Key takeaways: Teething may cause mild irritability, drooling, and gum rubbing around the time a tooth comes in, and some babies sleep less for a few days. Research doesn’t link teething to high fever or long-lasting sleep problems. Safe relief includes chilled teethers, gum massage, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies 6 months and older) as advised. Avoid numbing gels and teething jewelry.
Teething gets blamed for a lot of night wakings. Here’s what research says and how to help.
What Teething Does and Doesn’t Cause
A 2000 study by Macknin and colleagues found teething was linked to mild symptoms such as increased biting, drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and slightly higher temperature in the days around tooth eruption. It didn’t cause high fever, and symptoms lasted only a few days around each tooth.
Fever over 100.4°F, diarrhea, or long-lasting sleep problems shouldn’t be blamed on teething without checking with your doctor.
Soothing Before Bed
- Chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold, clean washcloth to chew on.
- Gum massage with a clean finger.
- Wipe drool to prevent rashes.
- Ask your doctor about pain relievers. Acetaminophen may be used for babies over 2 to 3 months, and ibuprofen for babies 6 months and older, at the right dose for weight.
Products to Avoid
- Benzocaine gels: the FDA warns against their use in children under 2 because of a rare but serious blood condition.
- Homeopathic teething tablets: the FDA has warned about some products.
- Teething necklaces and bracelets: the FDA warns of choking and strangulation risks.
Keep Sleep Routines Steady
- Keep your usual routine.
- Comfort your baby as needed.
- Return to normal habits once the tooth comes in.
Is It Really Teething?
If your baby is waking more for more than a few days, consider other causes, such as illness, ear infections, sleep regressions, or schedule changes.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, seems very unwell, or has sleep changes lasting longer than a few days.
The Bottom Line
Teething may disrupt sleep for a few days. Use safe soothing, avoid risky products, and look for other causes if problems persist.
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Sources
- Macknin ML, Piedmonte M, Jacobs J, Skibinski C. Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2000;105(4 Pt 1):747-752.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safely soothing teething pain and sensory needs in babies and older children. https://www.fda.gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Teething: 4 to 7 months. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
