When your baby is crying hysterically during teething, it can be a deeply distressing experience for both of you. This natural developmental milestone typically begins around 6 months, though timing varies significantly between infants.
The process creates genuine discomfort as teeth break through sensitive gum tissue, causing pressure, inflammation, and pain that your baby cannot verbalize.
This unfamiliar sensation often intensifies at night and may trigger emotional responses, including irritability, sleep disruptions, and increased sensory sensitivity.
Understanding why your baby is crying so intensely, whether from physical discomfort, frustration with feeding challenges, or the inability to communicate their pain, is the first step toward providing effective relief.
With proper knowledge and soothing techniques, you can help your child navigate this challenging but temporary phase more comfortably.
Understanding Teething Pain
Most babies start teething between 4-7 months, though some may begin earlier or later. The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth. The complete set of 20 baby teeth typically emerges by age 3.
Teething causes pain because the sharp tooth must push through sensitive gum tissue. This process creates inflammation, pressure, and sometimes bruising that can be quite uncomfortable for babies.
Normal teething symptoms include drooling, fussiness, gum swelling, and mild irritability. However, high fever (over 101°F), diarrhea, or extreme lethargy are not typical teething symptoms and require medical attention.
Teething commonly disrupts sleep patterns as pain often intensifies at night when babies have fewer distractions. Many babies refuse food during teething due to sore gums, while others want to chew on everything to relieve pressure.
Why Do Babies Cry During Teething?
Ever wondered why your little one becomes so upset when those tiny teeth are pushing through? Babies cry during teething because they’re experiencing genuine discomfort as teeth break through sensitive gum tissue.
This process creates pressure, inflammation, and sometimes mild pain that babies can’t verbalize. The unfamiliar sensation can be especially distressing at night when there are fewer distractions.
Your baby might also feel frustrated by changes in eating comfort or increased drooling. Remember, your soothing presence and gentle remedies can make this challenging milestone more bearable for both of you.
1. The Physical Discomfort
Teething brings physical discomfort as babies’ teeth push through tender gums, causing irritation and sensitivity. Key signs include:
- Pressure and inflammation in the gums
- Mild to sharp pain, especially with multiple teeth emerging at once
- During teething, babies experience significant pressure as teeth push through tender gum tissue.
- This eruption process causes inflammation, swelling, and sensitivity in the gums.
- The discomfort can range from mild tenderness to sharp pain, especially when multiple teeth emerge at once.
- The physical sensation of teething is entirely new to babies, making it particularly challenging for them to process.
2. Emotional and Behavioral Responses
Teething often triggers notable mood swings, with babies becoming unusually fussy or clingy. This heightened irritability stems from their inability to understand or communicate their discomfort.
Sleep disruptions are equally common, as pain tends to intensify during rest periods when fewer distractions exist. Many babies wake frequently or resist bedtime altogether, creating exhausting cycles for the entire family.
3. Sensory Sensitivity
Teething often increases babies’ sensitivity to everyday stimuli, making normal sounds, lights, and touches seem overwhelming.
This heightened sensory response can cause startling or irritability in previously calm environments.
Feeding challenges frequently emerge as sore gums make sucking painful, potentially causing latch issues during breastfeeding or bottle refusal.
Many babies temporarily decrease food intake or show reluctance during meals as their mouths become increasingly sensitive.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby?
Teething can be challenging for both babies and parents. Offer chilled (not frozen) teething toys or a clean, damp washcloth for your baby to munch on.
Gentle gum massages with a clean finger can provide relief from pressure. Over-the-counter medicines like infant acetaminophen may help, but consult your pediatrician first.
Use a soft bib to catch drool and keep the area dry. For natural remedies, try chamomile tea (cooled) on a cloth or amber teething necklaces (worn, not chewed). Remember that extra cuddles and patience go a long way during this uncomfortable phase.
1. Natural Remedies for Teething Pain Relief
Cold teething rings or chilled wet washcloths provide soothing relief when a baby gnaws on them, naturally numbing sore gums.
Gentle gum massages with a clean finger apply counter-pressure that eases discomfort. Both methods are drug-free alternatives that many parents find effective.
For best results, offer these remedies before pain escalates and your little one becomes too irritable.
2. Over-the-Counter Options
Pros: Topical teething gels provide targeted relief directly to sore gums, offering quick action to soothe discomfort. They’re easy to apply with just a fingertip or applicator, making them convenient and portable for on-the-go use by parents needing immediate solutions for their distressed baby.
Cons: The relief from teething gels may be short-lived, requiring frequent reapplication. Some products contain strong flavors or chemicals that may not be suitable for young infants. There’s also a risk of overuse, which could lead to side effects such as gum irritation.
3. Comforting Techniques
When your baby is teething, physical comfort can be just as important as pain relief. Holding your little one close provides reassurance during this uncomfortable time.
Gentle rocking motions and rhythmic swaying can distract from gum discomfort, while white noise or soft lullabies may help calm an irritable baby.
Pacifiers offer dual benefits during teething – the sucking motion naturally soothes babies, while the pressure against the gums can temporarily relieve discomfort.
Silicone pacifiers may be gentler than rubber ones on inflamed gums. However, be mindful that some babies reject pacifiers while teething if the sucking causes additional pain.
4. Feeding Tips During Teething
Offer cold, soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or pureed fruits to soothe irritated gums. Chilled cucumber or carrot sticks (supervised) provide relief through pressure and temperature.
For nursing babies, breastfeeding can be comforting, though some may bite – try nursing before pain peaks.
Bottle-fed babies might benefit from chilled formula or teethers before feeding to reduce gum discomfort and prevent feeding refusal.
How Long Does the Teething Stage Last?
The teething expedition typically begins around 6 months of age when your baby’s first teeth start to emerge, though some babies may start as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months. Most children will have all 20 of their primary teeth by age 3.
Teething doesn’t happen all at once—it comes in waves.
Your baby might experience discomfort for a few days as each tooth breaks through, followed by weeks of relief before the next tooth begins its journey. The most painful period is usually during the eruption of the first teeth and molars, which have larger surfaces.
Remember that every baby is different. Some sail through teething with minimal fuss, while others find it more challenging. The good news is that teething is temporary, even when it feels endless!
Duration of Individual Teething Episodes
- Each tooth typically takes 1-8 days to emerge through the gum line, with symptoms possibly appearing several days before
- Front teeth (incisors) generally break through faster than molars, which can take 1-2 weeks.
- Expect good days and bad days – symptoms often come in waves rather than constant discomfort.t
- Most babies experience teething phases until age 2-3, with longer breaks between tooth eruptions.
Teething Myths and Reality
- Myth: Teething causes a high fever.
- Reality: Mild temperature increase is normal, but high fever is likely from infection.
- Myth: Teething tablets/gels are completely safe.
- Reality: Some contain ingredients that may be harmful; consult your pediatrician first.
- Myth: Amber necklaces relieve teething pain.
- Reality: No scientific evidence supports this claim, and they pose a choking hazard.
- Myth: Teething always causes diarrhea.
- Reality: Increased drooling may loosen stools, but persistent diarrhea needs medical attention.
- Myth: All babies begin teething at 6 months.
- Reality: Teething can start anywhere from 3-12 months, varying greatly between babies.
When to Seek Professional Help?
While teething is a normal developmental process, certain symptoms may indicate a problem that requires medical attention.
Knowing the difference between typical teething discomfort and signs of a more serious condition can help parents make informed decisions about their baby’s health and ensure timely intervention when necessary.
Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your baby’s teething or oral development.
Dentists recommend a first dental visit by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears. Regular check-ups help monitor tooth eruption patterns and address potential issues early.
Conclusion
Guiding the challenging terrain of a hysterically crying teething baby requires patience, knowledge, and a toolkit of effective soothing strategies.
Remember that each tooth typically takes 1-8 days to emerge, with symptoms often appearing several days before the breakthrough.
Prioritize evidence-based relief methods like chilled teething toys, gentle gum massage, and pediatrician-approved pain relievers when necessary.
While distinguishing between normal teething discomfort and illness can be difficult, trust your parental instincts—high fevers, severe diarrhea, or significant distress warrant medical attention and are likely unrelated to teething.
Most importantly, recognize that this difficult phase is temporary, despite feeling endless during those late-night crying sessions.
Your consistent comfort and presence provide invaluable security to your baby during this uncomfortable developmental milestone, strengthening your bond even through tears.
