Why Do Babies Drool When Teething: The Surprising Answers You Need to Know

Understanding Teething in Babies

The teething timeline isn't the same for all babies - but here is what most parents can expect.

When Do Babies Start Teething? 

Babies usually start getting their first baby teeth around 6 months old, but teething can actually begin much earlier, around 2 to 3 months old. Sometimes, teething occurs much later, and your little one might not get a tooth until after their first birthday.

Although teething begins early on, the first tooth can typically be seen around 4-6 months of age. The first baby tooth usually erupts through the gums around 6 months old.

Not every baby is on the same timeline, and some babies teethe much earlier or later.

Teething Order: What Should Parents Expect? 

A baby is born with all 20 primary teeth in place below their gum line. The first teeth to come through are usually the bottom two front teeth, followed by the four front upper teeth. By the time your baby is one, the lower lateral incisors and first molars usually appear.

Many children have all 20 primary teeth by the time they turn 3 years old.

Teething Symptoms in Babies 

Common Signs of Teething 

Drool and other symptoms are common during teething. Teething can cause your baby to be irritable, fussy, and restless due to the discomfort and pain in their gums as new teeth break through. Other symptoms of teething include swelling or redness in the gums.

Teething can lead to increased drooling and extra saliva. This can be messy around their mouth! The salivary glands acting on overdrive can lead to a red rash around your baby's mouth as well.

Can teething cause a fever or diarrhea? A high fever is a sign that your baby is sick, not teething. However, some parents report that their baby's body temperature rises during teething, almost as a low-grade fever. This can be part of their body's response to pain and discomfort.

The Role of Drooling in Teething 

As your baby's teeth come through, you might notice your baby drooling a lot. Why does this happen?

Why Babies Drool When Teething

Many babies begin to drool around 2 months of age, and this is a normal part of infant development. Salivary glands produced saliva that aids in digestion and development. Saliva production is a sign that your baby's digestive system is developing.

Saliva bathes your baby's gut and can also protect against disease.

Managing Excessive Drooling

What should parents do when their baby won't stop drooling? If your baby's face is constantly wet, wipe their face often with a soft wash cloth to keep it dry. Parents can also apply a moisture barrier ointment or cream around the baby's mouth at bedtime to prevent a drool rash from starting.

Using a cold wet wash cloth can be helpful for cleaning your baby's gums and mouth.

Soothing a Teething Baby 

There are many ways to help a drooling, teething baby feel better. From chew toys, to teething gels, to a teething ring, and other objects, there are many simple ways to help your little one feel better as they deal with the pain of teeth breaking through.

The Benefits of a Teething Ring Or Chewing Toys

Teething rings and teething gels can help alleviate sore gums. Cold toys can also help with discomfort. Any object that your baby can bite or gnaw on can help alleviate pressure from under the gums - even using a cold wet washcloth can make a big difference.

Of course, as your baby's teeth come in, they might want some extra cuddles and affection. Some children just need some extra snuggles from mom and dad when they feel sick or in pain! 

Distinguishing Teething from Illness 

Drooling and teething sometimes come with concerning symptoms, like a slightly elevated temperate. How will parents know if their little one is teething, or sick?

When to Consult a Pediatrician 

Talk to your child's doctor if they have any of these symptoms that are typically not caused by teething: fever, runny nose, or diarrhea. A fever is a temperature above 100.4. A high fever is never caused by teething.

If your baby's appetite changes, along with a fever or rash on their body, that can be a sign of illness and not teething.

Drool won't be a problem with the KeaBabies Urban Quin Drool Bibs! 

Drool can be a problem, no matter your baby's age. Thankfully, KeaBabies recently released a new product that is sure to help parents everywhere: the KeaBabies Urban Quin Drool Bibs.

These bibs are perfect for any drooling child. They are soft, lightweight, and made from woven organic cotton. The absorbent dual-layer cotton helps keep your child dry and fresh, even as they drool.

Full coverage large size bibs make sure to protect your baby's skin and torso. These bibs can also grow with your child as they age, with 2 sets of adjustable nickel-free snaps for a snug, comfortable fit.

KeaBabies Urban Quin Drool Bibs come in sets of 8, and are available in 4 different color schemes. These wonderfully soft bibs can help your child steer clear of skin rashes as they drool. 

What You Need to Know About Teething Babies

Teething is a normal part of a baby's development, and as they get teeth, they might drool more often. When parents know what to expect, it can make parenthood a lot easier. Symptoms of teething include irritability, gum rubbing, disrupted sleep patterns, swelling or inflammation in the gums, and overactive saliva glands.

Drool is completely normal, and with the help of the KeaBabies Urban Quin Drool Bibs, your little one can keep their skin clean and dry.

Meet Our KeaMommy Contributor: Kaitlyn Torrez I’m Kaitlyn Torrez, from the San Francisco Bay Area. I live with my husband and two children, Roman and Logan. I’m a former preschool teacher, currently enjoying being a stay at home mom. I love all things writing, coffee, and chocolate. In my free time, I enjoy reading, blogging, and working out.