How to Check If an Infant Is Teething

Knowing how to check if an infant is teething can help parents understand changes in a baby’s behaviour and recognise common signs as the first teeth begin to appear. Teething commonly starts around six months, although some babies begin earlier or later. Symptoms can vary from one baby to another, so it is important to distinguish normal teething signs from symptoms of illness.

1. Look at the Baby’s Gums

Gently examine the baby’s gums with clean hands. A developing tooth may cause an area of the gum to look swollen, red, or slightly raised.

You may also be able to see or feel a firm area where the tooth is beginning to emerge.

• Wash your hands before checking
• Look for swollen or red gums
• Check for a raised or firm area

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   Look for Increased Drooling

Many babies drool more than usual when they are teething.

The extra saliva can cause wetness around the mouth and sometimes mild skin irritation on the chin or cheeks.

• Check for increased drooling
• Keep the baby’s face gently clean
• Use a soft cloth to dry the skin

3. Watch for Increased Chewing

A teething baby may want to chew on fingers, toys, or other safe objects because pressure on the gums can provide relief.

Only provide age-appropriate teething toys and avoid small objects that could become choking hazards.

• Watch for increased chewing
• Provide a safe teething toy
• Avoid small or hard objects

4. Notice Changes in Feeding

Some babies become less interested in feeding or may become unsettled while feeding because their gums are uncomfortable.

Others may continue feeding normally.

• Observe feeding patterns
• Offer feeds as usual
• Monitor whether the baby is taking enough fluids

5. Check for Changes in Behaviour

Teething can make some babies more irritable than usual. They may also have difficulty settling or sleeping.

However, severe or persistent changes in behaviour should not automatically be attributed to teething.

• Watch for increased irritability
• Monitor sleep changes
• Look for other signs of illness

6. Check for the Appearance of a Tooth

As the tooth gets closer to the surface, you may see a small white area emerging through the gum.

The lower front teeth are often among the first teeth to appear, although the timing and order can vary.

• Look for a small white tooth
• Check the gums regularly
• Keep the baby’s mouth clean

7. Know Which Symptoms Are Not Typical of Teething

Teething should not be used as an explanation for significant illness. A high fever, persistent diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulties, severe lethargy, or other concerning symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

If a young infant has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, seek prompt medical advice rather than assuming the fever is caused by teething.

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