Teething: Why It’s Uncomfortable and How Long It Lasts for Your Little One

Teething is one of those milestones that many parents dread. Your previously happy, giggling baby might suddenly turn into a fussy, drooling little one. As a pediatric dentist, I get a lot of questions about teething—specifically, why it’s uncomfortable, if every child goes through the same discomfort, and when it all finally ends.

Why Is Teething Uncomfortable?

When your baby’s teeth start to push through their gums, it creates pressure and inflammation, which can make them feel uncomfortable. Imagine something sharp trying to break through soft tissue—it doesn’t sound fun, does it? That’s exactly what happens when teeth come in. The gum tissue is tender, and the teeth, especially those first few, cause swelling and soreness.

For many children, this discomfort leads to drooling, irritability, and even difficulty sleeping. You may notice them chewing on their hands or anything they can get a hold of. This chewing helps relieve the pressure in their gums, much like massaging a sore muscle.

Do All Children Experience Teething Discomfort?

The short answer is: not always. Every child is different. Some babies hardly notice their teeth coming in, while others experience significant discomfort with each new tooth. Genetics, pain tolerance, and the order in which the teeth erupt can all play a role in how much discomfort a child feels. It’s also worth noting that different teeth can cause different levels of discomfort. Molars, for instance, can be a little more painful to cut through than front teeth because of their larger surface area.

So, while your friend's baby might breeze through teething, your child could have a tougher time—or vice versa. It’s completely normal either way!

When Does Teething Pain Stop?

Teething can start as early as 3 to 4 months old, but most babies begin around 6 months. The discomfort typically lasts until the first set of 20 baby teeth come in, which is usually around 2 to 3 years of age. The good news? The discomfort doesn’t last that entire time.

For most children, the worst of the teething pain happens in the days leading up to a tooth breaking through the gums, then it eases up. It’s kind of like a buildup of pressure that gets released once the tooth surfaces. So, while teething itself is a long process, the pain comes and goes in phases.

How Long Does Teething Pain Last?

For each tooth, the discomfort usually lasts for about 1 to 3 days. However, some children may experience more prolonged discomfort, especially with larger teeth like molars. Fortunately, there are ways to help manage your child’s pain—gentle gum massages, teething toys, or cool washcloths can help provide relief. If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, talk to your pediatrician or dentist about other options.

In short, while teething can be an uncomfortable part of early childhood, it doesn’t have to be a never-ending struggle. Some kids handle it better than others, and the discomfort usually only lasts for a few days at a time. By the time your little one has all their baby teeth in place, those sleepless nights will be a distant memory—and your child will have a beautiful smile to show for it!

If you ever have concerns about your child’s teething or oral health, feel free to reach out to us at Kids Dental Spot. We're here to make sure their smiles are healthy and happy, even through the tough stages like teething

Kids Dental Spot is a dental office focused providing services to pediatric patients in Anaheim, California serving kids, children, infants and adolescents in the heart of Orange County serving nearby neighborhoods, such as: Fullerton, Brea, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Buena Park, Placentia, and Orange.

Written and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Atiya Bahmanyar, DDS (Board Certified - Doctorate of Dental Surgery)