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Teething: Real Symptoms, Myths, and Products to Avoid

July 12, 2026

Key takeaways: First teeth usually appear between 6 and 12 months. Teething can cause drooling, chewing, gum swelling, and mild fussiness. It doesn’t cause high fever, diarrhea, or rashes. Use chilled teething rings and gum massage. Avoid benzocaine, homeopathic tablets, and teething necklaces.

Teething gets blamed for a lot. Some symptoms are real, but many are myths. Knowing the difference helps you comfort your baby safely and not miss an illness.

When Do Teeth Come In?

Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months, though some start as early as 3 to 4 months, and some after their first birthday. The lower front teeth usually come first, followed by the upper front teeth. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about age 3.

Real Teething Symptoms

Research shows teething may cause:

  • Drooling.
  • Chewing or gnawing on hands and objects.
  • Swollen or tender gums.
  • Mild irritability.
  • A slight rise in temperature (but not a true fever).
  • Rubbing the face or ear on the same side.
  • Mild changes in sleep or appetite.

Symptoms are usually mild and happen in the few days around when a tooth comes through.

Teething Myths

Teething does not cause:

  • Fever of 100.4°F or higher.
  • Diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Rashes on the body.
  • Cold symptoms like runny nose or cough.
  • Long-lasting irritability.

If your baby has these, look for another cause, such as an infection.

From the author

From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers everyday newborn care month by month, plus the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.

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Safe Teething Relief

  • Gum massage with a clean finger.
  • Chilled (not frozen) teething rings made of solid rubber or silicone.
  • A cold, wet washcloth to chew on.
  • For babies eating solids, chilled foods like yogurt or a mesh feeder with fruit (supervised).
  • Pain relievers if your baby is very uncomfortable: acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for babies 6 months and older, dosed by weight. Ask your doctor first.

Products to Avoid

  • Benzocaine and lidocaine gels or liquids: the FDA warns against benzocaine in children under 2 due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a dangerous condition that reduces oxygen in the blood. Prescription lidocaine shouldn’t be used for teething either.
  • Homeopathic teething tablets and gels: the FDA has found inconsistent amounts of belladonna in some products.
  • Teething necklaces, bracelets, and anklets: amber, wood, marble, or silicone jewelry can cause choking or strangulation, according to the FDA.
  • Frozen teethers that are rock hard, which can hurt gums.
  • Hard foods like raw carrots, which are choking hazards.

Caring for New Teeth

  • Brush twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth appears.
  • Ask about fluoride varnish at well visits.
  • Schedule a first dental visit by age 1.
  • Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle.

Drool Rash

Keep the chin and neck dry, and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier ointment to protect the skin.

Call your baby’s doctor if your baby: has a fever of 100.4°F or higher (call right away if under 3 months), diarrhea, vomiting, a rash, is very irritable or lethargic, or isn’t feeding well. These aren’t caused by teething.

The Bottom Line

Teething can make babies drooly and a bit fussy, but it doesn’t cause fever or illness. Comfort with gum massage and chilled teethers, and skip numbing gels, homeopathic tablets, and teething jewelry.

Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.

Related Articles

Sources

  1. Macknin ML, Piedmonte M, Jacobs J, Skibinski C. Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2000;105(4 Pt 1):747-752.
  2. Massignan C, Cardoso M, Porporatti AL, et al. Signs and symptoms of primary tooth eruption: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2016;137(3):e20153501.
  3. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA acts to stop the use of benzocaine teething products in children. Drug Safety Communication. May 2018. https://www.fda.gov
  4. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns against use of teething necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry marketed for relieving teething pain. December 2018. https://www.fda.gov
  5. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns consumers about homeopathic teething tablets and gels. 2016. https://www.fda.gov
  6. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on the dental home. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Latest revision.

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.

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