Baby Teething Guide: Signs, Symptoms & Natural Relief Methods
Teething is one of the most talked-about — and least well-explained — milestones in your baby's first year. This guide covers what's actually caused by teething (and what isn't), safe natural relief methods, and two things worth getting right for an Australian baby: when fluoride toothpaste should start, and which "natural" teething products carry real safety warnings.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is considered normal. There's no "right" timeline — some babies are born with a tooth already through, and others don't get their first until close to their first birthday. The order matters more than the exact age: teeth tend to follow the pattern in the timeline above, working from the front of the mouth backwards.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Every baby experiences teething a little differently, but a cluster of these signs — especially alongside increased drooling — usually points to teething rather than illness.
- Increased drooling — often one of the first signs, starting weeks before a tooth appears
- Chewing and biting — gnawing on anything within reach
- Swollen, sensitive gums — red or puffy areas where teeth are emerging
- Irritability and disrupted sleep — discomfort can make a usually settled baby fussier, especially overnight
- Ear-pulling or cheek-rubbing — referred pain from the gums can show up here
- Refusing food — sore gums can make eating uncomfortable for a day or two
A high fever (above 38°C), diarrhoea, vomiting, widespread rashes, or a cough and congestion are not caused by teething. If your baby has any of these, it's worth checking with your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse — they may point to an unrelated illness rather than new teeth.
What Australian Guidance Says About Fluoride Toothpaste
A lot of teething advice online is written for a US audience, where fluoride toothpaste is often recommended from the first tooth. Australian guidance is different: according to Victorian Department of Health guidance developed with the Australian Dental Association and the Royal Children's Hospital, babies under 18 months shouldn't use any fluoride toothpaste at all — just a soft brush or damp cloth with water. From 18 months to 5 years, a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride children's toothpaste twice daily is the recommendation.
The reason isn't that fluoride is unsafe — it's that very young children swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out, and too much swallowed fluoride before the adult teeth form can cause mild dental fluorosis (faint white marks on permanent teeth). Brushing twice daily still matters from the first tooth — just with water only until 18 months.
Natural Teething Relief Methods
Cold Therapy
Cold helps numb sore gums and reduce inflammation. Chilled (not frozen) teething rings, a cold damp washcloth, or chilled fruit in a mesh feeder for babies already eating solids all work well. Never freeze a teether solid — an ice-hard surface can bruise delicate gums.
Gentle Pressure and Natural Teethers
Counter-pressure on the gums genuinely helps. A clean-finger gum massage works in a pinch, but a firm teether made from food-grade silicone or natural wood — easy to grip, free from BPA and phthalates, and appropriately sized — gives baby something to work on independently.
Our Multi-Surface Teething Wheel and Playground Silicone Teething Ball are designed with exactly this kind of varied-texture, easy-grip pressure in mind.
Distraction and Comfort
Sometimes the best relief is simply taking baby's mind off it — extra cuddles, a change of scenery, singing or reading, or a warm bath before bed can all help on a tougher day.
What to Avoid
A few popular "natural" teething remedies carry real, documented safety warnings — worth knowing before they end up in your cart.
- Amber teething necklaces and bracelets — the ACCC has issued a public warning that these can break into small parts, posing a choking and strangulation risk to children under three
- Teething gels containing benzocaine — not approved for use in children in Australia, and linked overseas to a rare but serious blood disorder in infants
- Homeopathic teething tablets — not proven effective, and some have been found to contain inconsistent or undeclared ingredients
- Rubbing alcohol or spirits on the gums — an old wives' tale that's both ineffective and unsafe for infants
For pain relief beyond the natural methods above, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct weight-based dose can help — check the packet, or ask your pharmacist or GP if you're unsure.
Caring for New Teeth
Oral care starts the moment that first tooth appears — and the routine evolves as your baby grows.
- Under 18 months: wipe teeth and gums with a soft, damp cloth or brush twice daily — water only, no toothpaste
- 18 months to 5 years: brush twice daily with a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride toothpaste, supervised
- Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle — pooled milk against new teeth overnight contributes to early decay
- Book a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing
When to See a Doctor
Most teething is uncomfortable but manageable at home. Get in touch with your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse if your baby:
- Has a fever above 38°C
- Shows signs of infection — pus, severe swelling, or bleeding gums
- Refuses food or drink for more than a day
- Hasn't had any teeth by 18 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething can cause a very mild rise in temperature, but not a true fever above 38°C. A higher fever points to an unrelated illness — worth checking with your GP rather than assuming it's "just teeth."
When should I start using toothpaste with fluoride?
Not before 18 months, per Australian guidance. Before that, clean teeth and gums with a soft brush or cloth and water only, then move to a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride toothpaste from 18 months to 5 years.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
The ACCC has issued a public warning that amber necklaces and bracelets can break apart, creating a choking and strangulation risk for children under three. Cold teethers and gum massage are safer, equally effective alternatives.
My baby has no teeth at 12 months — should I worry?
Generally not — anywhere up to 12 months (and occasionally a little beyond) is within the normal range. If there's still no tooth by 18 months, mention it to your GP or dentist at your next visit.
Can I freeze a teether to make it work better?
Chill it in the fridge rather than the freezer. A fully frozen teether can be hard enough to bruise sensitive gums — cold, not rock-solid, is the goal.
Are teething gels safe to use?
Avoid anything containing benzocaine, which isn't approved for children in Australia. Cold therapy, gum massage and a well-chosen teether are the better-supported first options.
Soothe Sore Gums, Naturally
BPA-free, food-grade silicone and wooden teethers designed for little hands and curious mouths.
This article reflects Victorian Department of Health fluoride guidance developed with the Australian Dental Association and the ACCC's warning on amber teething necklaces, current as of June 2026. It's general information, not personalised medical or dental advice — always check with your GP, paediatrician or dentist about your baby's specific needs.