teething at night

Overview

Teething is when your baby's first teeth break through their gums. Many babies feel more discomfort at night because there are fewer distractions and they are lying down. This can make it harder for them (and you) to get a good night's sleep, but it is a normal and temporary part of growing up.

Very common. Most babies experience some teething discomfort, and night-time waking is one of the most frequent concerns parents have during this phase.

Teething affects infants and toddlers, usually from around 6 months old, although some babies start at 3 months and others not until after their first birthday. It can continue until around age 3, when the final molars come in.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Drooling more than usual
• Chewing on fingers, fists, or objects
• Sore, swollen, or tender gums
• More fussy or irritable than usual
• Mildly flushed cheeks
• Disturbed sleep, especially at night

Symptoms in children

• Waking up more often during the night
• Crying or fussing after settling
• Harder time falling back asleep
• Wanting extra comforting, feeding, or cuddles
• Rubbing their cheek or ear on one side
• Signs of gum discomfort when lying flat

Symptoms in older adults

• Not applicable. Teething only affects infants and toddlers while their baby teeth are emerging.

Causes

Main causes

• Baby teeth pushing through the gums causes inflammation and soreness.
• At night, there are fewer distractions, so babies may notice the discomfort more.
• Lying down can increase pressure in the head and gums, making the pain feel worse.
• Teething can lead to more drooling, which can irritate the skin around the mouth and make babies more uncomfortable.

Risk factors

• Being between 6 and 12 months old, when the first teeth typically appear
• Having molars come in, which are larger and can be more painful than front teeth
• A family history of teething difficulties (though the process is similar for all babies)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek urgent medical care if your baby has a high fever, is very lethargic, won't drink, or shows any of the emergency signs listed above.
• If you are ever unsure how sick your baby seems, trust your instincts and contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment with your health visitor, GP, or paediatrician if the teething symptoms are severe or lasting longer than a week.
• If your baby has no teeth by 13–14 months and you're worried, ask a healthcare professional to check their development.
• If you are having difficulty coping with the disrupted sleep, talk to your health visitor or GP for advice and support.

Diagnosis

Teething is usually diagnosed by recognising the typical symptoms in a baby of the right age. There is no special test. A healthcare professional will look at your baby's mouth and gums and ask about their symptoms and general health.

Tests that may be done

• No laboratory tests are needed for ordinary teething.
• If there are signs of infection or another problem, the doctor may examine the ears, throat, or gums and decide if any further checks are needed.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor or nurse will gently look inside your baby's mouth to see if teeth are coming through. They will also check for other possible causes of the symptoms, such as an ear infection or a viral illness. They will likely reassure you and give you advice on comfort measures and safe pain relief.

Treatment

There is no cure for teething because it's a natural process. Treatment concentrates on easing discomfort and helping your baby (and you) get more rest. Simple, non-medical comfort measures usually work very well. Always check with a pharmacist, health visitor, or doctor before giving any medicine to a baby.

Self-care at home

• Gently massage your baby's gums with a clean finger.
• Offer a cooled (but not frozen) teething ring or clean, damp cloth to chew on.
• Let your baby chew on a cooled banana, cucumber, or a bagel if they are weaned and can handle food.
• Wipe away drool with a soft cloth to prevent skin irritation.
• Offer extra breastfeeds or bottle feeds — sucking and swallowing can be soothing.
• Use a calm, consistent bedtime routine to help your baby settle.
• Try holding or gently rocking your baby at night if they are upset.
• Avoid teething necklaces, amber beads, or any jewellery — these are choking and strangulation hazards.
• Do not rub alcohol or any gel containing sugary or numbing medicine on the gums unless advised by a professional.
• Never give aspirin to a baby or child.

Medical treatments

For babies who are very uncomfortable, a pharmacist, health visitor, or doctor may recommend an age-appropriate infant pain relief medicine. Always follow the dosing instructions exactly, and never give more than the recommended amount for your baby's age and weight. Some teething gels are available over the counter, but they should only be used on professional advice for babies under two years old. Never use any medicine that contains local anaesthetics such as lidocaine without explicit guidance from a healthcare professional.

Living with this condition

Teething at night is a phase you and your baby can get through together. During the day, look out for swollen gums and let your baby chew on safe objects. At night, respond gently to crying, offer comfort feeding or a cuddle, and try to keep the room dark and quiet to help your baby settle again. It may help to take turns with your partner so both of you can get some rest.

Lifestyle tips

• Stick to a regular bedtime and nap schedule as much as possible.
• Create a soothing wind-down routine: a warm bath, a gentle massage, and quiet time.
• Offer positive attention and cuddles during the day to make your baby feel secure.
• Look after your own sleep by napping when your baby naps, if you can.
• Accept help from family or friends so you can rest.
• Avoid using screen time or toys in the cot at night.

Diet and exercise

Continue with your baby's normal milk feeds — breastmilk or formula — as often as needed. If your baby is eating solid foods, cool, soft foods like yoghurt, pureed fruit, or porridge can be soothing. Avoid giving your baby sugary drinks or juice, especially at night, as this can damage teeth. Gentle play and tummy time during the day help your baby develop, but avoid vigorous activity right before bed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Broken sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and stressed. It's important to remember that this phase will end. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or tearful, talk to your partner, a friend, your GP, or a mental health support service. Your wellbeing matters for both you and your baby. If you ever feel you are struggling to cope, seek help — you are not alone.

Prevention

Teething cannot be prevented, as it is a natural stage of your baby's development. But you can prevent many of the sleep problems by planning ahead: offer comfort items, maintain a consistent bedtime routine, and avoid over-using medicine. You cannot stop teeth from coming through, but you can reduce the night-time distress.

Complications

If left untreated

• Teething itself doesn't cause serious complications.
• If a high fever or other concerning symptoms are mistaken for teething, an underlying infection could go untreated for longer than necessary.
• Prolonged lack of sleep for both parent and baby can affect family wellbeing and everyday functioning.
• Excessive drool and chewing on hard objects can cause mild skin irritation or sore gums, but these resolve with care.

Long-term outlook

Teething is a temporary phase that passes as each tooth emerges. Most babies are back to their normal sleep patterns within a few days to a couple of weeks. Your efforts to comfort and soothe your baby are doing real good, and this challenging period will soon be a distant memory.

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