Teething in Babies and Toddlers: What’s Normal and When to See a Doctor (Singapore)
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Feb 3
- 6 min read
Teething in babies and toddlers is one of the most anxiety-provoking phases for parents in Singapore. Between unexplained crying, disrupted sleep, mild fevers and changes in appetite, many parents are left asking the same question:
Is my baby sick, or is this just teething?
In Singapore, teething concerns frequently overlap with clinic visits for fever, diarrhoea and viral illnesses, especially in children aged 6 to 24 months. This guide explains what teething symptoms are normal, what is not, and when your child should be reviewed by a doctor.
When Does Teething in Babies and Toddlers in Singapore Usually Start?
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, although there is a wide range of normal. Some babies cut their first tooth earlier, while others do not show signs until closer to their first birthday.
Teething does not stop in infancy. Many toddlers experience another round of discomfort when molars erupt between 12 and 24 months, which can sometimes feel worse than earlier teething episodes.
Because teeth come in stages, symptoms can appear, settle, and then return again weeks later.
What Teething Normally Looks Like
Teething symptoms tend to be local and mild. Parents often notice increased drooling first, followed by gum sensitivity and a stronger urge to chew on fingers, toys or clothing.
It is also common for babies and toddlers to be:
more irritable or clingy
unsettled during naps or at night
temporarily less interested in feeds or solid food
Simple comfort measures such as teething rings, gentle gum massage and maintaining regular feeding routines are usually sufficient. Teething symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting, and that most babies do not require medication during this phase.
Drooling and chewing are common signs of teething and are usually part of normal development.
Drooling during teething can sometimes irritate the skin around the mouth and chin. If you are unsure whether a rash is due to saliva irritation or something more concerning, our guide on childhood rashes in Singapore may help clarify when observation is enough and when review is needed.
Teething Fever: Clearing Up a Common Misunderstanding
One of the most frequent concerns parents search for is teething fever.
Teething can cause a slight rise in temperature, but it does not cause a true fever. A temperature of 38°C or higher is unlikely to be due to teething alone.
At this age, fevers are far more commonly linked to viral infections, ear infections or throat infections. If your child has a documented fever, it is important to assess it properly rather than attributing it to teething. You can read more about how doctors approach this in our article on fever in children and when to worry versus when to wait.
Symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, cough or widespread rashes are not considered typical teething symptoms and should prompt medical assessment rather than being attributed to teething alone. This aligns with guidance used across public healthcare settings in Singapore.
Can Teething Cause Diarrhoea?
Teething itself does not cause diarrhoea.
However, teething-aged children tend to mouth objects more frequently, which increases exposure to germs. At the same time, many are starting solids or attending childcare, where stomach viruses are common.
If your child has loose stools, frequent diarrhoea or vomiting, this is more consistent with a gastrointestinal infection rather than teething.
Is My Baby Sick or Just Teething?
This is often the hardest judgement for parents to make, and it is one we hear daily in the clinic.
Teething symptoms are usually limited to gum discomfort, drooling and mild fussiness. When symptoms extend beyond this, illness becomes more likely.
Signs that suggest your child may be unwell rather than teething include:
fever of 38°C or above
diarrhoea or vomiting
cough, runny nose or sore throat
widespread rash
unusual drowsiness or lethargy
poor feeding lasting more than a day
Many parents worry that their child seems to be unwell more often during the toddler years. This can be normal, especially during periods of rapid development and increased exposure to infections, but it is not always easy to tell when something needs further evaluation.
If you are unsure, it is always appropriate to seek medical advice. A simple check can provide reassurance or identify a problem early.
Helping Your Child Through Teething
For most babies and toddlers, teething discomfort can be managed with simple, safe measures. Chilled teething rings, gentle gum massage with clean fingers, or a cold washcloth for supervised chewing can provide relief.
Some babies may temporarily eat less during teething, particularly when this coincides with the transition to solid foods. This change in appetite is often temporary and improves as discomfort settles. Maintaining regular milk feeds and offering soft, familiar foods can help support nutrition during this period.
If discomfort is affecting sleep or feeding, age-appropriate paracetamol may be recommended. It is best to speak to a doctor before giving medication, particularly for younger babies. Teething gels that contain local anaesthetic agents are generally not advised for routine use in infants and toddlers.
When to See a Doctor
A medical review can help determine whether symptoms are due to teething or an underlying illness.
Parents should arrange a medical review if symptoms feel more severe than expected, last more than a few days, or include fever, diarrhoea or vomiting.
Teething can make sleep more unsettled for a short period, especially around active tooth eruption. When night waking becomes persistent or significantly worsens, it is often influenced by developmental sleep changes rather than teething alone.
You should also bring your child in if something simply does not feel right. Parental instinct matters, and no concern is too small to discuss.
How We Can Support Your Family
At Oaklife Family Clinic, we regularly see babies and toddlers with teething-related concerns. Our doctors help parents distinguish between normal developmental discomfort and illnesses that require treatment.
We provide careful assessments, clear explanations and practical advice tailored to your child’s age and symptoms. CHAS-approved consultations are available for eligible families.
If you are unsure whether your child’s symptoms are due to teething or illness, a medical review can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Visit Oaklife Family Clinic – CHAS-approved.
📍 592G Balestier Road, Singapore 329902📞 6980 8568
Frequently Asked Questions About Teething in Children for Singapore Parents
Q: Can teething cause fever?
A: Teething may cause a child to feel slightly warm, but it does not cause a true fever. A temperature of 38°C or higher is unlikely to be due to teething alone and should be assessed by a doctor.
Q: Can teething cause diarrhoea?
A: No. Teething itself does not cause diarrhoea. Loose stools or persistent diarrhoea are more commonly related to infections or dietary changes and should not be attributed to teething without medical review.
Q: How long does teething discomfort usually last?
A: Teething discomfort typically lasts a few days before the tooth erupts and settles soon after. Symptoms may recur intermittently as new teeth emerge, particularly during molar eruption between 12 and 24 months.
Q: Is it normal for my baby to eat less while teething?
A: Yes. A temporary reduction in appetite is common during teething due to gum discomfort. This usually improves once the discomfort settles. Ongoing poor feeding or refusal of milk should be assessed by a doctor.
Q: Can teething cause cough or runny nose?
A: No. Cough, runny nose and sore throat are not caused by teething and are more suggestive of viral infections. These symptoms should not be assumed to be part of teething.
Q: Should I give teething gel or medication?
A: Teething gels containing local anaesthetic agents are generally not recommended for routine use in infants and toddlers. If discomfort is significant, age-appropriate paracetamol may be advised by a doctor. Always seek medical advice before giving medication.
Q: When should I bring my child to see a doctor?
A: You should arrange a medical review if your child has a fever of 38°C or higher, diarrhoea or vomiting, symptoms lasting more than two to three days, poor feeding, reduced urine output, or unusual drowsiness. If you are unsure whether symptoms are due to teething or illness, it is appropriate to seek medical advice.
