Behavior Changes from Teething
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed behavior changes from teething, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Teething can genuinely affect your baby's behavior, causing increased fussiness, disrupted sleep, decreased appetite, and extra clinginess. However, research shows that teething symptoms are typically mild and short-lived, usually lasting only a few days around the time each tooth erupts. Many symptoms commonly attributed to teething, such as high fever, diarrhea, and severe illness, are actually coincidental illnesses that happen during the same timeframe.
Key takeaways
- Teething can genuinely affect your baby's behavior, causing increased fussiness, disrupted sleep, decreased appetite, and extra clinginess. However, research shows that teething symptoms are typically mild and short-lived, usually lasting only a few days around the time each tooth erupts. Many symptoms commonly attributed to teething, such as high fever, diarrhea, and severe illness, are actually coincidental illnesses that happen during the same timeframe.
- Usually normal when: Fussiness and behavior changes last only a few days surrounding a visible tooth eruption and then resolve
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, which is not caused by teething alone and should be evaluated for illness
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, teething can genuinely affect your baby's behavior, causing increased fussiness, disrupted sleep, decreased appetite, and extra clinginess. However, research shows that teething symptoms are typically mild and short-lived, usually lasting only a few days around the time each tooth erupts. Many symptoms commonly attributed to teething, such as high fever, diarrhea, and severe illness, are actually coincidental illnesses that happen during the same timeframe. At 3-6 months, most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though timing varies widely. In the days around tooth eruption, you may notice increased drooling, a desire to chew on everything, mild fussiness, and slight disruption to sleep patterns. Some babies may briefly refuse the breast or bottle because sucking causes pressure on sore gums. Chilled teething rings and gentle gum massage can provide relief. It is generally considered normal when fussiness and behavior changes last only a few days surrounding a visible tooth eruption and then resolve. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, which is not caused by teething alone and should be evaluated for illness.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
3-6 months
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though timing varies widely. In the days around tooth eruption, you may notice increased drooling, a desire to chew on everything, mild fussiness, and slight disruption to sleep patterns. Some babies may briefly refuse the breast or bottle because sucking causes pressure on sore gums. Chilled teething rings and gentle gum massage can provide relief.
6-12 months
Multiple teeth erupt during this period, and your baby may seem like they are always teething. Behavioral changes may include increased biting (of toys, food, and sometimes people), irritability, mild ear-pulling on the same side as an erupting tooth, and some appetite changes. Sleep disruption from teething is usually brief, lasting 1-3 nights per tooth. If sleep problems persist for weeks, another cause is more likely.
12-24 months
First molars typically arrive between 13-19 months and canines between 16-23 months. Molars can be more uncomfortable than front teeth due to their larger size. Toddlers may show more obvious pain responses, become extra clingy, have more tantrums than usual, or reject foods that require chewing. These effects are temporary and manageable with appropriate pain relief measures recommended by your pediatrician.
24-36 months
Second molars arrive around 23-33 months and are often called the most uncomfortable teeth to erupt. Your toddler may be cranky, have disrupted sleep, drool more, and reject crunchy or chewy foods for a few days. By this age, children can sometimes tell you their mouth hurts, which helps you identify the cause. After the second molars come in, primary teething is complete and this source of behavioral disruption ends.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed behavior changes from teething and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if behavioral changes attributed to teething last more than a week without any tooth appearing, suggesting another cause.
- Mention if your baby is refusing to eat or drink for more than a day or two and you are concerned about hydration or nutrition.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Fussiness and behavior changes last only a few days surrounding a visible tooth eruption and then resolve
- Your baby has a very slight temperature increase (under 100.4F/38C) along with drooling and gum swelling
- Your child is a bit more clingy, irritable, or wakeful than usual but is still eating, drinking, and otherwise acting reasonably well
- Your baby wants to bite and chew on everything, which provides counter-pressure that soothes sore gums
- Behavioral changes attributed to teething last more than a week without any tooth appearing, suggesting another cause
- Your baby is refusing to eat or drink for more than a day or two and you are concerned about hydration or nutrition
- Sleep disruption that started around teething has now continued for weeks and may have become a new habit
- Your baby has a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, which is not caused by teething alone and should be evaluated for illness
- Your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash that is being attributed to teething, as these are more likely signs of an infection that needs attention
- Your child is in severe pain that is not relieved by appropriate measures, or you see signs of infection in the gums such as significant swelling, pus, or bleeding
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice behavior changes from teething — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that fussiness and behavior changes last only a few days surrounding a visible tooth eruption and then resolve — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 3-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, which is not caused by teething alone and should be evaluated for illness.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is behavior changes from teething normal?
When should I call the doctor about behavior changes from teething?
When is behavior changes from teething normal?
What causes behavior changes from teething?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about behavior changes from teething?
Is behavior changes from teething normal at 3-6 months?
Is behavior changes from teething normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for behavior changes from teething?
Does behavior changes from teething go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Behavior Changes from Teething.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed behavior changes from teething and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if behavioral changes attributed to teething last more than a week without any tooth appearing, suggesting another cause.
- Mention if your baby is refusing to eat or drink for more than a day or two and you are concerned about hydration or nutrition.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Behavioral changes attributed to teething last more than a week without any tooth appearing, suggesting another cause
- Your baby is refusing to eat or drink for more than a day or two and you are concerned about hydration or nutrition
- Sleep disruption that started around teething has now continued for weeks and may have become a new habit
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, which is not caused by teething alone and should be evaluated for illness
- Your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash that is being attributed to teething, as these are more likely signs of an infection that needs attention
- Your child is in severe pain that is not relieved by appropriate measures, or you see signs of infection in the gums such as significant swelling, pus, or bleeding
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of behavior changes from teething are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has a fever of 100.4f (38c) or higher, which is not caused by teething alone and should be evaluated for illness.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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