Paediatrics, by video or in person
Teething
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Teething
- Sore, red or swollen gums where a tooth is coming through
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing on fingers and toys
- Being more fretful, and sleeping poorly
- Rubbing an ear, or one flushed cheek
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Teething is when a baby's first teeth come through the gums. Most babies start around six months, though some start earlier or later, and most children have all their baby teeth by two to three years. Some babies teethe with no trouble; others have sore gums, drool, chew on things, rub an ear and sleep poorly. A slightly raised temperature can happen, but a review of the research found it does not reach a true fever, and the NHS says there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea. In Nigeria fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and cough are often put down to teething, and a baby with malaria, a chest infection or gastroenteritis can be missed. If your teething baby is unwell, look for another cause.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Sore, red or swollen gums where a tooth is coming through
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing on fingers and toys
- Being more fretful, and sleeping poorly
- Rubbing an ear, or one flushed cheek
- A slightly raised temperature, below 38°C
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now if your baby has a fit, is very drowsy or floppy, is breathing fast or with difficulty, cannot feed, vomits everything, or has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it. These are not signs of teething. A baby under three months with a temperature of 38°C or more must be seen by a doctor in person today. A baby of any age with a temperature of 38°C or more, diarrhoea, vomiting or a cough has an illness that needs looking for, including a malaria test, and it should not be put down to teething. A paediatrician by video can help you tell teething from illness and decide whether your baby needs to be examined.
Treatment options
- Something clean to chew on, such as a teething ring chilled in the fridge, never frozen, and never tied around the neck
- Rubbing the gums gently with a clean finger
- For babies over six months who are on solid food, pieces of raw fruit or vegetable to chew, with an adult watching
- Wiping drool often to protect the skin on the face
- Pain relief made for babies, only if your baby is distressed, at the dose on the pack for their age or from your doctor
- No teething mixtures, powders or herbal remedies unless a doctor has recommended them
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Does teething cause fever and diarrhoea?
No. Teething can raise the temperature slightly, but not to a fever of 38°C or more, and there is no evidence it causes diarrhoea. A baby with fever or diarrhoea has an illness, and needs a malaria test for the fever and fluids for the diarrhoea.
Are teething mixtures and powders safe?
Avoid them unless a doctor has recommended a specific product. In 2008 a contaminated teething mixture sold in Nigeria caused kidney failure and deaths in young children. Unlicensed and herbal products have no proven benefit, and their contents are not checked.
Can a paediatrician help with teething by video?
Yes. A paediatrician can look at your baby on camera, help you tell teething from illness, and tell you if your baby needs to be examined or tested.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Baby teething symptoms. NHS. Patient information.
- Tips for helping your teething baby. NHS. Patient information.
- Signs and symptoms of primary tooth eruption: a meta-analysis. Massignan C et al., Pediatrics 137(3):e20153501, 2016. Peer-reviewed.
- Diagnosing renal failure due to diethylene glycol in children in a resource-constrained setting. Akuse RM et al., Pediatric Nephrology 27(6):1021-1028, 2012. Peer-reviewed.
Links last checked 29 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.