Posted on 12/1/2025 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
So, your little one is drooling more than usual, chewing on everything in sight, and maybe even a bit fussier. Sound familiar? It's likely that your baby is starting to teethe! This is a very common and natural process, but it can be a little uncomfortable for your child (and a little stressful for you!). Let's explore what to expect and how to help your baby through this milestone.
When Does Teething Typically Start?
Most babies begin teething around 6 months old, but the timing can vary widely. Some babies might get their first tooth as early as 3 months, while others might not see any teeth until after their first birthday. There's no need to worry if your child is on a slightly different schedule. The important thing is to watch for the signs and be prepared to offer comfort. The lower front teeth are often the first to erupt, followed by the upper front teeth.
What Are the Signs of Teething?
The signs of teething can vary from baby to baby, but here are some common indicators:
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Increased drooling: This is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs.
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Chewing on objects: Babies will often gnaw on anything they can get their hands on to relieve pressure on their gums.
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Irritability or fussiness: Teething can cause discomfort, leading to crankiness.
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Swollen or tender gums: You might be able to see or feel a slight bump where a tooth is about to emerge.
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Slight temperature increase: Some babies may experience a mild fever (below 101°F) due to inflammation.
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Difficulty sleeping: The discomfort can disrupt sleep patterns.
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Decreased appetite: Sore gums can make eating uncomfortable.
How Can I Help My Teething Baby?
There are several things you can do to help soothe your baby's discomfort:
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Offer teething toys: Provide a variety of safe, firm rubber teething toys for your baby to chew on. Chilled (but not frozen) teething rings can be especially soothing.
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Massage their gums: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger or a soft, damp cloth. The pressure can help relieve pain.
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Cold foods: If your baby is eating solids, offer cold purees or yogurt.
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Dry the drool: Excessive drooling can irritate the skin around the mouth. Gently pat the area dry with a soft cloth to prevent a rash.
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Over-the-counter pain relief: If your baby is very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Taking Care of New Baby Teeth
Once those first baby teeth finally emerge, it's time to start thinking about dental hygiene! Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in your child's development, including speech, chewing, and guiding the permanent teeth into place.
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Start cleaning early: Use a soft infant toothbrush and water to gently clean your baby's teeth twice a day.
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Introduce fluoride toothpaste: Once your child is able to spit (usually around age 3), you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
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Schedule regular checkups: Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. These early visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and allow the dentist to monitor your child's dental development.
Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your baby, but with a little patience and the right strategies, you can help ease their discomfort and set them on the path to a healthy smile! Remember to consult with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if you have any concerns about your baby's teething or oral health.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N Maize Rd, Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67101-9619 + (316) 202-9629 + tinyteethwichita.com + 1/14/2026 + Related Terms: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS +
So, your little one is drooling more than usual, chewing on everything in sight, and maybe even a bit fussier. Sound familiar? It's likely that your baby is starting to teethe! This is a very common and natural process, but it can be a little uncomfortable for your child (and a little stressful for you!). Let's explore what to expect and how to help your baby through this milestone.