If your baby has flushed cheeks, is dribbling more than usual or wants to chew on everything, if their gums are swollen and they wake in the night crying when they normally wouldn't, a tooth may well be coming through. Teething can come with swollen gums, dribbling and irritability. An actual fever or diarrhoea is not caused by teething and should be checked by a doctor.

Young Latina woman sitting on the edge of a bed, a cotton muslin over her shoulder

Here are some ways to help your little one get their smile back.

Give them a teething ring: some contain a liquid that, after being chilled in the fridge — never the freezer — helps calm inflammation with cold. But not every little one takes to it.

Pharmacy essentials:

You can, of course, give your baby pain relief suitable for their age and weight, as a syrup or suppository, but always after advice from a doctor.

You can gently massage their gums with your little finger, coated in a soothing gel — ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice — but avoid anaesthetics and aspirin. Forget the old wives' tale about rubbing a lump of sugar on the gum!

If that isn't enough, or your little one won't let you near their gums, homeopathy may be worth a try.

  • For an irritable, grizzly baby who wakes several times in the night, Chamomilla may be tried, as granules or suppositories.
  • Camilia is a homeopathic medicine traditionally used for teething; some parents report relief, but its effectiveness has not been demonstrated and it is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. It slips easily into a bag.

If there are skin lesions, especially nappy rash, or diarrhoea, these symptoms are not caused by teething: seek medical advice.

In practice, every baby finds their own relief with cold, gentle gum massage, being carried, cuddles or an extra feed. Reactions vary hugely from one baby to another, and these measures are never a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

Young woman holding a teething ring under cool running water at the sink

Our little ones' first teeth usually appear between 4 months and 1 year. Learn to recognise the signs and how to soothe them, because it can hurt — but don't panic, there are ways to ease teething pain!

When to seek advice? Teething at most comes with swollen gums, dribbling and irritability: an actual fever or diarrhoea is not caused by teething. If your baby has a high temperature, is very lethargic, refuses to drink or has very loose stools, it's better to seek medical advice. Teething explains a lot, but it should never mask another cause.

Budget

On the cost side, expect to pay around £5–15 for a simple teething ring, and more like £10–20 for a liquid-filled model that can be chilled. A soothing gum gel is usually around £6–12, and homeopathic preparations in granules or single doses generally cost between £4 and £8. These ranges vary by brand and retailer: whether you buy from a pharmacy or a health and beauty retailer, ask for advice before buying.

Sources

  • NHS — Teething.
  • NICE — Fever in under 5s: assessment and initial management.
  • Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health — child health information.