How long does teething last?

Teething is a necessary but tough milestone for both you and your baby. From the difficult teething symptoms to the teething remedies to ease the pain, you probably have a lot of questions about it and we don't blame you if the main one that springs to mind is 'how long does teething last?'

To put your mind at rest, we spoke to Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and Online Doctor for Prescription Doctor to find out when you can expect it to end.

How will I know my baby is teething?

You'll be able to tell when your baby starts teething from the unpleasant symptoms of teething. Common symptoms include disrupted sleep, irritability, discomfort, swelling or inflamed gums, a loss of appetite, drooling, a rash which can be found around the mouth and baby diarrhoea. A mild fever has also been linked to teething. Your baby may also try to bite objects more frequently and also rub their gums, so it's a good idea to get some baby teethers or teething rings.

Is teething painful?

Teething can be painful for a baby and may sometimes wake them from sleep, it's usually the main reason for any crying, disturbance and discomfort around this period. The gums around the new teeth may also become swollen or tender.

How long does teething last?

Teething usually starts when your baby is around 6-10 months and lasts until they are about 25-33 months.

How long does teething pain last after the tooth appears?

The pain can last for around 8 days however sometimes if more than one tooth is coming through at the same time then the pain can continue for longer and be even greater.

What can I do to help with teething?

There are a number of ways you can help your baby through this time. Giving your baby chilled fruit such as mashed banana can help with teething relief, chill the fruit and place it in a mesh feeder or pouch. Try a cold cloth to soothe their sore gums, massaging their gums may also help with any pain, a chilled teething toy to chew on may also help.

If you find your baby is drooling from teething you should ensure you wipe it away quickly to prevent any irritation. Ensure your baby is as comfortable and happy as they can be during this period. You could always try some baby teething gels, baby teething biscuits and baby teething powders.

Baby buys to help with teething