Every grumpy, dribbly, red-cheeked day can look like teething. Sometimes it is. But teething can also hide the start of a bug, an ear infection or something that needs a doctor. Knowing what teething actually does (and doesn't do) makes it much easier to tell the difference.
What teething really looks like
Most babies start teething at around 6 months, though some start before 4 months, some after 12 months, and a few are even born with a tooth. Some babies have no pain at all. Others have mild symptoms for a few days as each tooth comes through. According to the NHS, signs can include:
- red, sore gums where the tooth is coming through
- a slightly raised temperature, under 38C
- one flushed cheek, or a rash on the face
- rubbing their ear
- more dribbling than usual
- gnawing and chewing on everything
- being more fretful than normal
- not sleeping as well
What teething doesn't cause
A temperature of 38C or more. Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature, but a proper fever is more likely to be an infection. Don't put it down to teeth.
Diarrhoea. The NHS is clear that there is no evidence teething causes diarrhoea. If your baby has runny nappies, treat it as a tummy bug and keep them well hydrated.
Being floppy, very sleepy or off their feeds for long. A teething baby might be grumpy and go off food for a day, but they shouldn't seem really unwell.
Teething can make babies miserable, but it shouldn't make them ill. If they seem poorly, look for another cause.
When to get help
Trust your instincts. You know your baby. Get advice from your GP or call NHS 111 if:
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C or higher
- they are 3 to 6 months and have a temperature of 39C or higher
- they have a fever along with other symptoms, such as a rash
- they have diarrhoea or vomiting, or fewer wet nappies than usual
- they are pulling at their ear and seem in a lot of pain, or there is discharge from the ear
- symptoms are worrying you, or getting worse
Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby has a rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass on it, is struggling to breathe, is floppy or hard to wake, has a fit, or you think it's an emergency.
How to soothe a teething baby
Something to chew. A teething ring is ideal, and some can be chilled in the fridge (never the freezer). Never tie one around your baby's neck.
Cold, crunchy foods. From around 6 months, once weaning has started, raw fruit and vegetables can help sore gums. Always stay with your baby while they eat.
A clean finger. Gently rubbing their gums can help, and lots of cuddles and distraction go a long way.
Pain relief. Sugar-free paracetamol can be given from 2 months and ibuprofen from 3 months. Follow the dose on the pack and ask a pharmacist if you're not sure.
Be wary of gels and remedies. The NHS says there is little evidence teething gels work, so try other options first, and only use one made for babies. Homeopathic teething products aren't recommended.
Keep the dribble at bay. Gently wipe their face often to help stop a dribble rash.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething can cause a slightly raised temperature of under 38C. A temperature of 38C or more is more likely to be an infection.
Does teething cause diarrhoea?
No. The NHS says there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea, so treat runny nappies as a possible tummy bug.
How long does teething last for each tooth?
Many babies only have symptoms for a few days around the time a tooth comes through, and some have none at all.
What can I give my baby for teething pain?
Try a chilled teething ring, gum rubbing and cuddles first. Sugar-free paracetamol can be given from 2 months and ibuprofen from 3 months, following the instructions on the pack.
Keep reading
- Your baby's teeth timeline: when each tooth arrives and how to care for them
- How to cope with teething at every stage, and ease baby into early teeth brushing
- You will sleep again: an honest baby sleep timeline
- How to make teeth brushing fun for babies and toddlers
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or NHS 111. Read more on the NHS teething pages and the NHS guide to fever in children.
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
