How can I tell if my baby’s crying at night is due to teething?
If your baby has swollen gums, drooling, and tends to chew on objects, teething may be the cause. Rule out hunger, wet diapers, or illness.
Teething can be a challenging stage for both babies and parents. When your baby’s teeth are about to erupt, especially at night, discomfort can disturb their sleep — and yours too. In this blog, we’ll explain teething in simple terms, how long it lasts, signs to look for, and the best home remedies to keep your little one comfortable.
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Before baby teeth break through the gums, you may notice signs like excessive drooling, chewing on objects, fussiness, and swollen gums. This stage, known as baby teeth before eruption, can last from a few days to a few weeks. Your baby might seem more irritable at night because lying down increases gum pressure.
Teething is a gradual process. The first tooth usually appears between 6 and 10 months, but it can vary. Once it starts, teething episodes can continue until around age 3, when the full baby teeth chart is complete. Each tooth can cause discomfort for a few days before and after eruption.
Your baby may put fingers in their mouth often, drool more, and chew on toys or clothes. Keep bibs handy to prevent drool rash and wipe their mouth gently throughout the day.
Lower central incisors usually appear first, followed by upper central incisors. Knowing the sequence can help you anticipate when the next round of teething may occur.
| Tooth Type | Eruption Age (Average) |
| Lower central incisors | 6–10 months |
| Upper central incisors | 8–12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines (cuspids) | 16–23 months |
| Second molars | 23–33 months |
With these home remedies, you can make nights calmer and more restful for both you and your baby.
If your baby has swollen gums, drooling, and tends to chew on objects, teething may be the cause. Rule out hunger, wet diapers, or illness.
Some babies may have looser stools from swallowing extra saliva, but persistent diarrhea should be checked by a doctor.
Typically, discomfort lasts 3–5 days per tooth, though this can vary.
Avoid gels with benzocaine or lidocaine. Use safe, baby-approved remedies instead or consult with you pediatric dentist
If your baby has a high fever, rash, persistent diarrhea, or unusual symptoms, seek medical advice.
A mild rise in temperature can happen due to inflammation, but a high fever is usually caused by something else. Always consult a pediatric dentist if the fever exceeds 100.4°F (38°C) or if your baby shows other signs of illness.
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