Swollen and Tender Gums: The gum tissue directly over the erupting tooth often becomes visibly red, swollen, and sensitive to touch or pressure 2.
Excessive Drooling: Infants typically produce a significantly higher amount of saliva during this process, which can occasionally cause a mild, temporary rash on the face or chin from constant moisture 1.
Biting and Chewing: To relieve the internal pressure of the tooth pushing through the jaw, babies will naturally seek out firm objects to chew or bite down on 2.
Irritability and Fussiness: The mild, localized discomfort in the mouth can lead to general crankiness, uncharacteristic crying, and a lower tolerance for minor frustrations 1.
Sleep Disruptions: The aching sensation in the gums can temporarily interfere with a child’s normal routine, causing difficulty falling asleep or more frequent night wakings 1.
Slight Temperature Elevation: While the body’s natural inflammatory response can cause a minor, slight rise in body temperature, clinical evidence shows that teething does not cause a true fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher 1.
