Teething or Something More? How to Read the Signs in Babies and Toddlers
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Reading time: four minutes.
Babies can’t tell you what hurts, but their symptoms can. Teething is a normal milestone, and it often comes with drooling, fussiness, and disrupted sleep. But when those signs overlap with illness, it’s not always easy to tell what is going on. Is your baby simply cutting a tooth, or is something else causing their discomfort?
In this blog, we will walk you through how to tell the difference. From common teething behaviors to red flags that may point to illness, you will learn how to read the signs and know when to call your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Teething is a normal milestone, but it should not make your baby feel truly sick. If symptoms seem severe or unusual—like a high fever, vomiting, or refusal to eat—it may be more than just teething. Trust your instincts and reach out to your pediatric dentist or pediatrician for guidance.
Common Signs of Teething
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months. These symptoms are common during this stage and tend to come and go as new teeth erupt:
- Swollen or red gums, sometimes with a visible tooth pushing through.
- Fussiness or irritability, especially during feedings or while sucking.
- Excess drooling, which can also lead to mild skin irritation around the mouth.
- Frequent biting or chewing on hands, toys, or nearby objects.
- Grinding of teeth after the top and bottom teeth come in, often as a reaction to new sensations in the mouth.
Learn About The 5 Stages of Teething
Red Flags That May Signal Illness
While teething can cause discomfort, it should not make your baby feel truly ill. Look out for these signs that may indicate a health issue:
- High fever (over 100.4°F): Teething might cause a slight rise in temperature, but not a true fever.
- Diarrhea or vomiting: These are not normal teething symptoms and may signal infection.
- Persistent crying: If your baby cannot be consoled, it is worth investigating.
- Pulling at the ears: This could be a sign of an ear infection.
- Lack of appetite or refusal to drink: Can lead to dehydration and may indicate more than teething.
- Rash on the body (not just from drool): Some viral infections start this way.
If something feels off, it is always worth a call to your pediatrician. You know your baby best.
Ways to Soothe Teething Discomfort
These simple techniques can help ease your baby’s teething symptoms:
- Gently massage the gums using a clean finger or a chilled teething toy.
- Offer a cold, damp washcloth or spoon for your baby to chew on.
- Provide firm, non-gel teething rings—just be sure they are not frozen solid.
- Skip teething gels, which can be unsafe for infants.
- Keep the skin around the mouth dry to prevent drool-related rashes.
Schedule a Dental Exam for Your in McKinney
Your baby’s first dental visit should happen by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth. These early exams help monitor teething, catch potential issues early, and give you peace of mind as your child grows. If you have questions about teething or anything else, our team at Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry is here to help.
Schedule a dental exam at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or visit us at 5323 W University Dr #100, McKinney, Texas.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Frisco, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX
FAQs
Teething can cause mild symptoms like drooling, crankiness, or a slight rise in temperature. If your child has a true fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or seems unusually unwell, it is likely more than just teething.
Gentle gum massages, chilled teething toys, and extra cuddles can go a long way. A cold washcloth or spoon to chew on may also soothe sore gums. Keep the area around the mouth dry to prevent irritation from drool.
Tooth grinding, or bruxism, often starts when a few top and bottom teeth have come in. Babies may grind to explore new sensations, relieve teething pressure, or respond to changes in routine. It is usually temporary and harmless.
Sucking on a pacifier can offer comfort during teething, especially if your baby is fussy. While pacifiers do not directly soothe the gums, they can be part of your baby’s self-soothing routine. Just be sure to keep them clean and replace them as needed.