Is My Baby Teething?

Your baby's first teeth will usually begin erupting around six months of age. Many parents wonder, though, why their baby begins drooling and mouthing objects at around three months of age.

Drooling, or excessive salivation, normally begins at about three months; once your baby has teeth to hold the drool in his mouth, it will less. At about three months of age your baby also becomes eager to explore and learn about the world. Babies love to do this by putting everything right in the mouth! This way they can learn about what it is they are holding. Many parents mistake this love of learning for teething. Most babies begin teething around six months of age.

Signs of teething:

• Most babies have no pain associated with teething
• Some babies may seem uncomfortable and restless, and rub at their gums

What can you do to ease your baby's discomfort?

• Giving your baby a clean, hard object to chew-one that is big enough to prevent choking-may help to relieve any pain or tension in the gums.
• Try a hard, rubber teething ring, or even a hard cookie or crust of bread.
• Simply rubbing your baby's gum with your finger for one to two minutes often relieves teething discomfort.
• Many parents find that a wet washcloth placed in the freezer for 30 minutes for their baby to chew on is very effective. Still other babies respond well to non-aspirin pain reliever to relieve their discomfort
• Remember, every child is different. What works for some children may not work for your child.

Call your baby's nurse practitioner or doctor if teething is accompanied by:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Excessive crying or irritability

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011