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How to I know if my baby is teething?

Teething usually causes drooling, gum rubbing, chewing on objects, and mild fussiness, starting a few days before a tooth breaks through. It does not cause fever, diarrhea, or a very unwell baby — those need a doctor's check.

Canadian and US pediatric sources agree teething is a mild, self-limited process and warn against blaming more serious symptoms on it.

Strength of evidence

Good

Based on consistent pediatric guideline and clinical consensus sources (Canadian and American), not controlled trials, since teething symptoms are hard to study experimentally.

What the evidence says

Teething is when your baby's first teeth push up through the gums. It usually starts around 6 months, but can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months, and the two bottom front teeth usually come in first.

Common signs include drooling more than usual, chewing or biting on fingers and toys, and rubbing at sore gums. Your baby might be a bit fussier or sleep a little worse for a few days right before a new tooth breaks through, then settle again once it's through.

Here's an important point: real teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, or a baby who seems very sick. If your baby has a fever, especially before 6 months old, watery poop, a rash, or seems more than mildly cranky, something else is likely going on and it's worth calling your doctor rather than assuming it's just teeth.

To help with the discomfort, you can gently rub the gums with a clean finger, offer a firm rubber teething ring (chilled but not frozen), or give a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your baby seems really uncomfortable. Avoid teething gels with benzocaine and skip amber teething necklaces, which are a known choking and strangulation risk.

Every baby is different, so don't worry if your child's teeth come in earlier or later than average. If you're ever unsure whether something is teething or an illness, it's always fine to check with your doctor.

Sources

  • Guideline Teething AboutKidsHealth (Canada)

    Canadian guide to teething signs and safe home care

  • Guideline Teething HealthLinkBC

    Canadian clinical overview, symptoms and when to call a doctor

  • Guideline Healthy teeth for children Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids

    CPS advice on teething comfort measures and fever caution

  • Guideline Symptoms of Teething HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

    AAP guidance: teething doesn't cause fever or crying

  • Guideline Teething & Tooth Care HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

    Typical timing and order of first tooth eruption

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked August 4, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so its answers may not apply to you. Never delay or disregard advice from a qualified health professional because of something you read here. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.