Teething Symptoms Toddler + Remedies For Fast Relief

When my daughter first started teething, I had no idea it was happening. The symptoms she was experiencing weren’t the symptoms I expected or heard other people talk about, so…we just struggled through them!

Through cranky days and sleepless nights, my husband and I couldn’t for the life of us figure out what it was our daughter wanted or needed. Diaper changes, bottles, snuggles, nothing seemed to help.

Thankfully, my friend (a pediatric nurse) noticed her symptoms during a playdate and asked how teething was going. I was confused and surprised but once I realized what was happening, I was able to quickly shift gears to help her (and us!).

Here’s how to recognize teething symptoms in your toddler so you don’t struggle unnecessarily like we did!

How Teeth Emerge in Young Children

Teething is a normal stage that all babies go through as their first set of teeth, called their primary teeth, begin to break through the gums. It usually starts around six months, but can happen earlier or later depending on the child.

The teething process usually follows a pretty standard sequence. The lower central incisors, which are the two bottom front teeth, are usually the first to appear.

The upper central incisors, or two top front teeth, often follow soon after. The first molars and canines come next, with second molars usually arriving last.

By age 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Here’s the typical timeline for a teething baby:

Tooth Name	Age Teeth Erupt (in Months)
Lower central incisors	6-10
Upper central incisors	8-12
First molars	13-19
Canines (cuspids)	16-22
Second molars	23-33

Keep in mind that every child is going to be different. Some babies will get teeth a little earlier (my friend’s son started at 3 months!), while others may start later than the typical range.

Common Teething Symptoms

The following symptoms are pretty run-of-the-mill when it comes to teething. These are the ones you’ll hear parents talking about most often.

Tender, Painful Gums

Your toddler’s gums might look red or swollen when they’re teething.

If you gently touch their gums, they may feel softer than usual. You might even notice a small bulge where the tooth is about to break through.

Many babies respond to this soreness by chewing on anything they can find—fingers, toys, or even furniture. The chewing motion helps them relieve the pressure they feel in their gums.

Their gum pain might also cause them to refuse to eat certain foods, want to nurse or bottle-feed more often, wake or fuss more at bedtime, or act more cranky than usual. (We parents act cranky when we’re in pain, too!)

You can help them ease soreness by giving them a teething ring or a damp washcloth to chew on. We often popped our daughter’s teething ring into the fridge before giving it to her, to help dial up the relief. You can also try giving them a gentle gum massage with your finger.

I found distraction super useful too! By keeping my daughter distracted with play, singing, or small outings, she would often forget about her discomfort for a while.

Excessive Drooling and Runny Nose

You might notice that your child’s shirt, chin, or cheeks are almost always wet with drool. Excessive drooling happens during teething because your child’s mouth is making more saliva to help soothe sore gums.

To avoid skin redness and irritation, try gently dabbing your baby’s skin with a soft cloth, rather than dragging the cloth in a wiping motion. This will help to dry their skin without rubbing it raw.

Some babies will also have a (clear and mild) runny nose during teething, which can lend itself to a little extra fussiness.

Low-Grade Fever and Other Body Symptoms

Some toddlers develop a low-grade fever—usually below 100.4°F (38°C)—while teething. This low fever isn’t dangerous, but lets you know your toddler’s body is reacting to the new tooth coming in.

Other related symptoms can include flushed cheeks and very mild diarrhea. We personally noticed these symptoms cleared up for the most part once the tooth broke through.

Side note: A higher fever or more serious symptoms probably point to something else, like an infection. So be sure to check with your child’s pediatrician in those cases!

Less Common and Misleading Symptoms of Teething

It can be tempting during this time to write off everything as a symptom of teething, but this is where you’ll want to be careful!

A few symptoms can be signs of teething…but can also be signs of other issues. Here’s what to watch for…

Sleep Disturbances and Fussiness

Your child might have trouble sleeping during teething due to the gum pain and discomfort caused by shifting teeth. You’ll likely notice some sleep and routine disruptions during both nap and bedtime.

However, severe sleep problems or constant crying could mean something more is going on! If your baby can’t be soothed, or if their sleep problems last longer than a few days, it may be wise to consult with your child’s pediatrician to make sure they’re not fighting off an infection.

This was where routines came in clutch for our family! By keeping the same routine before every naptime and bedtime (usually a bottle, snuggles, and gentle rocking), we were able to more easily maintain our daughter’s sleep schedule, even during the teething process.

Ear Infections and Cheek Rubbing

Gum pain can cause toddlers to pull their ears or rub their cheeks to help alleviate discomfort. If they’re drooling or gnawing on things at the same time, it’s easy to assume that it’s just another symptom of teething.

But you’ll want to be careful not to rule out a potential ear infection!

Luckily (?!), ear infections come with a few other symptoms to help you tell the difference, including:

• High fever (over 100.4°F/38°C)
• Trouble hearing
• Thick, yellow or green discharge from the ear

Contrary to popular belief, teething cannot cause ear infections or a high fever but the two can definitely co-exist. If these additional symptoms show up, it may be time to seek medical attention.

Appetite Changes

Some toddlers will eat less while teething because their gums are sore. They might refuse solid foods that require chewing, opting instead for soft foods and cold drinks.

This phase is usually pretty short-lived, with your child making it clear that they are hungry, but are picky about what they choose to eat.

This is very different from a total loss of appetite, where your child refuses all foods and drinks for more than a day, or experiences other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. In those cases, it’s important to consult your child’s pediatrician.

How to Soothe a Teething Toddler

Teething hurts. Them’s the facts!

So what can you do to help your toddler through this painful stage? Believe it or not, you’ve got a lot of tricks up your sleeve!

Safe Soothing Methods

One of the best (and better yet, free!) ways to offer comfort through the teething process is to use a clean finger to gently rub your toddler’s gums.

Applying some gentle pressure can help reduce gum pain, especially when partnered with a cool, wet washcloth to massage the gums. Be careful to supervise them though, since anything can be a choking hazard…even a washcloth.

And washcloths aren’t the only tool you can pop in the refrigerator! Cold applesauce and yogurt can be a lifesaver for filling your toddler’s tummy while also offering from relief from discomfort.

If they’re old enough for solid foods, you might also consider chilling or even slightly freezing small pieces of fruit for your child to gnaw on. Just make sure any chilled snacks are age-appropriate and cut to prevent choking.

Experts recommend avoiding any products that contain benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can be dangerous for young children. This is where gum massages and cold foods offer a much safer alternative.

Best Teething Toys and Tools

Teething rings are one of the most popular ways to help toddlers manage sore gums. (And let’s be honest, they offer some pretty fun and funny options for parents.)

You’ll want to choose a solid, firm teething ring that can be cooled in the fridge but not frozen, since very hard surfaces can damage your baby’s gums and developing teeth. While they exist on the market, I would personally avoid teethers filled with liquid or gel, since they could leak or break open.

You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a teether made from BPA-free materials and free of small parts. And while you would assume a baby teether would be made for, well, babies, it’s always a good practice to double-check labels to make sure the product is safe for your toddler’s age.

When to Use Medication

Let’s start this section out by saying that it’s always best to check with your child’s pediatrician before giving them any medication or even natural supplements.

With that said, medicines like liquid children’s acetaminophen, paracetamol, or ibuprofen are generally considered safe for children three months and older, as long as you follow age and weight guidelines. In contrast, products containing aspirin, benzocaine, or lidocaine are not considered safe for young children.

In general, it’s best to give your child medication only if and when other methods (gum massage, chilled foods, teething toys and tools, etc) have been exhausted and failed to provide relief. And even then, you shouldn’t administer medication for extended periods of time.

When to Seek Professional Advice

Most teething symptoms can be successfully managed at home, but it’s important to recognize when it’s time to consult with your healthcare provider!

Recognizing Serious Symptoms

Normal teething can cause fussiness, drooling, and mild discomfort. However, you’ll want to consult your child’s pediatrician if they experience any of these symptoms, as they could indicate a more serious illness:

• High fever (over 100.4°F/38°C)
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash
• Refusing to eat or drink for several hours
• Swelling or redness in the gums that gets worse
• Frequent or intense crying that you can’t soothe

Scheduling the First Dental Visit

And while we’re talking about healthcare professionals, we can’t forget the dentist! Experts recommend scheduling your child’s first dentist visit by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth.

I get it…it seems silly to take your baby and their one tooth to the dentist, right?

But early visits can help dentists track tooth growth, spot problems early on, and offer you personalized advice for dental care at home. Plus, starting early can help your child get used to and feel more comfortable with dental visits and exams.

Not sure if you’re too early to book a visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends starting dental care early if in doubt, rather than waiting until a problem happens.

Caring for a Toddler’s Teeth During Teething

Again, your child only has a few teeth…it can feel really silly brushing one little snaggle tooth.

But there’s a lot more to toddler oral hygiene than that tiny toothbrush! Practicing good dental and gum care during teething can help prevent tooth decay, plus lower the potential for problems as new teeth come in.

Oral Hygiene Tips

You’ll want to start cleaning your child’s mouth early.

Wipe their gums with a clean, damp washcloth before any teeth appear. And as soon as you see your baby’s first tooth, use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush with water. (Avoid using toothpaste with fluoride until your child learns how to spit.)

Brush gently twice a day, covering both the front and back of your baby’s teeth. Make brushing a part of their daily routine to help your child become comfortable with oral care.

Choosing a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Speaking of infant-sized toothbrushes, you’ll want to pick an infant toothbrush with a small head, soft bristles, and a comfortable handle. Look for brushes labeled “age 0-2” or “for toddlers.”

Wash the toothbrush after each use and store it upright to air dry. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toddler’s toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles look worn.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Believe it or not, tooth decay can start soon after your child’s first tooth appears! This is why it’s important to never send your toddler to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice, as these can sit on their teeth overnight and cause cavities.

Avoid sugary drinks or snacks throughout the day as much as possible, and offer water between meals and after snacks to help rinse their teeth and gums. The American Dental Association also recommends regular dental checkups to monitor for signs of early decay.

And there you have it…teething symptoms in your toddler, what to do about them, and how to give your child the best shot at healthy teeth and gums!

It’s a tough stage, I know from (long, torturous) experience. But you’ll get there! I know it.

You’ve got this, friend!

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