How to Spot Signs of Teething

First time parents may not know exactly what to expect when it comes to teething, and may attribute every cranky mood or fever to the emergence of new teeth. Recognizing the signs of teething can be tricky for both parents and doctors, and symptoms can vary significantly from one child to another. The first tooth typically appears between 6 and 8 months, but teething can begin as early as three months, or not until after your baby's first birthday.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Spot Signs of Teething

1. Check your baby's gums for swelling or inflammation. The outline of emerging teeth should be visible before the teeth erupt through the gums. Because the first teeth to appear are typically the lower, middle teeth, this area of the mouth requires extra attention. Gum inflammation can also cause ear pain and ear pulling.

2. Take note of any excessive drooling or of rashes on the chin, neck, or chest. Pronounced drooling is a classic sign of teething, and wet clothes can cause irritation and a rash. Drooling can also cause a cough, but a lingering or severe cough should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

3. Consider the possibility that teeth are about to erupt if your baby suddenly becomes fussier or crankier than usual. While teething does not typically cause prolonged crying, it does cause discomfort in some babies and may result in whining, whimpering, and irritability.

4. Watch for increased biting, chewing, and gnawing. Babies who are teething will chew on anything within reach, and are likely to bite down on the breast while nursing. The counter-pressure of biting and chewing brings relief to sore gums, and your baby will appreciate being given something textured and chilled to gnaw.

5. Be patient if your baby begins waking up again during the middle of the night. Night waking is common during teething, and your baby may wake up irritable and fussy. This symptom should pass, and your baby should begin sleeping normally, within a few days after the teeth have broken through the gum.

6. Track your baby's feedings, as teething may cause a temporary loss of appetite. Solids are more likely to be refused than liquids, but some babies find sucking uncomfortable due to gum inflammation and pain. As long as your baby is getting enough to drink to prevent dehydration, there is no need to worry about this loss of interest in eating.

7. Call your doctor if your baby shows signs of teething for more than a couple of weeks, develops a high fever, or experiences diarrhea. Contrary to common belief, these symptoms are not often caused by teething and should be evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out an infection or other medical problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Signs and symptoms of teething typically begin a few days before the teeth erupt, and are generally gone within a week.