Silent Signs of Teething Every Parent Must Know
Is your usually cheerful baby suddenly irritable without an obvious reason? While many parents anticipate classic teething symptoms like drooling and gum swelling, teething can also manifest through subtle signs that are easy to overlook. Your little one might be reaching for a teether more often or displaying fussiness during feeding. Recognising these silent indicators can help you provide comfort during this challenging phase.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies start teething around six months, but like everything baby-related, there's a wide range of "normal." Some little ones might sprout their first tooth as early as three months, while others may take their sweet time and not get their first pearly white until closer to their first birthday.
| Tooth Type | Upper Jaw (Erupts) | Lower Jaw (Erupts) | Expected Shedding Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Incisors | 8–12 months | 6–10 months | 6–7 years |
| Lateral Incisors | 9–13 months | 10–16 months | 7–8 years |
| Canines (Cuspids) | 16–22 months | 17–23 months | 9–12 years |
| First Molars | 13–19 months | 14–18 months | 9–11 years |
| Second Molars | 25–33 months | 23–31 months | 10–12 years |
Teething can bring along a whole host of symptoms—drooling, irritability, gum swelling, and even mild sleep disruptions. But every baby is different! Some seem to breeze through it, while others make sure everyone in the house knows about it
Silent Signs of Teething
While some teething symptoms are overt, others are more subdued:
1. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Teething discomfort can disrupt your baby's usual sleep routine. They might wake more frequently during the night or have shorter naps. This restlessness is often due to gum soreness, especially as new teeth push through.
2. Decreased Appetite or Trouble Nursing
The pressure of sucking or chewing can exacerbate gum pain, leading to a reduced interest in feeding. Babies might pull away from the breast or bottle or refuse solid foods they previously enjoyed. This change in eating habits can be a subtle hint of teething.
3. Ear Pulling and Cheek Rubbing
Teething pain can radiate to the ears and cheeks due to shared nerve pathways. As a result, babies might tug at their ears or rub their cheeks, mistaking the referred discomfort for earaches. It's essential to differentiate this from actual ear infections; if in doubt, consult a paediatrician.
4. Mild Temperature Elevation
A slight rise in body temperature can accompany teething, but it shouldn't exceed 38°C. High fevers are not typical teething symptoms and may indicate an underlying illness. Always monitor your baby's temperature and seek medical advice if it escalates.
5. Increased Drooling
Excessive drooling is a common teething sign, but the extent can vary. Some babies may drool more subtly, leading to mild facial rashes or chapped skin around the mouth and chin. Keeping the area dry can help prevent irritation.
6. Gum Changes Without Obvious Swelling
While swollen gums are a well-known teething symptom, some babies experience gum discomfort without noticeable inflammation. Gently running a clean finger along your baby's gums can help detect emerging teeth.
How Many Teeth Does a Child Have?
By the time all primary teeth have erupted, a child will have 20 baby teeth—10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. These include:
- 4 central incisors
- 4 lateral incisors
- 4 canines
- 8 molars
These teeth serve essential functions in chewing, speech development, and maintaining space for permanent teeth.
Baby's Teeth Order of Appearance
Understanding the sequence in which baby teeth emerge can provide insights into your child's teething process:
- Lower central incisors: 6–10 months
- Upper central incisors: 8–12 months
- Upper lateral incisors: 9–13 months
- Lower lateral incisors: 10–16 months
- First molars: 13–19 months
- Canines: 16–22 months
- Second molars: 25–33 months
Does Teething Cause Fever?
It's a common misconception that teething causes significant fevers. While a slight temperature increase is possible, a true fever (over 38°C) is not a typical teething symptom. If your baby develops a high fever, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.
How to Soothe Teething Discomfort
Alleviating teething discomfort can make this period more manageable for both baby and parents:
Teething Toys: Provide firm rubber teething rings or chilled (not frozen) toys for your baby to chew on, offering counter-pressure to emerging teeth.
Gum Massage: Gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger or a damp washcloth can help ease discomfort by applying gentle pressure.
Cold Therapy: Chilled (but not frozen) teethers, a refrigerated washcloth, or even a cold spoon can provide relief by numbing sore gums. Avoid anything too hard that could cause damage.
Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding Adjustments: Some babies find comfort in nursing during teething, while others may refuse it due to gum pain. If your baby struggles, try offering a bottle with a softer nipple or adjusting their feeding position.
Teething Biscuits or Chilled Fruits (for Older Babies): If your baby has started solids, chilled cucumber sticks or cold fruit purees can be soothing and safe options. Always supervise to prevent choking.
Pain Relief (As Advised by a Doctor): If your baby is particularly uncomfortable, a paediatrician may recommend baby-safe pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (for babies over six months). Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine, as they can be harmful.
When to See a Doctor
While teething can be uncomfortable, it shouldn't cause severe distress or illness. Contact your paediatrician if you notice:
- A high fever (above 38°C): Unlike popular belief, teething does not cause significant fevers. If your baby has a high temperature, look for other causes like infections.
- Persistent diarrhoea: While some babies have slightly looser stools due to increased saliva swallowing, frequent or watery diarrhoea could indicate a virus or food intolerance.
- Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period: Mild appetite changes are normal, but prolonged refusal to eat or drink can lead to dehydration.
- Severe irritability: Some fussiness is expected, but extreme or inconsolable crying could indicate an ear infection, sore throat, or another issue beyond teething.
Every baby experiences teething differently—some breeze through it with minimal discomfort, while others struggle with every new tooth. Providing a teether can be a simple yet effective way to help soothe sore gums. Being aware of both the common and silent signs of teething can help you navigate this phase with confidence.
By offering comfort measures and keeping a close eye on your baby's symptoms, you can ease their discomfort and support their dental development. And remember, if you're ever in doubt, trust your parental instincts and consult a healthcare professional.