0:00 A fever over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit is NOT a sign of teething.0:04 That’s one of the most common myths I hear from new parents, and it’s one we really need to clear up.0:11 Last week, we talked about that exciting first roll, and how it’s a sign of your baby’s brain and body connecting in a whole new way.0:20 Teething is another one of those major milestones that feels like it changes everything overnight.0:26 But unlike the clear victory of a roll, teething is often surrounded by a lot of confusion and anxiety.0:33 So let's talk about what's really going on when those first teeth start to appear.0:38 First, the timeline.0:40 The books will tell you the average baby gets their first tooth around six or seven months.0:46 And that's true...0:47 for the average baby.0:48 But in my practice, I see babies get their first tooth as early as three months, and others who are perfectly healthy and don't get one until after their first birthday.1:00 Both are completely normal.1:01 So if your friend's baby has two teeth at five months and yours has none, please don't worry.1:08 There is a huge range of normal here.1:10 Your baby’s teeth are on their own schedule.1:13 Now, what does teething actually look like?1:16 There are a few classic signs.1:18 You’ll probably see a LOT more drool.1:20 Your baby might start gnawing and chewing on everything they can get their hands on—their fists, your fingers, their toys.1:28 Their gums might look a little swollen or red right where a tooth is about to pop through.1:34 And yes, they might be more irritable or fussy than usual.1:38 Some babies also have brief changes to their sleep or feeding patterns for a day or two right as the tooth breaks the surface.1:47 These are the real, expected symptoms.1:49 They are mild, and they are temporary.1:52 Here’s the part that’s most important for you to hear.1:55 Teething does not cause serious illness.1:58 It does not cause high fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, or widespread body rashes.2:03 For decades, parents have blamed all sorts of symptoms on teething, because it’s a long process that happens to overlap with the time when babies are getting their first colds and bugs.2:15 It’s an easy scapegoat.2:17 But here’s the problem.2:18 If we blame a high fever on a tooth… we might miss an ear infection.2:23 If we blame diarrhea on teething… we might overlook a stomach bug that needs attention.2:29 Teething creates mild discomfort.2:31 It does not make your baby genuinely sick.2:34 If your baby has symptoms that seem severe, or a fever over one hundred degrees, that is your signal to call your pediatrician.2:42 It's almost certainly something else going on.2:45 So what can you actually DO to help your baby through the real, mild discomfort of teething?2:51 Here are three simple, evidence-based things that work.2:55 First, use cold.2:56 Place a wet washcloth, a teething ring, or a pacifier in the refrigerator for a little while.3:02 The cold helps numb the gums.3:04 Notice I said the REFRIGERATOR, not the freezer.3:07 A frozen teether can be too hard and can actually bruise or damage your baby’s delicate gums.3:13 Cool is good; frozen is too much.3:15 Second, use pressure.3:17 Wash your hands well, and then gently rub your baby’s gums with your finger for a minute or two.3:23 That simple counter-pressure can provide a surprising amount of relief.3:28 It directly soothes the ache right where it’s happening.3:32 And third, protect their skin.3:34 All that extra drool can cause a red, bumpy rash on your baby’s chin, neck, and chest.3:39 The simplest solution is to keep the area as dry as possible.3:43 Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away drool throughout the day, and maybe apply a simple barrier cream like petroleum jelly before naps and bedtime.3:53 This phase is about comfort, not a cure.3:56 It’s a normal developmental process, not a medical problem to be solved.4:01 Knowing the difference between what teething actually causes and what it doesn't is your most powerful tool.4:08 It allows you to confidently soothe your baby's minor discomfort, while also knowing exactly when you need to pick up the phone for something more.
