A baby’s first teeth (known as milk or deciduous teeth) will usually develop while the child is still growing in the womb.

In most babies, the first tooth then starts to emerge through the gums when they are around six months old, although it can be earlier or later than this. This process is what’s known as teething.

The bottom incisors (front teeth), are usually the first to come through and these are followed by the top front incisors. The rest of the teeth break through, in turn, over the next 20-30 months.

Teething is part of any baby’s natural growth, and it is the process of the teeth breaking through the gums that causes the discomfort and pain. This can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. It is thought that babies’ cheeks and jaws can ache as they feel the teeth moving in their gums.

While the process of teething can cause problems, on and off for a period of around two years, most children will have all their milk teeth in place by the time they are two and a half years old.

Some milk teeth emerge with no pain or discomfort at all. At other times you may notice that the gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through or that one cheek appears to be particularly flushed.

Another of the main signs that your baby is teething is that they start to chew on their fingers, toys or any other object they can get hold of. They do this to help alleviate the discomfort and it provides relief and distraction from the pain.

You may also notice that the baby is dribbling more than usual and is likely to be generally irritable.

If your baby is over 6 months old (5 months for some products), you can rub a teething gel on their gums to help relieve teething pain. Make sure you use one specifically designed for young children and always read the pack or instructions before use. 

Bonjela Soothing Teething Gel is a fast-acting gel that creates a protective film on your baby's gums to help relieve teething pain, discomfort and inflammation. 

If your baby is in pain, you could give them a children's sugar-free painkiller such as a children's ibuprofen or paracetamol suspension. If unsure, always seek advice from a healthcare professional. 

1. You can also use teething rings for your baby to chew on or a clean, cold wet flannel. Babies that used Bonjela’s teething gel with teething rings scored twice as low on a crying index after 2 weeks’, versus babies that used teething rings only.
   
   
2. You can also give your baby healthy things to chew. This includes raw fruit such as apples and raw vegetables such as carrots. You should always stay close to them as they chew on these things, just in case they choke.
   
   
3. If your baby is in pain, try a children’s sugar-free painkiller such as ibuprofen or a children’s paracetamol suspension. Check the pack to make sure the product is suitable for your child's age.