7 Signs of Teething in Babies

Babies typically begin teething around six months, and by the age of three, they usually have all their first teeth. This developmental stage enables infants to transition to solid foods, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

While teething is a natural part of a child's growth, it often comes with various signs and symptoms. These discomforts or pains can be challenging for babies and may prove frustrating for parents.

# Salivation

Salivation refers to the unintentional release of saliva from a baby's mouth. It is a prevalent teething indicator in nearly all infants and is considered a positive sign of proper development. While managing drooling in babies is as simple as wiping the face or changing clothes, excessive drooling could be socially awkward and may be linked to certain medical conditions, such as psychological impairment.

# Heightened Chewing

Various factors, including teething, can prompt babies to start biting. If a baby suddenly begins sucking their fingers, chewing on hard toys, or placing every object in their mouth, it may be a teething signal. Swelling, pain, or irritation in the gums due to teething can lead babies to find relief through chewing objects. You can alleviate their discomfort by gently massaging the gums or providing them with ice or frozen teething rings.

# Increased Distress

Teething-induced pain and irritation can agitate babies, causing them to cry due to the discomfort. However, it's important to note that not all babies experience pain, and some may go through the teething phase without any noticeable symptoms. According to a study, the primary eruption of teeth may result in the appearance of inflammatory cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), potentially causing symptoms such as increased crying. GCF is a serum containing proteins, cells, and solid materials, aiding in detecting periodontal disease.

# Disruptions in Feeding or Eating

If you notice your baby suddenly refusing to eat or feed, it could be a sign of teething. Irritation in the gums can lead babies to avoid food to prevent exacerbating the pain associated with swallowing. Tooth eruption can also diminish appetite, causing disturbances in feeding and eating patterns.

# Diarrhea

Diarrhea, the passage of watery stool, is a primary symptom of teething in babies. A cross-sectional study on children aged 6-30 months with at least one primary erupted tooth revealed that among three common teething symptoms (fever, diarrhea, and sleep problems), diarrhea accounts for 68.5%, slightly less than fever. Home remedies or specific antidiarrheal agents can be employed after consulting a medical professional to manage diarrhea in babies.

# Sleep Disruptions

Lack of sleep or disturbances in sleep constitute approximately 63.5% of the three most prevalent symptoms during teething, following fever and diarrhea. Similar to increased crying, sleep disturbances may be attributed to elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the GCF during tooth eruption.

# Mild Increase in Temperature

The mild increase in temperature associated with teething has been a subject of debate, as some babies may experience this symptom while others may not. Studies have shown that fever is frequently reported among the symptoms by both mothers and medical experts. Teething can elevate body temperature beyond 37 degrees Celsius, causing discomfort in babies.