Quick Answer
Yes, teething (daant aana) is a normal part of your baby’s development and typically starts around 6 months of age. Your baby may be fussy, drool more, and want to chew on everything - this is all part of the natural process. While teething can be uncomfortable, it does NOT cause high fever or severe illness. Teething does not cause high fever, vomiting, or loose motions — if your baby has these, see a doctor; do not assume it is teething. Don’t worry, mummy-papa - this phase will pass!
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most Indian babies start teething between 4-7 months, though some may start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Here’s the typical daant aana timeline:
Teething Timeline by Age
| Age | Teeth Expected |
|---|---|
| 6-10 months | Lower front teeth (incisors) first |
| 8-12 months | Upper front teeth |
| 9-13 months | Upper lateral incisors |
| 10-16 months | Lower lateral incisors |
| 13-19 months | First molars |
| 16-23 months | Canines (pointed teeth) |
| 23-33 months | Second molars |
Remember: Every baby is different. Some babies get their first daant at 4 months, others at 10 months - both are usually normal!
Common Teething Symptoms (Daant Aane Ke Lakshan)
Normal Symptoms - Don’t Worry About These:
- Excessive drooling (raal tapakna): Bibs will become your best friend!
- Chewing on everything: Fingers, toys, your dupatta - nothing is safe
- Swollen, tender gums: Gums may look red and puffy where tooth is coming
- Mild fussiness and crying: Especially in the evening and at night
- Disturbed sleep: Baby may wake up more often
- Pulling at ears: Due to referred pain from gums
- Mild loss of appetite: Gums are sore, so eating may be uncomfortable
- Slight increase in temperature: Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature but should not cause a true fever (100.4°F/38°C or above)
- Cheek rubbing: Baby may rub their cheeks or chin
What Teething Does NOT Cause:
Many parents and even dadi-nani believe teething causes:
- High fever (above 100.4°F/38°C) - No, see a doctor
- Diarrhea (loose motions) - No, this needs evaluation
- Vomiting - No, consult doctor
- Severe rash - No, get it checked
- Cold and cough - No, this is a separate infection If your baby has these symptoms, they may have an infection that needs medical attention - don’t blame it on teething!
Age-Specific Teething Guide
4-6 Months: Early Teething
- Some babies show signs even before teeth appear
- Increased drooling and chewing
- May refuse breast or bottle briefly due to gum discomfort
- Tip: Chilled teething rings work well
6-12 Months: Peak Teething Time
- First teeth usually appear
- Multiple teeth may come together
- Night waking is common
- Tip: Frozen banana pieces or cold cucumber for relief
12-24 Months: Molars Arrive
- Molars cause more discomfort (bigger teeth)
- Toddler may be extra cranky
- Can point to where it hurts
- Tip: Teething biscuits like Farex or Cerelac teethers help
Safe Home Remedies for Teething (Gharelu Nuskhe)
1. Chilled Teething Toys
- Keep teething rings in the fridge (NOT freezer - too cold can hurt gums)
- Silicone teethers are safe and easy to clean
- Brands like Chicco, Mee Mee, and Pigeon are good options
2. Cold Washcloth
- Wet a clean cloth, wring it out, chill in fridge for 30 minutes
- Let baby chew on it
- The texture and cold provide double relief
3. Gentle Gum Massage
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Use clean finger to gently rub baby’s gums
- Massage in circular motions for 2-3 minutes
- The pressure relieves pain
4. Chilled Foods (for 6+ months)
- Cold banana slices
- Chilled cucumber sticks (thick enough to prevent choking)
- Frozen fruit in mesh feeder
- Cold gajar (carrot) sticks
- Chilled apple slices
5. Teething Biscuits
- Farex teething biscuits (choose low-sugar variants and check the label)
- Cerelac teethers (choose low-sugar variants and check the label)
- Homemade ragi cookies (without sugar)
- Always supervise to prevent choking — never leave your baby alone with food, and keep them sitting upright while feeding
6. Distraction
- Sometimes the best medicine is distraction!
- Play with baby, go for walks
- New toys can take mind off discomfort
What NOT to Use for Teething
- Teething gels with benzocaine: Not recommended for babies - can cause serious problems
- Homeopathic teething tablets: Not proven safe or effective
- Amber teething necklaces: Choking and strangulation hazard
- Frozen teething toys: Too cold can damage gums
- Rubbing alcohol on gums: Never do this!
- Honey: Not safe for babies under 1 year
When to Give Medicine
If baby is very uncomfortable, you can give:
- Paracetamol (Crocin/Calpol): Dosed by your baby’s weight, not age — your pediatrician will confirm the exact mL of Crocin/Calpol for your baby’s weight. Syrup strengths differ (120 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml), so always check the bottle. Do not give to a baby under 3 months without a doctor seeing them first.
- Ibuprofen (Brufen): For babies 6 months and older Always consult your pediatrician for correct dosing. Do not exceed the doctor-advised frequency, and never combine or alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen without medical advice. Don’t give medicine routinely - only when baby is clearly in pain.
When to See a Doctor
Seek Medical Advice If:
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Rash that doesn’t go away
- Refusing to eat for more than 2 days
- Signs of dehydration: no wet nappy for 6-8 hours, no tears when crying, dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness/lethargy
- Unusual irritability that doesn’t improve
- Signs of ear infection (pulling at ears with fever)
- Teeth appear discolored or damaged
- No teeth by 18 months
Schedule a Dental Visit:
- First dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth
- Early check ensures healthy tooth development
Caring for New Teeth
Once daant aa jaye (teeth have arrived):
- Clean teeth twice daily:
- Use a soft baby toothbrush
- Just water for babies under 2
- Rice-grain sized fluoride toothpaste for 2+ years
- Avoid bottle in bed:
- Milk pooling causes tooth decay
- Give water if baby needs something to sleep
- Limit sugary foods:
- Avoid giving mithai, chocolate, or sugary biscuits to babies
- Fruits are naturally sweet and healthier
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: ‘Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.‘
FAQs
Q: My baby is 8 months old and has no teeth yet. Is this normal?
A: This is usually normal. Some babies don’t get their first tooth until 12-14 months. As long as baby is otherwise healthy and developing well, there’s no need to worry. The teeth will come when they’re ready. If there are still no teeth by 18 months, mention it to your pediatrician.
Q: Does teething cause fever?
A: Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but NOT a true fever. If your baby has a fever of 100.4°F/38°C or above, it’s likely due to an infection, not teething. Please consult your doctor.
Q: Can I give my baby something cold from the freezer to chew on?
A: Avoid frozen items as they can be too cold and damage delicate gums. Chilled (refrigerated) items are safer and just as effective.
Q: My mother-in-law says to rub honey on baby’s gums for teething. Is it safe?
A: No, honey should NOT be given to babies under 1 year as it can cause a serious condition called infant botulism. Politely explain this to family members.
Q: How long does teething pain last?
A: Each tooth may take several days to fully emerge. The worst discomfort is usually in the 2-3 days before the tooth breaks through.
Q: My teething baby has loose motions. What should I do?
A: Despite popular belief, teething does NOT cause diarrhea. If your baby has loose motions, they may have picked up an infection - possibly from putting things in their mouth during teething. Consult your pediatrician.
This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: February 2026
This article is general information for Indian parents, not a substitute for examination by your pediatrician. In an emergency, call 112 or 108.
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