Is my baby teething: what should I watch for and note?

The short answer

Teething may go unnoticed, or it may come with more drooling, a desire to chew, irritated skin on the face, a fussier mood, or refusing food. These signs don’t prove that a tooth is coming through. To get a clearer picture, note what you observe, when it happens, and how your baby is doing overall. Quebec’s Mieux vivre avec notre enfant guide also advises against too quickly blaming fever, diarrhea, or a red bottom on teething.

What signs should I watch for?

First teeth usually come in around 6 months of age, but they may appear earlier or later, up to 12 months. Age alone can’t tell you whether your baby is teething. The lower front teeth usually come in first, according to the Mieux vivre guide.

You might notice changes such as:

• More drool than usual. The skin around your baby’s mouth or on their face may also look red or irritated.
• A desire to chew. Your baby may seem more interested in mouthing objects or their hands.
• A different mood. Your baby may seem fussier than usual.
• A change in eating. They may refuse food. Note what has changed without assuming right away that teething is the reason.
• A small bluish bump on the gum. The Mieux vivre guide describes this as a possible eruption cyst. It may appear up to two months before the tooth comes through and generally does not need treatment. If its appearance concerns you, ask a health professional or call 811.

Every baby is different. Some show no obvious signs; others may seem less comfortable. These changes can also happen at the same time as another change or a health concern. A useful note describes what you see instead of stating as a fact that your baby is teething.

What can I include in my notes?

You don’t need to measure everything or keep a complicated journal. A few dated observations can help parents, a babysitter, or other family members stay on the same page and describe changes more clearly. If you consult a health professional, your notes can also help you explain what has been happening.

You could write down:

• When you first noticed a change and whether it is ongoing or comes and goes.
• The specific signs. For example: “more drool after a feed” or “chewing on their toy often.” Write down what you saw rather than “teething” if you’re not sure.
• Feeds and meals. Note whether your baby takes their usual feeds or food, or whether you’ve noticed a change.
• Sleep and mood. Describe what seems different without assuming the tooth is the only explanation.
• Other symptoms. Record fever, diarrhea, a red bottom, or any other change separately, even if it happens alongside drooling or chewing.
• Anything you tried and how your baby responded. If you have a question about medication, ask a pharmacist rather than choosing a dose yourself.

These notes help you keep track and make it easier for adults to share information. They can’t diagnose teething or replace advice from a health professional.

When shouldn’t I blame everything on teething?

Fever, diarrhea, and a red bottom may happen around the same time as teething. That doesn’t mean teething caused them. The Mieux vivre guide says these symptoms are often related to something else. Describe them separately, and don’t dismiss them just because a tooth seems to be coming in.

If your baby has a change that worries you, or you’re unsure what to make of their symptoms, call Info-Santé 811. A nurse can assess the situation and guide you on what to do next. In an emergency, call 911.

For products or medications intended to ease discomfort, ask a pharmacist for advice. The Mieux vivre guide warns against teething necklaces, syrups, and gels. It also notes that some pieces of raw food can pose a choking risk. Check official recommendations instead of improvising something for your baby to chew on.

How can we share observations as a family?

When several people care for your baby, simple notes can help everyone build a shared picture of the day. The person looking after your baby might record a change they notice. You can then see whether someone else observed the same thing, or whether your baby seemed different at another time.

Try to be specific: “red skin around the mouth after a long period of drooling” is more useful than “difficult tooth.” If something concerns you, say so clearly when speaking with an Info-Santé nurse or another health professional. You don’t have to figure out by yourself whether the signs are caused by teething.

Teething is one of the changes that can happen in early childhood, but symptoms don’t always tell the whole story. Observing, noting, and sharing what you see can help you explain what’s going on. If you’re unsure about your child’s health, call 811; in an emergency, call 911. For medication questions, speak with a pharmacist.

Frequently asked questions

This article is for information; it does not replace advice from a health professional. In Québec, call Info-Santé 811 when in doubt (elsewhere in Canada, your provincial health line). In an emergency, call 911.

Sources

1. Info-Santé 811, Gouvernement du Québec
2. Quand et comment utiliser le 911 au Québec (in French), Gouvernement du Québec
3. Oral health for children, Agence de la santé publique du Canada