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How can I soothe my teething baby at home?
Teething usually starts around 6 months. You can ease sore gums at home, but know when to get medical help.
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What it is
Teething is when your baby’s first teeth break through the gums. Most babies start teething at around 6 months, but some start before 4 months and others after 12 months. A few babies are even born with their first teeth [1]. Baby teeth sometimes come through with no pain or only mild symptoms that last a few days [2].
Common signs of teething include [2]:
- Sore, red gums where the tooth is coming through
- A slightly raised temperature (less than 38C)
- One flushed cheek
- A rash on the face
- Rubbing their ear
- Dribbling more than usual
- Gnawing and chewing on things a lot
- Being more fretful than usual
- Not sleeping very well
There is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea [2]. Teeth usually appear in a rough order: front teeth at about 6 months, side teeth at about 8 months, first molars at about 12 months, canines at about 18 months, and second molars at about 24 months. Most children have all their milk teeth by age 2 to 3 [3].
What you can do at home
You can help your teething baby with simple measures. The source does not list specific home remedies, so focus on comfort and monitoring. If your baby seems distressed, try gentle soothing and extra cuddles. Keep their face clean and dry if they are dribbling more. Offer safe things to chew on, but always supervise your baby. Do not try spinal manipulation or cranial osteopathy — there is little evidence these work, and they may hurt your baby [4].
If your baby is also bringing up milk during or after feeds, this may be reflux, not teething. Reflux is common and usually gets better on its own. You can help by [6]:
- Holding your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after
- Burping your baby regularly during feeds
- Making sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (not on their side or front)
- Asking a health visitor for advice on feeding position
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
You know your baby best. Get medical advice if they have any symptoms that cause you concern [2]. Get medical advice or see a doctor if [4]:
- You are worried about your baby’s crying
- Nothing seems to be working to settle them
- You are finding it hard to cope
- Your baby is not growing or putting on weight as expected
- Symptoms continue after 4 months of age
Go to the emergency department or call your emergency number if [4]:
- Your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry
- Your baby’s cry does not sound like their normal cry
Trust your instincts if you think something is seriously wrong, especially if they have other worrying symptoms [4]. If your baby is not keeping down enough food and not gaining weight, see a doctor [7]. A GP may check for cow’s milk allergy if reflux symptoms are severe [8].
Common questions
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething may cause a slightly raised temperature, but it should be less than 38C. If your baby has a higher fever, that is not typical teething [2].
When do babies get their first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later. Some babies are born with teeth [1].
Does teething cause diarrhoea?
No. There is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea [2]. If your baby has diarrhoea, look for other causes.
How long do teething symptoms last?
Symptoms may be mild and last only a few days, or teeth may come through with no discomfort at all [2].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Baby teething symptoms” (2026), section “Baby teething symptoms”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/ [2] NHS — “Baby teething symptoms” (2026), section “Teething symptoms”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/ [3] NHS — “Baby teething symptoms” (2026), section “What order do baby teeth appear in?”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/ [4] NHS — “Colic” (2022), section “Don’t”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/ [6] NHS — “Reflux in babies” (2025), section “Things you can try to ease reflux in babies”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/ [7] NHS — “Reflux in babies” (2025), section “Reflux in babies”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/ [8] NHS — “Reflux in babies” (2025), section “Treatment for reflux in babies”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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