screening for teething

Overview

Teething is the process when a baby’s first teeth push through the gums. It is a normal part of growing up, not a disease. For most children, teething causes mild discomfort, but it can sometimes be confused with other illnesses. This article explains the usual signs of teething, how to comfort your child, and when to contact a healthcare provider.

Yes. Teething is a natural event that every child goes through as their baby teeth (milk teeth) come in. It is one of the most common mild concerns parents bring to health visitors and family doctors.

Teething affects babies and toddlers, typically between 4 and 24 months of age. It begins when the first teeth, usually the bottom front teeth, start to break through the gums. Every child is different, so the exact age varies.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Drooling more than usual
• Chewing or biting on fingers, toys, or teething rings
• Mild gum swelling or redness where a tooth is coming in
• Fussiness or irritability, especially in the evening
• Slightly more restless sleep than usual

Symptoms in children

• The same signs as above, which may come in waves around each tooth
• Some babies may refuse to eat or drink because their mouths feel sore
• Others may become more clingy or want extra cuddles
• A slightly raised temperature (less than 38°C / 100.4°F) is sometimes seen, but high fever is not a normal teething sign

Causes

Main causes

• Baby teeth moving up and cutting through the gums is the direct cause of teething symptoms.
• This natural process can cause irritation, swelling, and pressure in the gums, which leads to discomfort.
• Teething is not caused by any infection or illness.

Risk factors

• There are no known risk factors for teething itself — it happens to every child.
• Some children may have more sensitive gums and show more symptoms, but this is not predictable.
• Early or late teething is usually normal, but very delayed tooth eruption can sometimes be linked to other health conditions.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby has a fever, seems very unwell, or shows any emergency signs listed above, seek medical help immediately.
• If your child refuses fluids or shows signs of dehydration, contact a healthcare provider the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If teething symptoms last longer than 1–2 weeks and your baby seems miserable despite comfort, speak to your health visitor or GP.
• If you notice swollen, bleeding, or receding gums in your child, or if a tooth does not come through after several weeks of mouth pain, ask a dentist.
• If your child is over 18 months and has no teeth, ask a healthcare professional for a check-up.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test for teething. A doctor, nurse, health visitor, or dentist will ask about your child’s symptoms, examine their mouth, and check the gums for swelling or the tip of a tooth. They will also ask if there are any worrying signs like high fever or poor feeding, to make sure it is not an illness such as an ear infection.

Tests that may be done

• No blood tests or scans are needed to diagnose teething.
• Sometimes a doctor might check a urine sample or examine the ears and throat if they suspect another cause for the symptoms.

What to expect at your appointment

A healthcare professional will listen to your concerns and check your child’s overall health. They will help you tell the difference between normal teething and symptoms that need more attention. They may advise you on simple comfort measures and let you know when to check back.

Treatment

Teething does not need medical treatment. The goal is to comfort your child and manage mild soreness at home. You can try several safe, gentle methods, and there are also non-medical products available. If you ever feel that your child’s pain is severe or unusual, speak to a healthcare professional.

Self-care at home

• Let your child chew on a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold, damp washcloth.
• Gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger.
• Give plenty of cool, unsweetened drinks (or breast milk/formula for younger babies) to keep them hydrated.
• Offer soft, cool foods like plain yogurt or mashed fruit if your child is eating solids.
• Wipe away drool regularly to prevent a rash around the mouth or chin.
• Give extra cuddles and comfort; sometimes distraction is the best tool.

Medical treatments

If home comfort is not enough, a pharmacist or healthcare provider may suggest a simple, sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen product that is appropriate for your child’s age and weight. Always follow the exact dose and timing instructions on the label or given by your pharmacist. Never give over-the-counter teething gels or homeopathic remedies to babies unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised them, as many are not safe or effective.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is never needed for teething. In very rare cases where a tooth is impacted or causes a painful cyst, a dentist may need to remove it, but this is extremely unusual in baby teeth.

Living with this condition

Teething comes and goes for a couple of years. During your child’s teething days, keep a small supply of clean teething rings and washcloths ready. You can gently check the gums with a clean finger to see if a tooth feels close. Comfort and patience are the most important things you can offer.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a predictable routine for sleeping and feeding, even if your baby is fussier.
• Avoid letting your child chew on hard plastic, wood, or anything that could break and cause choking.
• Start good oral hygiene as soon as the first tooth appears — clean it twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste (ask your dentist for advice).

Diet and exercise

Teething does not require any special diet. Breast milk, formula, or water are enough for young babies. If your child eats solids, some cool, soft foods can be soothing. Avoid foods that are sharp, sticky, or very sugary, especially at bedtime, to protect new teeth.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It can be emotionally tiring to see your baby uncomfortable and to be woken at night. It is normal to feel frustrated or worried sometimes. Remember that teething is temporary. Take care of yourself too — ask a partner, friend, or family member to help so you can rest. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your health visitor or GP.

Prevention

Teething cannot be prevented — it is a natural part of growth. But you can prevent the common problems that go along with it, like nappy rash from drool and early tooth decay, by cleaning your child’s gums and teeth regularly and wiping away excess drool.

Vaccines

Vaccinations do not prevent teething, but it is important to keep your child’s routine vaccinations up to date so you can feel confident that a fever or other symptoms are not caused by a vaccine-preventable illness.

Screening programmes

There is no formal screening test for teething. Instead, well-child reviews at 6–12 months and the schedule of dental check-ups from age 1 help monitor dental development. Ask your health visitor or dentist when your child should have their first dental visit.

Complications

Long-term outlook

The outlook is excellent. Teething is a normal, passing stage in every child’s development. The discomfort usually lasts only a few days around each new tooth, and babies continue to grow and develop normally. With simple comfort and good oral hygiene, your child’s baby teeth will guide the way for a healthy smile.

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