How to Tell if Your Baby’s Behavior is Due to Teething

19 December 2025

Ah, teething—the milestone every parent watches for with a mix of excitement and dread. One minute your baby is cooing happily, the next they're red-faced, drooling buckets, and chewing everything within reach. Sound familiar?

But here’s the tricky part: babies can act fussy or out of sorts for lots of reasons. Growth spurts, minor illnesses, or just a bad day can all send your little one into meltdown mode. So how do you really know if teething is the culprit behind your baby's sudden change in behavior?

Let’s break it down together and get you some real answers (and maybe a few sanity-saving tips while we're at it).

What Exactly Is Teething?

Before we dive into the signs, let’s get clear on what teething is.

Teething is the process where a baby's first teeth—also called primary or milk teeth—start pushing their way through the gums. This usually kicks off somewhere between 4 to 7 months of age, though some babies start earlier or later (don’t worry, it’s all normal!).

The first teeth to make an appearance are usually the lower central incisors. After that, the upper incisors follow, then molars, canines, and so on until around age 3 when your toddler should have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Common Signs of Teething: What To Watch For

So, how can you tell if your baby is teething or just cranky? Here are the classic signs most parents see:

1. Excessive Drooling

If it seems like your baby suddenly turned into a tiny waterfall, teething might be the reason. All that extra spit is totally normal—your baby's body ramps up saliva production, possibly to help soothe those sore gums.

Pro Tip: Grab a stash of bibs and keep that chin dry to avoid irritation or drool rash.

2. Chewing Everything in Sight

Your baby doesn’t want toys anymore—oh no—they want to chew on your keys, their hands, the edge of the coffee table… basically anything they can get their chubby little hands on. That constant gnawing pressure can help relieve their discomfort.

Think of it like having a toothache—you’d want to do anything to dull the ache too, right?

3. Fussiness and Irritability

Teething babies are often grumpier than usual. If your baby's behavior has suddenly taken a turn for the worse, and nothing seems to console them, those breaking baby teeth may be to blame.

They might fuss during the day, cry more than they usually do, and have trouble settling down at night. Speaking of which…

4. Trouble Sleeping

Sleep? What sleep?! When teething pain kicks in, it doesn’t stick to business hours. The discomfort can keep your baby up at night or cause them to wake more frequently. This can be incredibly frustrating (for both of you), especially if you thought you'd finally cracked the sleep code.

5. Swollen or Tender Gums

If your baby lets you peek inside their mouth (good luck with that!), you might notice their gums look red, swollen, or even bruised-looking in spots. You may also spot a tiny white nub poking through—yep, that’s the tooth!

Some parents even say their baby’s cheeks seem puffier on the side where a tooth is about to emerge.

6. Pulling at Ears or Rubbing Cheeks

This might sound odd, but many babies pull their ears or rub their cheeks when teething. Why? Because the nerves in their face, jaw, and ears are all connected. That gum pain can radiate, much like how sinus pressure can make your forehead and teeth ache.

Just make sure there’s no fever or signs of an actual ear infection happening—it’s easy to mix the two up!

Less Common (But Still Normal) Teething Symptoms

Not every baby follows the textbook. Some may have slightly different or more subtle signs. Here are a few less obvious symptoms that could still be linked to teething:

- A mild increase in temperature (below 100.4°F)
- Slight decrease in appetite (especially for solids)
- Loose stools (but not full-blown diarrhea)
- Small rashes on the chin or chest (from all that drool)

None of these symptoms should be extreme. If your baby has a high fever, constant diarrhea, or is vomiting, it’s probably not teething—and it’s time to call the pediatrician.

What Teething Doesn’t Cause

Let’s bust some myths, shall we?

Teething gets blamed for a LOT of things. But some symptoms aren’t actually linked to it, and overlooking a real illness can be risky.

Here’s what teething is NOT likely to cause:

- High fever (above 100.4°F)
- Diarrhea
- Severe coughing or congestion
- Vomiting
- A rash that spreads beyond the face or chin

If your baby has any of these symptoms, something else might be going on—don’t assume it’s just teething.

How Long Does Teething Fussiness Last?

Sorry to break it to you, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Some babies are bothered for just a few days before a tooth pops through, while others seem to be in a cycle of grumpiness for weeks at a time (especially as the molars make an entrance around age 1 to 2—those can really pack a punch).

But usually, the worst of the fussing clears up once the tooth breaks through the surface. Until then, it’s all about keeping your baby comfy and yourself sane.

How to Comfort a Teething Baby (Without Losing Your Mind)

Okay, you’re 90% sure teething is to blame. Now what?

Here are some tried-and-true ways to give your mini-munchkin some sweet relief:

1. Teething Toys

Cold is your best friend here. Pop a teething ring in the fridge—not the freezer—and let your baby gnaw away. Silicone teethers, chilled spoons, or even a clean wet washcloth can do wonders.

2. Gum Massage

Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for a minute or two. It’s like a mini massage, and most babies actually enjoy the pressure.

3. Cuddles and Distractions

Sometimes, the best medicine is just extra snuggles. Hold them, rock them, sing to them. Distraction can help take their mind off the discomfort.

4. Pain Relief (Use With Caution)

If your baby is really uncomfortable, talk to your pediatrician about giving infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen—especially helpful at night. Avoid over-the-counter teething gels with anesthetics, as they can be dangerous for young babies.

When to Call the Pediatrician

You know your baby better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, always trust your gut.

Here’s when it’s time to ring the doc:

- Your baby has a fever over 100.4°F
- Symptoms last longer than a few days without improvement
- Baby is refusing to eat or drink
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, sluggishness)
- You suspect an ear infection (pulling at ear + fever)

Teething is tough, but your baby shouldn’t be in constant misery. When in doubt, check it out.

Teething Timeline: What to Expect and When

Curious about which teeth come in when? Here’s a general breakdown of the baby tooth timeline:

| Age (Months) | Teeth Coming In |
|--------------------|----------------------------------|
| 4–7 months | Bottom central incisors |
| 8–12 months | Top central incisors |
| 9–13 months | Top lateral incisors |
| 10–16 months | Bottom lateral incisors |
| 13–19 months | First molars |
| 16–22 months | Canines (cuspids) |
| 23–33 months | Second molars |

Remember, these are just averages. Some babies get teeth early, others late. Some pop out a bunch at once, others take their sweet time.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, no two babies are alike. Some breeze through teething like champs, others make it feel like an emotional roller coaster. If your baby’s behavior suddenly changes and you’re wondering what’s going on, teething could definitely be the reason.

Keep an eye on the classic signs—drooling, chewing, crankiness, gum swelling—and support your little one with lots of love (and maybe a few more coffee refills for yourself).

Parenting isn’t easy, but neither is growing teeth! You’ve got this.