Understanding Teething in Infants
Quick Answer
Yes, teething (daant aana) is completely normal 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. 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 completely 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: Up to 99.5°F (37.5°C) is okay
- 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
- Cerelac teethers
- Homemade ragi cookies (without sugar)
- Always supervise to prevent choking
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): Correct dose based on weight
- Ibuprofen (Brufen): For babies 6 months and older Always consult your pediatrician for correct dosing. 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
- 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: Absolutely 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.
Q: Does teething cause fever?
A: Teething may cause a slight increase in temperature (up to 99.5°F/37.5°C), but NOT high fever. If your baby has fever above 100.4°F/38°C, 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 takes about 8 days to fully emerge (4 days coming in, the day it appears, and 3 days after). 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: January 2025
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