Tooth eruption can come with local changes, but it should not be used to explain every symptom. Keep illness assessment separate from the tooth timetable.

Sore gums and chewing can accompany teething

Local gum soreness and more chewing may occur with teething. These observations do not explain every fever or episode of diarrhoea.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Local gum discomfort can accompany tooth eruption.

Sources: NHS · Baby teething symptoms ↗

Assess fever rather than dismissing it as teething

An unwell baby with fever needs age-appropriate assessment and advice. Do not assume that a tooth explains the temperature or removes the need for help.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Teething should not hide signs of illness.

Sources: NHS · Baby teething symptoms ↗

Allow for variation in first-tooth timing

Not having a first tooth at exactly six months is not, by itself, a reason for medication or stopping solids. Timing varies between babies.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

First-tooth timing differs between babies.

Sources: NHS · Baby teething symptoms ↗

Read it. Try it. Come back to why.

Read one point at a time, then use the linked scenario to check your understanding. The practice is a chance to return to the explanation and reflect, rather than a measure of parenting ability.

Practise all 3 questions →