Teething is a normal developmental stage that commonly begins between four and seven months of age, although timing varies. As primary teeth move through the gums, babies may experience drooling, a stronger urge to chew, tender gums, mild irritability, and temporary changes in eating or sleeping. However, many symptoms traditionally blamed on teething may signal an unrelated health concern. (Source: Today’s Parent, 7 teething myths, by Emily Senger, updated March 28,2019, https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/teething/7-teething-myths/).
Toronto Kids Dental explains, “Understanding typical teething symptoms helps caregivers avoid dismissing signs of illness. Caring for kids’ teeth begins before the first tooth appears, and it includes recognizing when discomfort is normal, when a remedy may be unsafe, and when a child requires medical attention.”
1. Does Teething Cause Fevers?
Teething may coincide with a slight increase in temperature, but it should not cause a true fever. A temperature of 38°C or higher may indicate an infection or another illness and should not automatically be attributed to teething.
Toronto Kids Dental shares, “The timing creates confusion because babies begin teething during a period when they are also encountering more germs. They touch surfaces, place objects in their mouths and experience changing immunity. A genuine fever—especially with lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, breathing changes or persistent crying—deserves appropriate medical guidance rather than being labelled a teething symptom.”
2. Do Amber Teething Necklaces Work?
Amber necklaces are promoted with claims that body heat releases a pain-relieving substance through the skin. There is no reliable evidence that wearing amber reduces teething discomfort. The necklaces can also create strangulation and choking hazards if the cord tightens or a bead becomes detached.
Toronto Kids Dental highlights, “A product being described as natural does not establish that it is effective or safe. Teething jewellery places small beads and a cord close to an infant’s airway without providing a proven oral-health benefit. A cool, firm rubber teether offers direct counterpressure to the gums without requiring anything to be worn around the child’s neck.”
3. Is Pulling Ears a Sign of Teething?
Some babies touch their ears while teething because sensations from the jaw and gums can feel difficult to pinpoint. However, ear pulling alone cannot confirm whether a tooth is erupting. It can also be exploratory behaviour or accompany an ear infection.
Toronto Kids Dental notes, “Look at the complete pattern rather than one gesture. Ear pulling accompanied by fever, ear drainage, significant pain, disrupted sleep or cold symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Assuming every ear-related behaviour is teething could delay recognition of a condition requiring treatment.”
4. Are Teething Gels Safe?
Certain topical teething products contain benzocaine or lidocaine. These ingredients are not recommended for treating teething pain in infants and young children because they provide little benefit and can cause serious adverse effects. Saliva also removes topical products quickly, making their numbing effect brief and difficult to contain.
Toronto Kids Dental comments, “Medicated, herbal and homeopathic labels should all be examined carefully. ‘Baby’ or ‘natural’ on the packaging does not automatically make a product suitable for an infant. Before administering any teething product or pain medication, caregivers should verify its ingredients, age restrictions and dosage with a qualified healthcare professional.”
5. Does Teething Always Suck?
Teething experiences vary considerably. One baby may become temporarily fussy, while another may show few noticeable symptoms. Discomfort may also fluctuate as different teeth approach and emerge through the gums.
Toronto Kids Dental expresses, “Teething does not have to become a household crisis. A refrigerated—not frozen—firm teether, a cool damp washcloth, and gentle massage with a clean finger may calm tender gums. Frozen-solid objects should be avoided because excessive hardness can injure delicate gum tissue. Consistent routines can also provide reassurance when sleep or feeding feels temporarily unsettled.”
6. Does Rubbing Brandy on the Gums Work?
Alcohol should never be used as a teething remedy. Even a small amount can be unsafe for a baby, and rubbing brandy on the gums does not address the physical pressure associated with tooth eruption.
Toronto Kids Dental mentions, “Traditional remedies may be passed through families with caring intentions, but familiarity is not evidence of safety. An infant’s body processes alcohol differently from an adult’s, making alcohol exposure potentially dangerous. Kids’ oral care should rely on age-appropriate, evidence-informed comfort measures rather than substances capable of causing harm.”
7. Does Teething Cause Diaper Rash?
Teething does not directly cause diaper rash or diarrhea. These events may occur around the same developmental period, but timing alone does not prove that one caused the other. Diaper irritation may instead relate to prolonged moisture, frequent stools, dietary changes, antibiotics, or skin sensitivity.
Toronto Kids Dental explains, “Loose or frequent stools should not simply be dismissed as part of teething, particularly when symptoms persist, or a baby appears unwell. Increased drooling may cause irritation to the skin surrounding the mouth, but it does not explain every rash elsewhere on the body. Identifying the actual cause supports more appropriate care.”
By separating teething myths from genuine symptoms, caring for kids’ teeth becomes safer and less stressful. The arrival of the first tooth signals an important transition in kids’ oral hygiene. It’s generally recommended to schedule a first visit with a children’s dentist by the first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears.
Toronto Kids Dental concludes, “Early kids oral care is about more than responding to discomfort. Safe teething choices, daily brushing and attention to unusual symptoms establish a strong foundation for baby teeth, developing permanent teeth and lifelong oral health.”
