teething on one side

Overview

Teething on one side means your baby or toddler shows teething symptoms, like sore gums, drooling, or chewing, mainly on one side of the mouth. This usually happens because a tooth is coming through on that side first. It is a normal part of teething and not usually a cause for worry.

Yes. Many parents notice teething on one side first because baby teeth often come through one at a time, not in perfect pairs.

Babies and toddlers, usually between 6 and 30 months, when primary (baby) teeth are coming in.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sore or swollen gums on one side
• Extra drooling
• Chewing on fingers, fists, or toys more than usual
• Mild fussiness or irritability
• A slightly raised temperature (not a high fever)
• Reduced appetite for solid foods

Symptoms in children

• In older children, one-sided gum soreness can happen when a permanent tooth is coming through on that side.
• If your older child has one-sided gum pain that lasts more than a few days, ask a dentist or doctor to check it.

Symptoms in older adults

• Teething is a normal part of childhood only. If an adult has one-sided jaw or gum pain, it is not teething and should be checked by a dentist or doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• A tooth pushing through the gum on that side
• The matching tooth on the other side is simply not ready yet
• Mild gum inflammation where the tooth is emerging

Risk factors

• Normal variation in tooth eruption order
• Age 6 to 24 months
• No known medical risk factors; one-sided teething is not a sign of illness

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a fever, seems very unwell, or you notice signs of infection, contact your doctor or your local health advice line (such as NHS 111 in the UK) for guidance.
• If your child is refusing to drink, has a very sore mouth, or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical care the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If one-sided gum soreness lasts longer than a few days, or if no tooth appears after many weeks, mention it at your child's next check-up.
• Bring up any concerns about teething at your child's routine health reviews.

Diagnosis

Teething is usually diagnosed by a doctor, dentist, or health visitor based on your child's age, symptoms, and a gentle look inside the mouth. There is no special test for teething.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed.
• A health professional may check your child's gums, temperature, and general health to make sure symptoms are not caused by something else.

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment will be quick and gentle. You can describe when you noticed the one-sided symptoms and how your child is feeding, sleeping, and behaving.

Treatment

Teething on one side is not an illness, so it does not need medical treatment. The goal is to comfort your child while the tooth naturally breaks through the gum.

Self-care at home

• Give your child a clean, cool teething ring to chew on (chilled in the fridge, not frozen).
• Gently rub the sore gum with a clean finger or a soft, damp cloth.
• Offer cold, soft foods if your child is eating solids, such as plain yoghurt or mashed fruit.
• Wipe drool away gently to prevent a sore rash on the chin or cheeks.
• Comfort and cuddle your child more than usual during fussy moments.

Medical treatments

If pain seems to affect your child's sleep or feeding, a pharmacist or doctor can advise on child-safe pain relief. Always follow their guidance and the correct dose for your child's age. Never use teething gels or products that are not recommended for babies. Do not give any medicine without checking with a healthcare professional first.

When is surgery considered?

Not relevant to teething.

Living with this condition

One-sided teething usually settles within a few days as the tooth breaks through. Keep your normal routine as much as possible and offer extra cuddles when your child is uncomfortable.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep clean teething toys handy so your child can chew safely.
• Protect your child's skin with a soft bib if drooling is heavy.
• Clean your child's gums with a soft cloth after feeding.
• Try calm activities, like reading or singing, to distract from discomfort.

Diet and exercise

If your baby is on solids, offer soft, cool foods. Continue normal feeding and activity as your child tolerates. There is no need to restrict movement or play.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Caring for a fussy teething baby can be tiring and stressful for parents. It is normal to feel frustrated or exhausted. Take breaks when you can, share night duties with a partner or family member if possible, and ask for help when you need it.

Prevention

Teething is a natural process and cannot be prevented. One-sided teething is simply the order in which your child's teeth happen to appear. You can help by keeping their mouth and gums clean and offering safe things to chew on.

Vaccines

Vaccines are not related to teething. Keep your child's routine vaccinations up to date to protect them from infections.

Screening programmes

No special screening is needed for teething. Routine dental check-ups from around age 1 will help monitor tooth development.

Complications

If left untreated

• Teething on one side does not require treatment. However, if the symptoms are actually due to an infection or another problem, leaving that cause untreated could lead to worse symptoms like fever, pain, or swelling.
• Rarely, a baby tooth on one side may be delayed. Your dentist or doctor can check if there is a concern.

Long-term outlook

Most children go through teething with only mild discomfort. Even if one side seems slower, the other tooth usually follows within weeks. With comfort, patience, and a little extra care, this phase will pass and your child will be back to normal.

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