baby tummy time chewing on teething ring

Baby Teething Symptoms & Tips

Baby Teething Symptoms & Tips

6-9 months
Article
May 16, 2022
5 mins

The age your baby gets teeth varies greatly from child to child. For most, baby teeth begin erupting anywhere from 6 to 9 months of age. Teething can be a distressing time for you and your baby. We’ve put together a teething action plan to help you through these tough days and nights.

Although rare, your baby may even have a tooth or two at birth. For some children teeth start to appear around 4 months, occasionally some babies won’t have any until after the 12-month mark, but for most, baby teeth begin erupting anywhere from 6 to 9 months. Baby teeth usually erupt through the gums in pairs, one appearing a few days after the other. There is a sequence that baby teeth are expected to appear in, but don’t be surprised if teeth show up in any old order!

  • The first teeth predicted to appear are the two lower middle incisors (the cutting teeth) followed by the two upper middle incisors;
  • Next are the incisors on either side of these;
  • The first back molars (the chewing teeth) are next to appear and may cause a little more pain and discomfort than earlier teeth;
  • The four canines (the pointy teeth) come next;
  • Followed by the other back molars, often referred to as ‘two-year-old molars’.
  • This makes a whole mouthful of up to 20 teeth by the time your child is two – three years old.

 

baby teeth - tooth arrival chart

 

Possible Signs of Teething

  • Perhaps the first sign of a tooth emerging is when your baby is biting or gnawing a lot. They may chomp down on a finger when playing, or worse a nipple while having a breastfeed, Ouch!
  • Your baby being a little clingier, grizzly, unsettled and generally miserable for a few days could be the sign of a tooth on the way;
  • You may notice a clear nasal discharge and gums that are darker and puffier than usual;
  • Your baby may experience pain and tug on their ear lobes, while others may have a slight fever (<38°C) only as teeth poke through the gums.
  • Smelly, poo-filled nappies are more common when teething, as is angry, red nappy rash;
  • If your baby is eating solids they may go off them for a while, but there’s no need to worry as the enjoyment of eating will soon return.
  • If you are worried about any of your babies’ symptoms seek medical advice from your healthcare professional. This is especially important for fever or diarrhoea as these are not symptoms of teething.

If your baby feeds well, sleeps well and happily plays during the day, teething is unlikely to be the cause behind a disturbed night’s sleep. And while drooling is often attributed to teething, your baby does go through a developmental change at around three to four months of age where they’ll begin to drool, put fingers in their mouth or even try to shove a whole fist in! While drooling moistens the mouth ready for teething, it’s not necessarily a sign that baby teeth are imminent. Many times it’s just a case of wait and see.

While some babies may show all or some of the above symptoms, some will teethe with no signs or troubles at all.

 

Teething Tips & Remedies

Here are 4 popular ideas to try:

  1. Help your baby feel more comfortable by giving them cold drinks and foods such as cucumber or cold fruits – you can use a mesh baby food feeder  if they’re too young to handle solid foods, which will still allow them the experience of gumming the cool relief;
  2. Cold teething rings are great for your baby to chew on, or  rubbing their gums gently with a clean face washer that’s been slightly dampened and then cooled in the fridge or a clean finger;
  3. Provide your baby with a healthy, balanced diet and a settled day. A change of scenery or play might help take your baby’s mind off their troublesome teeth.
  4. There are many other ointments and remedies available for teething. It’s worth getting healthcare professional advice on how and where to use them, and if they’re safe to use at all. For example, teething gels are not recommended without healthcare professional advice as they can have ingredients that are not safe for babies.

Offer your baby extra cuddles and reassurance – mum and dad’s love is a great soother. If your baby is having a particularly bad day and can’t be comforted by any of these measures, try an anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication such as paracetamol, as advised and recommended by your healthcare professional.

Remember too, that all babies are different when it comes to what they need and when, so stay positive while you try to find a remedy that suits your baby.


Cleaning Baby Teeth

First teeth – 6 months:

Cleaning baby teeth should start as soon as the first teeth appear. In the beginning, clean your baby’s teeth and gums with your finger, a clean damp face washer or rubber finger cover.

Around 6 - 18 months:

When your baby is around 6 months old, change to a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. Use only water to brush your baby’s teeth.

18 months onwards:

When they turn 18 months start using a pea sized amount a low fluoride baby toothpaste. Baby toothpaste has less fluoride than adult toothpaste. You will need to assist with teeth cleaning in some way until your baby is big enough to be trusted to do it on their own, let’s hope that’s before they’re a teenager! Around 2 years, your child’s teeth may also start to touch. It’s now time to floss!

Tooth decay is commonly caused by food or drink (often milk or juice) settling around the teeth while your baby sleeps. At night there is less saliva produced to wash away sugar sediments, therefore when your baby has teeth it is important to clean their teeth before bed.

It is recommended to see a dentist as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, or around 1 year, whichever comes first. So if you haven’t already, it might be time to give your dentist a ring!

Related articles

View details Baby Activities: Happy Playtime Ideas For Your 6-8-Month-Old
Article
Baby activities: Happy playtime ideas for your 6-8-month-old

Baby Activities: Happy Playtime Ideas For Your 6-8-Month-Old

Here are five ideas to pass the time with your baby at home —with not a screen in sight!

3 mins to read

View details Developmental activities 6 –12 month olds
Article
Developmental activities 6 –12 month olds

Developmental activities 6 –12 month olds

YOU are still your baby’s best toy. Your baby will love people talking to them and making faces with them. Read and sing to your baby and let them lie on your tummy to play and gently rumble.

4 mins to read

View details Your 8-10-Month-Old’s Activity Planner
Article
Your 8-10-month-old’s activity planner

Your 8-10-Month-Old’s Activity Planner

The time you spend playing with your baby is precious, and enjoying games together is fun for both of you. But playtime is much more than just special moments spent together.

4 mins to read

View details What Support is Available If I've Decided to Formula Feed
Article
What Support is Available If I've Decided to Formula Feed

What Support is Available If I've Decided to Formula Feed

There are many parents out there just like you, who have for whatever reason, decided not to breastfeed, and given this is to be an unlikely easy decision, it’s important to know what support is th

2 mins to read

View details Helping Your Little One Love Good Food
Article
Helping your little one love good food!

Helping Your Little One Love Good Food

Perhaps one of your most important jobs as a parent is to be a good role model for your baby, particularly when it comes to healthy eating.

3 mins to read

View details Mini Meals For Mini People
Article
Mini meals for mini people

Mini Meals For Mini People

Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering smart 'mini meals' in between traditional mealtimes. Focus on age appropriate texture and nutrient rich options.

4 mins to read

View details Transitioning Between Different Milk Feeding Options
Article
Transitioning Between Different Milk Feeding Options

Transitioning Between Different Milk Feeding Options

Whether you’re moving from breastfeeding to formula feeding, or changing from one formula to another, it’s important to keep your eye out for signs of intolerance.

2 mins to read

View details Baby Fever
Article
Crying baby in white being comforted by their parent

Baby Fever

When your baby has a fever it is naturally a concern.

4 mins to read

View details Warming Baby Formula
Article
Smiling parents and son

Warming Baby Formula

There may not be many situations where you will need to warm up a formula feed, but on the odd occasion when you do it’s important to know how to do it safely.

2 mins to read

View details Baby Ear Infection
Article
Toddler pointing to his ear

Baby Ear Infection

One of the most common infections in children between six months and three years is a middle-ear infection called otitis media.

3 mins to read

View details Baby Eczema
Article
parent pointing at a rash on baby who is wearing white bodysuit arm

Baby Eczema

The skin is your baby’s largest organ and plays a really important role in protecting your little one from external bacteria and infections.

3 mins to read

View details Infant Milk Allergy
Article
Infant girl drinking milk

Infant Milk Allergy

Cow's milk allergy is a common food allergy in childhood, impacting approximately 1 to 2% of preschool children.

4 mins to read

View details Baby Meal Planner 6 to 8 Months
Article
baby meal planner, baby food

Baby Meal Planner 6 to 8 Months

After baby has started on solid foods, start experimenting with soft lumps and bumpy foods.

1 min to read

View details How to Prepare Baby Formula
Article
Making up a formula

How to Prepare Baby Formula

Safe preparation of baby formula is important for your baby’s health. Like any food preparation we need to consider good food hygiene practices - it doesn't need to be complicated.

5 mins to read

View details Make Every Bite Count For Baby’s Growth and Development
Article
Make every bite count for baby’s growth and development

Make Every Bite Count For Baby’s Growth and Development

Starting your little one on solid foods is quite a milestone!

3 mins to read

View details Allergies in Children
Article
common allergenic foods like fish wheat eggs peanuts nuts

Allergies in Children

Statistics show that Australia has one of the highest rates of allergies in the world, although it’s not entirely understood why.

8 mins to read

View details Baby Nutrition - Mini Meals For Mini People
Article
close up image of a toddler eating with bib on

Baby Nutrition - Mini Meals For Mini People

The dietary needs for infants during the first year of life are higher than those of adults.

5 mins to read

View details Your 6 to 12 Month Old’s Hunger & Fullness Cues
Article
Your 6 to 12 month old’s hunger & fullness cues

Your 6 to 12 Month Old’s Hunger & Fullness Cues

Is your hungry baby eating enough? Here are some hunger and fullness cues to watch out for in babies sitting up.

3 mins to read

View details Baby-led Weaning Checklist
Article
Baby eating whole strawberry baby-led weaning

Baby-led Weaning Checklist

Most babies start solid foods at around 6 months. Baby-led weaning, where your baby feeds themself finger foods, is a way to help them discover new flavours and textures at their own pace.

3 mins to read

Join

  Join

Supporting both you and your baby’s wellbeing and nutrition

eNewsletter Icon

Personalised content

Weekly + monthly e-newsletters based on baby's development straight to your inbox, plus a personalised browsing experience.

Help Icon

Tips & advice

Chat with our Nutrition Experts or browse our FAQs, anytime, anywhere.

Updated Recipe Book SVG

Free e-recipe books

Enjoy over 50 delicious recipes for the whole family. Download our pregnancy, baby and toddler recipe books, or print at home.

Dashboard Icon

Handy tools

Interactive tools to help you keep track of complex things - like fertility, ovulation and growth