teething that comes and goes

Overview

Teething is when baby teeth (milk teeth) push through the gums. Sometimes the signs of teething come and go over many weeks. Your baby may have sore gums for a few days, then seem fine, and then have sore gums again. This is normal and usually not a cause for worry.

Yes, teething is a normal part of every child's development, and it is very common for symptoms to come and go over several months.

It affects babies and toddlers, usually from around 4 months to 3 years old.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Drooling more than usual
• Chewing on fingers, toys, or other objects
• Fussiness or crying, especially for short periods
• Mild irritability or clinginess
• Slight rise in temperature (less than 100.4°F / 38°C)
• Waking a bit more at night

Symptoms in children

• Symptoms may come and go over weeks or months, with periods of calm in between.
• Some children may rub their cheeks or ears on the same side as the tooth coming in.
• Your child's appetite may change, but they should still drink and eat some foods.
• Many children are more unsettled just before a tooth breaks through the gum, then feel better.

Symptoms in older adults

• Teething does not affect older adults. This article is about babies and young children who are getting their baby teeth.

Causes

Main causes

• Baby teeth pushing up through the jawbone and gums.
• The tooth moving up and down a little as it erupts, which can cause symptoms to come and go.
• Pressure on the gum tissue as the tooth breaks through.
• A small build-up of fluid (a teething cyst) can sometimes form, which is harmless.

Risk factors

• Being between the ages of 4 months and 3 years.
• Some children have a family history of early or late teething.
• Nothing you do or don't do causes teething — it's a natural process.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, especially if they are under 6 months old.
• If your child is not drinking enough and may be dehydrated.
• If your child has severe pain, swelling, or bleeding from the gums.
• If your child is very lethargic, weak, or hard to wake.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child has no baby teeth by 18 months, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
• If you are worried about your child's symptoms, or if the symptoms don't improve after a few days.
• For a routine dental check-up by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth appears.

Diagnosis

Teething is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on your child's age and symptoms. The provider will gently look inside your child's mouth to see if the gums are swollen or a tooth is about to break through.

Tests that may be done

• No special tests are needed for teething.
• If there are signs of illness, the provider may check your child's temperature, ears, throat, or other areas to rule out infection.

What to expect at your appointment

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, how long they have had them, and whether they come and go. They will also check that your child is eating and drinking normally. You can then be reassured and given simple advice for soothing your child at home.

Treatment

Teething is a natural process, so treatment focuses on comforting your child and easing sore gums at home. Most babies only need gentle care and distraction.

Self-care at home

• Give your child something firm and safe to chew on, like a clean, damp washcloth that has been chilled in the fridge (never frozen).
• Use cooled teething rings – look for water-filled ones that are chilled, not frozen, as frozen rings can be too hard on young gums.
• Gently massage your child's gums with a clean finger or a soft silicone finger brush.
• Wipe away drool with a soft cloth to avoid a drool rash.
• Offer extra cuddles and comfort – this can help more than anything.
• If your child is weaning, cold foods like plain yogurt or mashed fruit (if age-appropriate) can soothe gums.
• Keep your child's teeth clean by brushing gently with a smear of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth appears – ask your health visitor or dentist about fluoride guidance.

Medical treatments

If home care is not enough, some parents use over-the-counter pain-relief gels or liquids. It is important to ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider which products are safe for your child's age, and never use more than the recommended amount. Some old-fashioned teething remedies (like alcohol-based or sugar-based products) are not safe and should be avoided. Your pharmacist or doctor can guide you to a suitable option.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for normal teething. In very rare cases, a tooth may get stuck (impacted) or a cyst may form, but this is not typical and would need a dentist's assessment.

Living with this condition

Teething symptoms come and go, so some days will be easier than others. On fussy days, offer extra comfort and safe things to chew. Keep a gentle routine and don't worry if your child eats a little less for a day or two as long as they are drinking.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a wet cloth or change of clothes handy for extra drooling.
• Try to maintain regular nap and bedtime routines, even if your child wakes more at night.
• Use a cool (not cold) teething ring before sleep to help soothe gums.
• Dress your child in layers so you can adjust to their temperature, but avoid adding blankets for older babies – follow safe sleep advice.

Diet and exercise

Teething is not a reason to stop normal activities. Offer plenty of fluids. For babies over 6 months who are eating solids, cold soft foods like cooked carrots, apple slices, or a chilled cucumber stick can be safe and soothing, but always supervise to prevent choking. Breastmilk or formula still provides most nutrition in the first year.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Teething can be exhausting for parents and caregivers, especially when symptoms come and go for many months. It is normal to feel frustrated or worried. Remember that teething is temporary. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break – place your child safely in a crib for a few minutes and step away. Caring for yourself helps you care for your child.

Prevention

No, teething cannot be prevented. It is a natural part of a child's growth. You can, however, help manage the symptoms and keep your child comfortable.

Vaccines

Teething does not interfere with routine vaccinations. Your baby can still receive their regular immunizations even if they are teething. If your child has a high fever or seems very ill, talk to your health visitor or doctor before going to a vaccine appointment.

Screening programmes

There is no screening test for teething. Regular check-ups with your health visitor and dental visits from age 1 help monitor your child's teeth and gums.

Complications

If left untreated

• Teething itself does not cause serious harm if it is not 'treated' – most babies get through it with simple home care.
• The main risk is mistaking a real illness (like an ear infection or a viral illness) for teething, which could delay necessary medical care.
• Very sore gums can make babies stop feeding, which can lead to dehydration if not noticed quickly.
• Constant drooling without wiping can cause a painful rash on the chin, cheeks, or neck.

Long-term outlook

Teething is a normal phase that every child goes through. The discomfort is temporary, and symptoms usually settle as each tooth breaks through. By the time your child is 3, they will likely have a full set of baby teeth, and the hardest part will be behind you. Most children forget the soreness quickly and go on to eat and smile normally. With simple care and patience, you and your child will get through this.

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