Baby Teething: Signs, Soothing and What to Avoid

The NHS says a teething sign is that the baby's gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through. ¹ One thing the guidance is firm about: the American Academy of Pediatrics says fever is not a true symptom of teething, and that extensive studies show teething does not cause fever. ² Below is what recognised health bodies say about the signs, what safely soothes sore gums, and what to avoid, quoted and linked.

Key takeaways

• The NHS says a teething sign is a sore, red gum where the tooth is coming through. ¹
• The American Academy of Pediatrics says fever is not a true symptom of teething; studies show teething does not cause fever. ²
• The AAP says rubber and plastic teething toys can safely soothe aching gums. ²
• The AAP says teething necklaces made of amber, wood, marble or silicone pose serious risks for choking and strangulation. ²

**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓

When does baby teething start?

The NHS says most babies start teething at around 6 months, though some start before they are 4 months old and some after 12 months. ³

What are the signs of teething?

The NHS says a teething sign is that the baby's gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through. ¹ The American Academy of Pediatrics adds that a common sign is that babies chew more and put objects in their mouths to bite down on them, ² and that teething can cause a rash around the mouth as a side effect of drooling, because the baby's spit contains food bits that irritate delicate skin. ² The NHS also notes the milder end of the range: baby teeth sometimes emerge with no pain or discomfort, or only mild symptoms lasting a few days. ¹

Does teething cause a fever?

This is where the guidance draws a clear line. The American Academy of Pediatrics says fever is not a true symptom of teething, and that extensive studies show teething does not cause fever. ²

What safely soothes sore gums?

The guidance points to a few simple, safe options - and some clear cautions. The American Academy of Pediatrics says rubber and plastic teething toys can safely soothe aching gums. ² The NHS says some teething rings can be cooled first in the fridge, which may help to soothe a baby's gums, ⁴ while warning that a teething ring should never be put in the freezer, as it could damage the baby's gums if it gets frozen. ⁴ The American Academy of Pediatrics adds the same principle about anything frozen solid: babies should not chew directly on it, because hard objects might hurt tender gums. ²

What should I avoid?

One item comes with a strong safety warning. The American Academy of Pediatrics says teething necklaces made of amber, wood, marble or silicone pose serious risks for choking and strangulation. ²

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of teething?

The NHS says a sore, red gum where the tooth is coming through; the AAP adds more chewing and mouthing of objects. ^{1 2}

Does teething cause a fever?

The AAP says no - fever is not a true symptom of teething, and studies show teething does not cause fever. ²

What can I use to soothe sore gums?

The AAP names rubber and plastic teething toys; the NHS says a teething ring cooled in the fridge may help. ^{2 4}

Are teething necklaces safe?

The AAP says amber, wood, marble or silicone teething necklaces pose serious risks for choking and strangulation. ²

A note from us

We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.

Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.

When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.

Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.

We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.

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Sources

1. NHS (National Health Service). https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
2. HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics). https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx (retrieved 2026-07-10).
3. NHS (National Health Service, UK). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).
4. NHS (National Health Service). https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/teething/tips-for-helping-your-teething-baby/ (retrieved 2026-07-10).