Gums, then a toothbrush
The tooth is not a diagnosis. A miserable baby with a fever still needs a GP, even if you can see a white cap on the gum.
There are 20 baby teeth sitting in the gums from birth. For most babies they come through between 6 and 10 months. Some start at 3 months.
Some wait until around 12 months. A very few are born with one or two. The full set is usually in by about 3 years.
Lower incisors often first, then uppers, then first molars, canines, second molars. Often is not always. Do not panic at a different order.
Teething is the tooth moving through the gum, and it hurts some babies. They may grind gum on gum. People also blame crying, a worse feed, chewing everything, more dirty nappies, and pulling the ear on that side.
Any of that might be the tooth. It might be ordinary development. It might be a small illness.
If they are unwell, especially with fever or diarrhoea, take them to the GP. The page is firm. Do not spend three days calling it teething while they get sicker.
If it is discomfort and they are otherwise well, the tries are simple. Wash your hands and rub the gum. Offer a chew, a toothbrush, a dummy, a teething ring that is cold and not frozen solid.
Mushier food if chewing is the problem. A sugar-free rusk to suck. Teething gels are usually not recommended.
They may not help, and the dose is easy to get wrong, with poisoning listed as a real side effect. Skip the gel. If they stay unhappy, see the GP or nurse.
The tooth might be a coincidence.
The day the first tooth shows, cleaning starts. Soft brush made for children under 2. If they hate it, a clean damp face washer or gauze on the front and back of the tooth.
Water only until 18 months, unless a dentist has told you different. No toothpaste freelance. Position them so you can see.
On a bed or the floor with their head in your lap works. Chin cupped, head against you. You can own this twice a day.
It takes a minute. It is also the habit that makes the later fights smaller.
Spit, blood on the gum, a bite on your finger. All ordinary. A baby who will not feed and is hot is not ordinary. Call that what it is.
Source: Raising Children Network