What are teething symptoms and safe remedies?

Normal teething symptoms

The first tooth usually comes in between 6 and 10 months, and some babies show discomfort a few months before that. Symptoms tend to be mild.

Typical signs include fussiness, mild gum swelling and tenderness, more drooling, and increased chewing or gnawing on toys, fingers, and objects. Extra saliva can cause a mild rash on the chin and around the mouth.

What teething does not cause

Teething does not cause a high fever or diarrhea. These are often blamed on teething, but they point to a separate illness.

If your baby has a true fever, diarrhea, excessive crying, or seems unwell, treat it as a possible illness and contact your pediatrician rather than assuming it is from teething. This matters because writing off real symptoms as teething can delay care.

Safe remedies

Simple, low-tech approaches work best and are safe.

• Massage the gums gently with a clean finger.
• Offer a firm rubber teething ring that is chilled, not frozen. Frozen-solid objects are too hard and can hurt tender gums.
• Use a clean, cold, damp washcloth, knotted at one end, for your baby to gnaw.
• For babies over 6 months, a little cold water in a cup can help.
• If your baby is truly uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about an appropriate dose of infant acetaminophen.

What to avoid

Several popular products are unsafe and offer no proven benefit.

• Benzocaine oral gels and liquids, sold under names such as Orajel, Anbesol, and Hurricaine. The FDA says these should not be used in children under 2 because of methemoglobinemia, a serious blood disorder that lowers the oxygen the blood can carry.
• Topical lidocaine teething products, which carry an FDA boxed warning for young children.
• Homeopathic teething tablets and gels containing belladonna, which the FDA found in inconsistent and sometimes dangerous amounts.
• Amber and beaded teething necklaces and bracelets, which the FDA warns can cause strangulation and choking. There is no scientific evidence they relieve teething pain.

Related questions

Can teething cause a fever?

Teething does not cause a high fever, and it does not cause diarrhea. It may bring mild gum tenderness, drooling, and fussiness. If your baby has a true fever, diarrhea, or seems unwell, treat it as a possible illness and contact your pediatrician rather than assuming it is from teething.

Are amber teething necklaces safe?

No. The FDA warns that amber and other beaded teething necklaces and bracelets can cause strangulation and choking, and there is no scientific evidence they relieve teething pain. Documented cases include a child who strangled and another who choked on a loose bead. Use a chilled firm rubber teether or gum massage instead.

Can I use Orajel or other benzocaine gels for teething?

No. The FDA says over-the-counter benzocaine oral products, including Orajel, Anbesol, and Hurricaine, should not be used in children under 2 because they can cause methemoglobinemia, a serious and sometimes fatal blood disorder. Safe options include a chilled firm rubber teether, a cold damp washcloth, and gentle gum massage.

Sources & further reading

1. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) - Teething Pain
2. FDA - Topical Drugs and Teething Jewelry Used for Teething Have Risks
3. FDA - FDA takes action against the use of OTC benzocaine teething products
4. Poison Control (NCPC) - Teething Gels: A Warning

This article reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.