Teething describes the ache and fuss that can come as a new tooth moves through the gum.

In kid words

"Teething just means a new tooth is pushing its way up through your gum, and that can feel achy or itchy for a little while." It happens with your very first teeth, and again years later when your grown-up teeth arrive. The achy feeling always settles down once the tooth is through.

The parent version

Teething is the everyday word for the discomfort that can come as a tooth moves through the gum on its way into the mouth, most often discussed around a baby's first teeth. Fussiness, extra drooling, a puffy-looking gum and a strong urge to chew on things are the signs most commonly described with the word, though every baby shows it differently, and some show barely any signs at all.

The comfort measures most commonly recognized are simple: a clean, chilled, not frozen, teether, or gently massaging the gum with a clean finger, alongside a good measure of patience while it passes. Any question about medicine or gel for teething is best asked directly to your pediatrician, rather than decided at home.

Where you might hear it at our office

Teething is one of the first topics that comes up in infant dental care, right alongside those very first brushing lessons. It's a normal, expected part of a baby's early months, and there's no question about it too small to bring to a visit.

If a different word from a visit has you stumped, browse the rest of the dictionary.

Related words

Words that often come up alongside teething: eruption, gum, deciduous teeth.