What Teething Actually Causes
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 12 months. Genuine teething signs are usually mild: drooling, gum rubbing, irritability, and a wish to chew on everything.
What Teething Does Not Cause
- High fever above 100.4F; treat this as illness, not teething.
- Diarrhoea or vomiting.
- A persistent cough or rash.
If these appear, look for another cause and check with your pediatrician rather than blaming the teeth.
Safe Relief
- A clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold spoon.
- Gentle gum massage with a clean finger.
- A weight-appropriate dose of paracetamol on bad days, with your doctor's guidance.
What to Avoid
- Amber teething necklaces, which are a choking and strangulation hazard with no proven benefit.
- Teething gels containing benzocaine, and many traditional gum-rubbing powders of unknown content.
- Honey on the gums for babies under one year, which carries a botulism risk.
Early Dental Care
Wipe the first teeth with a soft cloth, then move to a tiny soft brush. A first dental visit by the first birthday sets up good habits early.