Your baby may start teething at any time during the first year. It's difficult to know when a tooth will erupt unless you can actually see or feel the tooth. Most babies begin drooling and putting objects in their mouths around 4 months of age, but this does not mean they are teething.
Teething may make some babies fussy or irritable. But, it is important to note that teething does not cause a high fever. If your baby appears sick or has a fever, please call your baby's doctor.
If you think your baby is uncomfortable because of teething, you can help by:
- Letting your baby suck on a cold teething toy.
- Using acetaminophen as directed by your baby's doctor. Make sure to follow the doctor's instructions and do not use for more than 48 hours.
- Avoiding topical medications like Orojel or Numzit, which may lead to allergies.