
Teething marks a major milestone in infancy as primary teeth slowly push through sensitive gum tissue. This process usually begins between five and seven months with the lower front teeth and continues gradually until the final molars appear around age three. While the biology of teething is universal, the experience is not—some babies show little reaction, while others become unsettled for days.
Baby teething symptoms often overlap with common childhood illnesses, leaving parents unsure what is normal. Drooling, gum swelling, and sleep disruption are typical, but fever, vomiting, or diarrhea require closer attention. Knowing how to separate natural tooth eruption discomfort from signs of illness helps caregivers respond calmly while protecting a baby's health.