Teething

Description / Symptoms

New primary teeth are seen working their way through the gums
Teeth come in between 6 and 24 months of age
Main symptoms are increased saliva, drooling and desire to chew on things
Occasional symptoms: mild gum pain. Not enough to cause crying or interfere with sleep
Does not cause fever (rarely gets to 101°F), diarrhea, diaper rash or lowered resistance to infection

Caution: Blaming teething for fevers can lead to a delayed diagnosis of ear infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis and other infections.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)

If main symptom is crying, see Crying Child > 3 months old
If fever is also present, see Fever

Call Your Doctor Now If:

Your child looks or acts very sick

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

See other columns for appropriate advice.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

You think your child needs to be seen
You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Reassurance

Teething is a natural process. It's harmless and it causes little if any pain. It doesn't cause fever or crying.

Gum Massage

Find the irritated or swollen gum. Massage it with your finger for 2 minutes. Do this as often as necessary. You may use a piece of ice wrapped in a wet cloth to massage the gum.

Teething Rings or Teething Biscuits

Infants massage their own gums by chewing on smooth, hard objects:

Offer a teething ring, pacifier or wet washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator, but not frozen in the freezer. A piece of chilled banana may help
Avoid hard foods that could cause choking (e.g. raw carrots)
Avoid ice or Popsicles that could cause frostbite of the gums

Cup Feeding

If your infant refuses nipple feedings, use a cup temporarily.

Pain Medicine

If the pain increases, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) orally for 1 day. Special teething gels are unnecessary and we do not recommend them. They can cause allergic reactions or choking.

Call Your Doctor If:

Develops unexplained crying
Develops fever > 101°F (38.4°C)
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Children's provides health care for the special needs of children regardless of race, sex, creed, ethnicity or disability.
Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided
to children under age 21 whose primary residence is Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.