The short answer
At seven to nine months, sore gums, dribbling, chewing and mild fussiness may be related to teething. They are not proof a tooth is coming; fever of 38°C or more and diarrhoea need separate attention.
In this guide · 11 sections
Keep in mind
- First teeth appear at different times.
- Dribbling and chewing are not certain signs.
- Fever and diarrhoea should not be assumed to be teething.
- Try gentle gum massage or a cooled teether; avoid amber necklaces.
How the first teeth may appear
First teeth may come through between seven and nine months, commonly the lower front teeth, although order and timing vary. Having no visible teeth at nine months does not alone suggest a developmental problem.
Sometimes a small bump appears on the gum beforehand; sometimes a tooth seems to arrive overnight. Watch your own baby rather than comparing timetables.
What changes in the gums?
There can be slight redness, swelling or tenderness where the tooth emerges. Your baby may rub this spot with their tongue or a toy. Not every gum swelling is caused by teething.
A small tender area in a baby who otherwise seems well may be part of teething. Widespread mouth ulcers, marked swelling or pain that stops feeding should be assessed.
Dribbling and chewing
More dribbling, putting fingers in the mouth and chewing toys are common, but babies also explore objects with their mouths at this age. These actions do not prove a tooth is about to come through.
Gently pat drool away from the chin to avoid irritation. Choose clean, sturdy toys with no small parts that could come loose.
Comfort, sleep and feeding
Tender gums may make your baby seek cuddles or temporarily dislike some solid foods. But not every brief nap or unsettled night is due to teething; other developmental changes are happening too.
If your baby turns down a spoon for a day but takes milk, has usual wet nappies and stays lively, note the pattern. Markedly reduced fluids or lethargy should be checked.
Are fever and diarrhoea teething symptoms?
A slight rise in temperature may occur, but a temperature of 38°C or above should not be put down to teething. Diarrhoea, repeated vomiting and a runny nose are not ordinary teething consequences.
An infection can happen at the same time. Fever with tiredness, poor feeding, vomiting or frequent watery poo needs assessment. How temperature is measured also matters.
Can you tell when a tooth will emerge?
More dribbling or chewing cannot reliably predict that a tooth will appear tomorrow. Research has not identified one symptom or combination that gives a dependable eruption date.
There is no need to record each new action against a calendar. Watch your baby’s feeding, mood and visible gum changes instead.
What can you do today?
A clean finger gently massaging the gum or a sturdy age-appropriate teething ring cooled in the fridge may help. Avoid frozen hard rings, amber necklaces and unsupervised use of teething gels. Seek pharmacist or NHS advice before any teething product.
Pay attention to fluids, wet nappies and energy as well as gum discomfort. Luluna’s teething comfort guide covers safer soothing choices.
When to seek medical advice
Contact your GP or NHS 111 about a temperature of 38°C or more, significantly less milk, fewer wet nappies, repeated diarrhoea or vomiting, widespread mouth ulcers or increasing pain.
Serious breathing difficulty, inability to wake your baby normally or severe dehydration is an emergency; call 999. Overall health comes before the expected tooth date.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- Temperature of 38°C or more
- Significantly less milk or fewer wet nappies
- Repeated diarrhoea or vomiting
- Widespread mouth sores or increasing pain
- Difficulty breathing, waking or signs of severe dehydration
Sources used for this guide
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org — HealthyChildren – Teething Pain Relief
- NHS — Baby teething symptoms
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Teething symptom checker
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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