Teething gets blamed for everything from fevers to nappy rash to bad moods. Here's what the evidence actually links to teething - and what's probably something else.
When teeth come through
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, though it can be anywhere from 3 to 12 months. The bottom front teeth usually come first, followed by the top front teeth. By age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth.
Some babies are born with teeth (natal teeth) and some don't get their first tooth until after their first birthday. Both are normal.
What teething actually causes
Evidence supports these teething symptoms: sore and red gums where the tooth is coming through, mild irritability, drooling more than usual, chewing on things, a slightly raised temperature (but below 38°C), and mild cheek flushing on the affected side.
What teething doesn't cause
Despite popular belief, research shows teething does NOT cause: high fever (38°C+), diarrhoea, nappy rash, runny nose, cough, or loss of appetite. If your baby has these symptoms, they're likely caused by an infection picked up around the same time - not by the tooth itself. The teething age coincides with the age when maternal antibodies wear off, so infections become more common.
Relieving teething discomfort
Give your baby something cool to chew on - a clean teething ring from the fridge (not the freezer) works well. Gently rubbing the gum with a clean finger can help. If your baby is clearly in discomfort, sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct dose for their age can be given.
Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine for babies - NHS guidance advises against these. Homeopathic teething tablets and amber teething necklaces have no evidence of effectiveness, and necklaces pose a strangulation risk.