New parents in Pakistan often hear it from a dadi or nani first: “dant nikal rahe hain” — the teeth are coming. And with that announcement comes a wave of advice, some helpful, some outdated, and some that can actually harm your baby. Knowing what teething really looks like, and what it does not look like, is one of the most useful things you can learn in your baby’s first year.
Teething, or dant nikalna in Urdu, is the process by which a baby’s primary teeth (also called milk teeth or doodh ke dant) push up through the gum line. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a baby’s first tooth typically appears between 5 and 7 months of age, though some babies start as early as 3 months and others not until after their first birthday. Both ends of that range are normal. By around age 2.5 to 3 years, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
The discomfort is real, but it’s usually mild. Most teething episodes last about 3 to 8 days per tooth, according to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Understanding this timeline helps Pakistani parents avoid over-treating a baby who simply needs a little comfort.
دانت نکلنا: اہم باتیں
دانت نکلنا بچے کی نشوونما کا ایک قدرتی مرحلہ ہے جو عام طور پر 5 سے 7 ماہ کی عمر میں شروع ہوتا ہے۔ اس دوران بچہ زیادہ تھوک بہاتا ہے، مسوڑھوں کو رگڑتا ہے اور چڑچڑا ہو سکتا ہے۔ یہ یاد رکھنا ضروری ہے کہ دانت نکلنے سے بخار یا اسہال نہیں ہوتا — اگر یہ علامات ہوں تو ڈاکٹر سے رجوع کریں۔ مسوڑھوں کی ہلکی مالش، ٹھنڈے صاف کپڑے سے سکون ملتا ہے، اور ضرورت پڑنے پر ڈاکٹر کی ہدایت پر پیراسیٹامول دی جا سکتی ہے۔ شہد یا الکوحل مسوڑھوں پر لگانا نہایت خطرناک ہے اور اس سے سختی سے پرہیز کریں۔
Real Signs of Teething in Babies
Teething does cause some discomfort, but the symptoms are specific. Recognising them correctly saves Pakistani parents from unnecessary worry and from chasing the wrong diagnosis.
What teething actually causes:
- Drooling more than usual — often starts at 3 to 4 months and can soak through a bib quickly
- Chewing and biting on fingers, toys, or anything within reach
- Swollen, red, or tender gums where a tooth is about to break through
- Mild fussiness and irritability, especially in the 24 to 48 hours before a tooth emerges
- A slight rise in body temperature (below 38°C / 100.4°F) — not a true fever
- A drool rash around the mouth and chin, caused by constant skin contact with saliva
- Ear pulling or cheek rubbing, because pain from the gums can radiate to those areas
In Pakistan’s humid summer months — particularly in Karachi and Lahore where temperatures cross 40°C — the drool rash can worsen quickly. Keeping the area around your baby’s mouth clean and gently patting it dry with a soft muslin cloth several times a day helps prevent skin breakdown.
What Teething Does NOT Cause
This is the section most Pakistani parents need most. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), teething does not cause:
- High fever (temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F)
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Vomiting
- Runny nose or cough
- Excessive crying that won’t stop
These symptoms happen around the same age as teething because 6 to 12 months is also when the passive immunity a baby receives from the mother begins to wear off. The baby’s immune system is still developing, so minor infections are common. Blaming every illness on teething can delay proper treatment. If your baby has a high fever, persistent diarrhea, or seems genuinely unwell, treat it as a separate concern and consult a pediatric specialist in Pakistan or your family doctor.
Baby Teething Timeline: Which Tooth Comes When
Knowing the order of tooth eruption helps you anticipate the harder stretches. The molars, in particular, tend to cause more discomfort because of their wider surface area.
| Teeth | Typical Age of Eruption |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front 2) | 6 to 10 months |
| Upper central incisors (top front 2) | 8 to 12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9 to 13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10 to 16 months |
| First molars (upper and lower) | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines (pointed teeth) | 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars (upper and lower) | 23 to 33 months |
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Individual timing varies and both earlier and later eruption are normal.
The second molar phase (around 25 to 33 months) is often the most uncomfortable, per Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, because these are the largest baby teeth and they push through slowly.
Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby at Home
Most teething discomfort can be managed at home with simple, safe methods. Here are seven steps that work, grounded in what Pakistani households actually have access to:
- Gum massage. Wash your hands thoroughly and rub the swollen gum firmly with a clean finger for about 2 minutes. The counter-pressure relieves pain better than most gels. Do this as often as your baby needs it.
- Chilled (not frozen) cloth. Wet a clean muslin cloth or soft cotton dupatta piece, fold it into a knot, and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Let your baby chew on it. Never freeze it — frozen cloth can bruise tender gums.
- Chilled teething ring. Silicone or firm rubber teething rings (available at most baby shops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad for around Rs. 200 to 600) can be refrigerated and given to your baby to chew. Avoid rings filled with liquid, which can leak.
- Cool soft foods (for babies on solids). If your baby is already eating solids, chilled mashed banana or plain yogurt (dahi) can soothe sore gums while keeping your baby nourished. Do not offer raw carrot or any hard food that could cause choking.
- Extra breastfeeding or bottle feeds. Suckling is naturally soothing for many babies. If your baby refuses the breast because of gum pain, try offering milk in a small cup or spoon for a short time.
- Distraction and cuddles. Carrying your baby close in a soft wrap or giving extra skin contact during fussy periods genuinely helps. Pakistani mothers have always known this — it works.
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) if needed. If your baby is genuinely distressed and other methods have not helped, infant paracetamol (such as drops formulated for babies, available at most pharmacies in Pakistan) may be given according to your baby’s weight and the product instructions. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before giving any medicine to an infant.
Dangerous Remedies to Avoid
Some commonly shared advice in Pakistani households can seriously harm a baby. These are not old wives’ tales to dismiss gently — they are genuine safety risks.
Never do these:
- Rub alcohol, spirits, or desi sharab on your baby’s gums. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can be toxic to an infant.
- Apply honey to the gums or dummy. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which cause infant botulism, a rare but life-threatening illness. This applies to all babies under 12 months.
- Use teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that benzocaine in teething products can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious blood condition in infants.
- Use amber teething necklaces. These pose a choking and strangulation risk. No clinical evidence supports their effectiveness.
- Give homeopathic teething tablets without consulting a doctor. Some have been found to contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna, which can cause seizures.
Caring for Your Baby’s First Teeth
Once that first tooth appears, oral hygiene starts immediately. Use a small, soft-bristled baby toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day. Do not dip a dummy or teething ring in anything sweet — sugar causes tooth decay even in milk teeth, and those first teeth matter for chewing, speech, and holding space for permanent teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling a baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. In Pakistan, paediatric dental clinics are available in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.
When to See a Doctor
Teething is usually manageable at home, but some situations need professional attention. Consult a doctor promptly if your baby:
- Has a temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Has diarrhea lasting more than one day
- Is crying persistently and cannot be soothed
- Is refusing all feeds for several hours
- Has swelling spreading beyond the gum
- Has no teeth at all by 18 months of age
If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is teething or something else, getting a quick professional opinion is always the right call. A nutritionist in Pakistan can also advise on the right soft foods to introduce during teething if your baby is struggling to eat. For skin rashes that are spreading or not improving, a dermatologist in Pakistan can rule out other causes.
For general guidance on other common baby skin issues during Pakistan’s hot months, see this helpful resource on prickly heat in babies — the drool rash and heat rash sometimes look similar and can occur together.
Get Expert Advice from Marham
Parenting a teething baby in Pakistan’s summer heat is genuinely tiring. Broken nights, a fussy baby, and conflicting advice from family members can make even a calm parent doubt themselves. If you’re worried about a specific symptom or want to confirm that what your baby is experiencing is normal, speaking to a paediatrician is the fastest way to get peace of mind.
Marham connects Pakistani parents with verified child health specialists through online consultations, available from anywhere in the country. A short online appointment typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and can clarify whether your baby’s symptoms are teething-related or need further investigation. You don’t need to travel to a hospital for a quick question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does teething cause fever in babies?
Teething may cause a very slight rise in temperature, but not a true fever. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a rectal temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) is not caused by teething and needs a separate medical evaluation.
Does teething cause diarrhea?
Teething does not directly cause diarrhea. Loose stools sometimes appear around the same time because babies put everything in their mouths, which introduces germs. If diarrhea lasts more than one day or comes with fever, consult your doctor.
When do babies start teething in Pakistan?
Most babies begin teething between 5 and 7 months of age, though the range of 3 months to 12 months is normal. Timing often runs in families, so if a parent teethed late, the baby may too.
How long does each teething episode last?
Each teething episode typically lasts 3 to 8 days per tooth, with the worst discomfort in the 24 to 48 hours just before the tooth breaks through the gum. Once the tooth is through, relief usually comes quickly.
Is it safe to use teething gel for babies in Pakistan?
Most over-the-counter teething gels are not recommended for infants. Gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine can be harmful. Gum massage and chilled teething rings are safer first-line options. Always ask a doctor before using any medicated product on a baby.
Can I give my baby honey or alcohol to soothe teething pain?
No. Honey must never be given to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. Alcohol of any kind rubbed on the gums is toxic to infants. Both are dangerous regardless of how small the amount.
When should I take my teething baby to the doctor?
See a doctor if your baby has a fever above 38°C, persistent diarrhea, refuses all feeds, or cannot be soothed for several hours. These are not normal teething symptoms and may point to an infection or another condition.
Conclusion
Teething is uncomfortable for babies and exhausting for parents, but it’s a normal part of growing up. The real signs are drooling, chewing, mild fussiness, and tender gums — not fever, not diarrhea, and not inconsolable crying. Safe relief comes from gum massage, chilled cloths, and extra comfort, not from alcohol, honey, or numbing gels. Trust your instincts as a parent: if something feels beyond normal teething, it probably is, and a doctor’s opinion is always worth getting.
