A baby's first teeth come in anywhere from 4 to 12 months of age. When babies are born they usually have antibodies (proteins that protect against infection) that have come from the mom. By 4 months of age these protective agents begin to decrease. Around this same time, babies begin putting everything in their mouth. This exposes them to many germs. These germs are responsible for the symptoms that many people attribute to the eruption of teeth including diarrhea, fever, and irritability.

The most important treatment for teething is something safe for the baby to chew on. This could be a "teething" toy or a corner of a blanket or any baby safe toy. Some parents use an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth to gently rub the baby's gums. If the baby seems to have a lot of discomfort, acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be given to relieve the symptoms. Oral anesthetics are rarely needed. The pediatrician should be called if the fever lasts for more than 2 days, the baby is unable to drink, or appears very sick.

David W. Berman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.