What Are the Signs My Baby Is Teething?

Your baby has been fussier than usual, drooling through their bibs, and gnawing on anything within reach. If this sounds familiar, teething is likely underway. It is one of the earliest developmental milestones parents face, and it can feel overwhelming when you are not sure what is normal and what is cause for concern. Fortunately, recognizing the signs early can help you keep your little one comfortable and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

At Little Molars Pediatric Dentistry in West Caldwell, New Jersey, we love walking families through these early milestones. Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Chirag Patel has dedicated his career to caring for the unique dental needs of infants, children, and teens. Whether your baby is cutting their very first tooth or you are navigating the later stages of primary tooth eruption, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Our infant dental care services are designed to make these early visits comfortable, reassuring, and even fun.

Common Signs Your Baby Is Teething

Teething typically begins around six months of age, though it is perfectly normal for a first tooth to appear as early as four months or as late as twelve months. According to MedlinePlus, a resource from the National Institutes of Health, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by age three. As each tooth works its way through the gumline, babies respond in their own way. Some sail through with barely a fuss, while others let you know exactly how they feel.

The most recognizable signs include the following:

• Excessive drooling, which can sometimes cause a mild rash around the chin and cheeks
• Chewing or gnawing on toys, fingers, or anything within reach
• Swollen, tender, or slightly red gum tissue along the ridgeline
• Increased fussiness and irritability, particularly at night
• Ear rubbing or cheek pulling, as discomfort can travel from the gums to those areas
• Disrupted sleep patterns due to gum discomfort

A slight rise in body temperature is also common during teething, but a true fever is not a teething symptom. If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F or develops diarrhea, reach out to your pediatrician, as those signs point to something other than teething.

What Is Not Caused by Teething

It is easy to attribute almost anything to teething when your baby is in that stage, but not every symptom is related to it. High fever, persistent diarrhea, and significant congestion are not caused by teething and warrant a call to your child's doctor. Many parents also worry that teething causes ear infections, but while babies do tug at their ears during teething due to referred discomfort, ear infections require medical attention from a pediatrician.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

Once you have identified the signs, the focus shifts to keeping your baby as comfortable as possible. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger can offer some relief, as can a chilled, not frozen, teething ring. Frozen items can be too harsh on sensitive gum tissue, so room-temperature or refrigerated options are a safer choice.

It is equally important to know what to avoid. Teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for infants, and amber teething necklaces pose a choking and strangulation hazard. Our preventive pediatric dental care guidance covers these safety points in detail, so parents can feel confident in their choices.

When Should You Start Dental Care?

As soon as the first tooth breaks through, it is time to begin caring for it. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste to gently clean the tooth twice a day. Fluoride varnish applications, which we provide during early dental visits, add an extra layer of protection for newly erupted teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

Starting routine pediatric dental care early means we can monitor tooth development and spot any concerns before they become bigger issues. Many parents are surprised to learn when to start taking their baby to the dentist, but early visits are about much more than checking for cavities. They help children become familiar with the dental environment and give parents a reliable resource for any questions that come up along the way.

Trust Little Molars Pediatric Dentistry With Your Baby’s First Teeth

At Little Molars Pediatric Dentistry, we believe great oral health starts in infancy. Dr. Patel completed his specialty in Pediatric Dentistry at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and furthered his training through a fellowship in Dental Medicine for the Developmentally Disabled at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. His gentle, personalized approach means your baby is in experienced hands from their very first appointment. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Delta Dental PPO, MetLife, Aetna, Cigna, and Guardian, making quality infant dental care accessible for your family.

If your baby is showing signs of teething and you are ready to establish a dental home you can count on, we would love to meet you. Contact our office to schedule your child's first visit with our team.