When a cheerful baby turns cranky, or suddenly become hot-tempered, parents aren’t sure if they’re faced with an ill baby or one who’s tooth sprouting – especially when your baby is around six months old. This is the average age at which the first baby tooth sprouts, though a wider age range is possible.

Is there any symptom?

Yes. Many parents believe that new baby teeth are accompanied by at least one seemingly unrelated symptom, such as loose stools, slight fever or diaper rash. However, studies have proven that only pain, facial rashes, drooling, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and irritability are linked to teething.

Any physical symptoms that you would consider serious when your baby isn’t teething, such as a fever of 38.5°C or higher, ear rubbing or diarrhoea, call your paediatrician.

Tooth Soothers Ideas

Massage: A clean finger is all you need to give your baby’s gums a massage.

Pain relief: Ask your paediatrician about using an over-the-counter teething pain reliever for your baby.

Chew: Let your baby chew. You can give him a clean, cold (not frozen), hard objects, such as a teething ring (look for PVC-free ones), spoon, or damp washcloth. Avoid giving him teething biscuits as there’s a risk of choking.