Knowing how to check if an infant is teething can help parents understand changes in a baby’s behaviour and recognise common signs as the first teeth begin to appear. Teething commonly starts around six months, although some babies begin earlier or later. Symptoms can vary from one baby to another, so it is important to distinguish normal teething signs from symptoms of illness.
Look at the Baby’s Gums
Gently examine the baby’s gums with clean hands. A developing tooth may cause an area of the gum to look swollen, red, or slightly raised.
You may also be able to see or feel a firm area where the tooth is beginning to emerge.
Wash your hands before checking
Look for swollen or red gums
Check for a raised or firm area
Look for Increased Drooling
Many babies drool more than usual when they are teething.
The extra saliva can cause wetness around the mouth and sometimes mild skin irritation on the chin or cheeks.
Check for increased drooling
Keep the baby’s face gently clean
Use a soft cloth to dry the skin
Watch for Increased Chewing
A teething baby may want to chew on fingers, toys, or other safe objects because pressure on the gums can provide relief.
Only provide age-appropriate teething toys and avoid small objects that could become choking hazards.
Watch for increased chewing
Provide a safe teething toy
Avoid small or hard objects
Notice Changes in Feeding
Some babies become less interested in feeding or may become unsettled while feeding because their gums are uncomfortable.
Others may continue feeding normally.
Observe feeding patterns
Offer feeds as usual
Monitor whether the baby is taking enough fluids
Check for Changes in Behaviour
Teething can make some babies more irritable than usual. They may also have difficulty settling or sleeping.
However, severe or persistent changes in behaviour should not automatically be attributed to teething.
Watch for increased irritability
Monitor sleep changes
Look for other signs of illness
Check for the Appearance of a Tooth
As the tooth gets closer to the surface, you may see a small white area emerging through the gum.
The lower front teeth are often among the first teeth to appear, although the timing and order can vary.
Look for a small white tooth
Check the gums regularly
Keep the baby’s mouth clean
Know Which Symptoms Are Not Typical of Teething
Teething should not be used as an explanation for significant illness. A high fever, persistent diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulties, severe lethargy, or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
If a young infant has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, seek prompt medical advice rather than assuming the fever is caused by teething.
