Go to a doctor now if: High fever (teething causes only mild warmth, not real fever), diarrhoea, rash, refusing all feeds, or an inconsolable baby — look for another cause and see a doctor.
Food-first comfort
Cool (not frozen-hard) foods to gnaw for babies on solids: chilled cucumber stick, cold soft fruit in a mesh feeder; chilled clean teething ring; a cool spoon.
What to nourish
Continue normal milk feeds and age-appropriate solids.
Never
NO teething gels with benzocaine/lignocaine or 'teething powders' with unknown contents; NO amber teething necklaces (strangulation/choking). No honey under 1y. Never give hard foods that can break off and choke.
Care at home
Teething is uncomfortable but not an illness. Cool textures and gum pressure comfort; blame real fevers on infection, not teeth.
Related guides
Mouth UlcersBad BreathEarly Tooth Decay Prevention - Diet & HygieneSore Gums / Mild Gingivitis (Supportive)
When to see a doctor. Children are not small adults. This guide offers food-first comfort for a parent to consider; it gives no medicines, doses or supplements for children. A paediatrician decides on treatment. When in doubt, go.
