Children's dental guide

4 min read

Teething: what parents and carers should know

Teething can cause mild gum discomfort, dribbling or chewing, but serious illness, high fever or severe symptoms should not be assumed to be teething.

Babies vary in when teeth come through and how they react. Some have mild gum soreness, dribbling or a desire to chew.

Teething should not be used to explain every symptom. If a baby has a high temperature, severe diarrhoea, poor feeding, dehydration signs or seems very unwell, seek appropriate healthcare advice.

At a glance

Common signs

Mild symptoms

Some babies dribble more, chew objects or have red, sore gums.
Sleep and feeding may be unsettled for some babies.
Teething patterns vary between babies.

Start tooth care

First teeth

Start brushing as soon as teeth come through.
Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Ask a dentist or health visitor if you are unsure.

Do not assume

Illness signs

High fever or severe diarrhoea should not be put down to teething alone.
Poor feeding, dehydration signs or a very unwell baby needs healthcare advice.
Mouth swelling, injury or bleeding should be assessed promptly.

Contents

Teething is a normal stage, but illness needs separate advice

Mild gum symptoms can happen when teeth come through. More severe symptoms may have another cause and should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Possible causes or contributing factors

Baby teeth moving through the gum.
Normal variation in timing of tooth eruption.
Other illnesses can occur at the same age and may be mistaken for teething.

What you can do now

Offer safe comfort such as gentle gum rubbing or a clean teething ring if suitable.
Start brushing new teeth with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Keep a calm routine and seek advice if symptoms worry you.

What not to do

Do not use unverified teething products.
Do not assume high fever, severe diarrhoea or serious illness is caused by teething.
Do not give medicine dosing from this guide.

When to ask for advice

You are concerned about how teeth are coming through.
You see marks, swelling, injury or bleeding around the mouth.
You want advice about brushing new teeth or a first dental visit.

When prompt advice is needed

There is mouth injury, significant swelling or bleeding.
A tooth appears damaged or a baby seems in significant mouth pain.
Symptoms are severe, worsening or not fitting usual teething patterns.

What a dentist or relevant professional may assess or do

Check the mouth where appropriate.
Discuss tooth eruption, brushing and fluoride toothpaste.
Direct you to medical advice if symptoms are not likely to be dental.

Frequently asked questions

Can teething cause a high fever?

Do not assume a high temperature is teething. Seek health advice if your baby has a fever or seems unwell.

When should I start brushing baby teeth?

NHS guidance says to start brushing as soon as teeth begin to come through, using a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Should I use teething gels or products?

Ask a pharmacist, health visitor or clinician before using products. This guide does not recommend unverified teething products or medicine dosing.

Read children's dental guidance

Browse Odenta guides for parents and carers, and seek professional advice if your baby seems unwell or symptoms concern you.

Browse children's dental guides

Official sources

These links open external official guidance pages for further help.

Content reviewed by Dr Majid Saeed · 13 July 2026

References used for this guide are listed above.

Was this page helpful?

Your response is saved on this device for now.