through.
- A flushed cheek.
- Dribbling more than usual.
- Chewing on things — hands, toys, anything within reach.
- Being more fretful than usual.
- Not sleeping well.
Not every baby shows all of these, and some babies seem to cut teeth with very little fuss. Many of these signs — fretfulness, poor sleep — also have other causes, so it is worth keeping teething in mind without assuming it explains everything.
Teething and temperature
This is the most important point on this page. The NHS says a teething baby’s temperature may be slightly raised, but it should be below 38°C.
If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or more, diarrhoea or other signs of illness, do not put it down to teething. Teething should not cause these. Contact a GP or NHS 111 in the UK, or your local medical service. A baby under 3 months old with a temperature of 38°C or more needs urgent advice. Our answer on fever in babies explains when to get help.
Ways to soothe sore gums
The NHS suggests several ways to help a teething baby:
- Give your baby a teething ring to chew. Some can be cooled in the fridge first — but never put a teething ring in the freezer.
- Gently rub their gums with a clean finger.
- From around 6 months, offer healthy things to chew on, such as pieces of soft fruit or vegetables. Always stay with your baby while they eat.
- Wipe away dribble gently to help prevent a rash on their face.
A cuddle and some distraction — a walk, a new toy, a change of room — can also help on harder days.
Teething gels and medicines
The NHS notes that there is little evidence that teething gels work. Ask a pharmacist before using any teething gel or medicine for your baby. A pharmacist can tell you what, if anything, is suitable for your baby’s age.
This page does not recommend specific products or doses, and Zaripo does not either.
Caring for first teeth
Tooth care starts as soon as the first tooth appears. The NHS advises:
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth comes through, using a baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Take your baby to a dentist when their first teeth come through.
Brushing early helps your baby get used to it, long before they have a full set of teeth.
Sleep, teething and keeping perspective
Teething is often blamed for bad nights, and sometimes that is fair: the NHS lists not sleeping well among teething signs. But sleep also changes for many other reasons as babies grow. Looking back over a week of notes, rather than one bad night, can help you see whether something has actually changed.
Zaripo is being prepared to record sleep, feeds and notes, with daily and weekly summaries of what your family enters. A note such as “gums red, chewing a lot” sits beside the sleep record. Zaripo does not detect teething, explain sleep changes or decide whether a symptom is caused by teething. If your baby seems unwell, contact a health professional.
When to get help
Get urgent advice — contact a GP, health visitor or midwife, or NHS 111 in the UK — if:
- Your baby has a temperature of 38°C or more, diarrhoea or other signs of illness. Teething should not cause these, so contact a GP or NHS 111.
Outside the UK, use your local doctor, health line or emergency number. Trust your instincts: if you are worried about your baby, get help.
Questions parents also ask
At what age do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first teeth at around 6 months, according to the NHS, but every baby is different. Some start earlier and some later.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething may cause a slightly raised temperature, but it should be below 38°C. A temperature of 38°C or more is not caused by teething, so get advice.
Can teething cause diarrhoea?
The NHS says teething should not cause diarrhoea. If your baby has diarrhoea or other signs of illness, contact a GP or NHS 111.
Can I put a teething ring in the freezer?
No. Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge, but never put one in the freezer.
Do teething gels work?
The NHS says there is little evidence that teething gels work. Ask a pharmacist before using any gel or medicine.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears, using a baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Take your baby to a dentist when their first teeth come through.