When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs, Symptoms & What to Know

If your baby has suddenly started putting everything in their mouth, dribbling more than usual and unsettled, you might be wondering if teething has started.

For some babies, the signs are obvious. For others, a tooth appears without much warning at all.

There isn't a set age when every baby starts teething, but most babies get their first tooth at around six months. Some start earlier, while others don't get their first tooth until after their first birthday.

So, what should you actually look out for?

Signs your baby might be teething

More drooling

One of the most noticeable changes can be an increase in drooling.

You might find that your baby's clothes are getting damp around the neck and chest much more quickly than usual. Increased drooling is commonly associated with teething, although babies can also drool for plenty of other reasons.

This is also when having a few good bibs nearby becomes particularly useful. A bib can protect the clothes underneath and can be changed throughout the day as it becomes damp.

Wanting to chew everything

If your baby suddenly seems determined to put every toy, finger and random object within reach into their mouth, their gums may be uncomfortable.

Chewing and biting can be a way for babies to soothe their gums while a tooth is coming through.

Sore or swollen gums

You may notice that your baby's gums look red or swollen, particularly in the area where a tooth is beginning to appear.

Some babies are noticeably more unsettled during this time, while others don't seem particularly bothered.

Being more unsettled

Teething can be uncomfortable, so it's not unusual for a baby to be irritable or difficult to settle. Some babies may also sleep less well for a period of time.

Of course, babies have plenty of reasons for having an unsettled few days, so it's not always possible to tell whether teething is the cause.

A sore chin or neck

This is one that can easily be overlooked.

With all that extra drooling, saliva can sit around the mouth, chin and neck and cause irritation, particularly in the folds of the skin.

Keeping the area clean and dry and changing damp bibs regularly can help.

The HSE recommends gently wiping away drool from the skin folds around a baby's neck to help prevent soreness.

Does teething cause a temperature?

This is something parents often wonder about.

A mild increase in temperature can sometimes occur around teething, but a temperature of 38°C or higher isn't considered a symptom of teething. The HSE also advises that diarrhoea and a baby being generally unwell aren't caused by teething.

So if your baby has a high temperature or seems genuinely unwell, don't assume it's just a tooth coming through. It's worth speaking to your GP or public health nurse if you're concerned.

How can you help a teething baby?

There isn't a way to make teething disappear, but there are simple things that can make the stage a little easier.

A clean, cool teething ring can help soothe sore gums. You can also give your baby something safe and suitable to chew on.

For the drooling side of things, keeping your baby's skin as dry as possible is helpful. A soft bib that absorbs moisture and can be changed regularly is much easier than constantly changing their clothes.

And keep a few muslins nearby. They are useful for wiping little faces, drying hands and dealing with all the other small spills that seem to happen throughout the day.

How long does teething last?

Unfortunately, there's no simple answer.

Teething happens gradually as different teeth come through, so you may notice periods where your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, followed by a break before the next tooth appears.

The first teeth are usually the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. By around two-and-a-half to three years old, most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth.

Every baby is different, so there's no need to worry if your baby's teeth don't appear at exactly the same time as another baby's.

What are the most useful things to have during the teething stage?

You don't need to buy lots of new things specifically for teething. A few everyday baby essentials tend to get plenty of use.

Bibs: particularly useful when your baby's drooling increases. Having a few to rotate through the day makes things much easier.

Muslins: handy for wiping faces, drying little hands and keeping in the changing bag.

Spare clothes: because even with a bib, clothes can still get wet.

A safe teething toy: something designed specifically for babies to chew can be useful when their gums are sore.

And then, one day, there's a tooth

The first tooth can take parents by surprise.

You may have spent days wondering whether teething has started, and then suddenly you spot that tiny white tooth coming through.

It's one of those small milestones that makes you realise just how quickly your baby is changing.

Until then, keep the bibs handy.

Shop Millie and Me's collection of soft, practical baby bibs and muslins here 

A note for parents

Teething affects every baby differently. If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or higher, diarrhoea, seems particularly unwell, or you're concerned about their symptoms, contact your GP or public health nurse rather than assuming it's teething.