Teething

Teething is the stage in which babies’ teeth start to come through their gums.

• Most babies get their first tooth when they're about 6 months old

• By between ages 2 and 3 years, most babies have all 20 of their baby teeth

• Teething babies are usually fussy, but despite what many people think, teething doesn't cause fever

Call your doctor if your baby is extremely fussy or has a fever higher than 100° F (37.8° C)—your baby is probably sick, not just teething.

A teething baby:

• Cries and fusses more than usual

• Doesn't sleep well

• Eats less than usual

• Drools

• Has reddened gums

• Chews on objects

To help your baby feel more comfortable:

• Give your baby something safe to chew on, such as a firm teething toy or cool, gel-filled teething ring

• Massage your baby’s gums with your finger or with ice

• Give your baby pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if your baby is very uncomfortable

• Don’t use teething gels—they don't help much, and they may contain benzocaine, which causes serious problems in some babies