← All explanationsTeething

What helps when the first teeth emerge?

Teething means the first teeth are erupting. The gums may be tender; drooling, chewing objects and restlessness can occur. Some children notice little discomfort. High fever, significant diarrhoea or a child who appears ill should not simply be attributed to teething.

For dental trainees & teams

01 / 03

A tooth emerges

Eruption can make the gum temporarily tender. Timing and symptoms vary. Not every restless night is caused by a tooth.

02 / 03

Gentle comfort

A clean, chilled teething ring or gentle massage with a clean finger may feel soothing. Do not freeze rings or place necklaces around the neck.

03 / 03

Do not overlook illness

If a child seems ill, drinks poorly or has a high fever, seek medical advice. Daily tooth care also starts when the first tooth appears.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What might be noticed?

Tender gums, drooling and increased chewing.

What may help?

Gentle massage or a safe chilled teething ring.

When should medical advice be sought?

If the child appears ill, drinks poorly, has a high fever or significant other symptoms.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): What helps when the first teeth emerge?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Teething or infection?

Mild local discomfort can fit with teething. Significant illness needs separate assessment; an erupting tooth does not rule out infection.

Quick answers

When does the first tooth appear?

Often in the second half of the first year, sometimes earlier or later. Individual development is observed at routine child health checks.

Are teething gels necessary?

Not automatically. Simple measures are often enough. Use age-appropriate medicines only with professional guidance; products for adults are not a substitute.

Does an amber necklace help?

It is not a recommended teething aid. Necklaces and small parts can create strangulation or choking hazards. Suitable supervised aids are safer.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which tooth care and gentle comfort measures suit my child’s age?

Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.

The first teeth often bring questions about suitable care.

Discuss care for the first teethChoose an appointment on Doctolib

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Dentition: The set of teeth, or their development and eruption.
Gingiva: The gum around the teeth.
Local anaesthetic: A substance that numbs an area; use and dose must be appropriate for the child’s age.

Know the difference

Eruption signs are non-specific. They must not replace assessment of an infant’s general condition, drinking and fever.

Knowledge questionWhich teething aid is generally suitable?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

A clean, chilled but not frozen teething ring.
A necklace around the neck.
An adult medicine without advice.

Show answer and explanation

A clean, chilled but not frozen teething ring.

A suitable chilled ring may soothe the gums. Manufacturer instructions and supervision remain important.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.