Teething: When It Starts, Safe Relief and What to Avoid
Teething can be tough on parents too. Here is what the ADA and FDA say about symptoms, safe ways to soothe a baby, and products to skip.
Reviewed on October 30, 2026 · How medical review works
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This article is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a licensed dentist or doctor.
If your baby has been drooling like a tap and refusing to sleep, teething may be the culprit. It is a normal stage, but it is also one where well-meaning parents can reach for products that are not safe. Here is a plain-language summary of what the American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDA say.
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- Babies usually get their first teeth between 6 and 12 months; most have all baby teeth by about age 3.
- Normal signs: fussiness, poor sleep, drooling, reduced appetite. Fever, diarrhea or rash: call the pediatrician.
- Safe options: clean finger, cool spoon, moist gauze, solid rubber teether (supervised).
- Avoid teething jewelry, benzocaine or lidocaine gels for under-3s, and homeopathic teething tablets.
When does teething start?
Babies usually get their first teeth between 6 and 12 months, though the timing varies from child to child. Most children have their full set of baby teeth by about age 3.
What is normal, and what is not
Common signs the ADA lists include fussiness, trouble sleeping, irritability, reduced appetite and more drooling than usual. Fever, diarrhea or a rash are not on that list, and the ADA says to call your pediatrician if you see them.
Safe ways to soothe a teething baby
- Gently rub the gums with a clean finger, a small cool spoon or a moist gauze pad.
- Offer a solid rubber teether. Avoid liquid-filled rings and breakable plastic.
- Supervise your baby whenever they use a teether, to prevent choking.
What to avoid
Teething necklaces and bracelets
The FDA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries, including strangulation and choking, from teething jewelry such as amber necklaces. The ADA also mentions a CDC case report describing lead poisoning in an infant who chewed on a magnetic hematite bracelet with lead-containing beads.
Numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine
The FDA advises against using these for children under 3. According to the ADA, benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, and prescription lidocaine has been linked to serious problems including heart problems, severe brain injury, seizures and death.
Homeopathic teething tablets
The ADA says these are not evaluated for safety or effectiveness, and lab tests have found inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance. It advises avoiding them and throwing out any you have.
When to call a professional
Call your pediatrician if your baby has a fever, diarrhea or a rash. Talk to your dentist or pediatrician about any questions on relieving teething symptoms, especially before trying a new product.
While you are looking after your baby’s gums, do not forget your own. Our guide on why gums bleed when you floss covers the adult side of the story.
Safe-style teethers to consider
The ADA suggests a solid rubber teether, a clean finger, a cool spoon or moist gauze, and says to avoid liquid-filled rings and breakable plastic. Two solid silicone options parents ask about: We have not tested these products; the details below come from the listings and brands, and prices and availability change often.
Baby Banana Teether-Toothbrush
A bendable, food-grade silicone teether with soft bristles, sold for infants through toddlers. The listing shows about 4.8 stars from roughly 25,000 ratings and a price near $8. As the ADA advises for any teether, supervise your baby while they chew and check for damage regularly.
Nuby NanaNubs Gum Massager (3 months+)
A soft 100% silicone gum massager with gentle bristles, marketed for babies from 3 months. The listing shows about 4.8 stars from roughly 18,500 ratings and a price around $5. Never use any teether tied to a cord or worn around the neck.
Product mentions are not medical advice. Ask your dentist what fits you.
Frequently asked questions
When do babies start teething?
The ADA says babies usually get their first teeth between 6 and 12 months, though timing varies. Most children have their full set of baby teeth by age 3.
What are normal teething symptoms?
Fussiness, trouble sleeping, irritability, reduced appetite and more drooling than usual. Fever, diarrhea or a rash are reasons to call the pediatrician.
Are teething necklaces safe?
No. The FDA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries, including strangulation and choking, from teething jewelry such as amber necklaces, according to the ADA.
Are numbing gels safe for teething babies?
The FDA advises against gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine for children under 3, as described by the ADA.
What can I give my baby to chew on?
A solid rubber teether is suggested. Avoid liquid-filled rings and breakable plastic, and always supervise.
