Yes, lateral incisor eruption can be uncomfortable for babies, with short bouts of gum soreness and fussiness.
Side front teeth tend to break through once the front centers are in, bringing a fresh wave of drool, gnawing, and restless naps. Some little ones breeze through; others act clingy and refuse the bottle for a day. This guide explains what that ache is, how long it lasts, and the calm, safe ways to help.
Lateral Incisor Eruption Pain In Infants—What To Expect
The “lateral” teeth sit next to the two front centers. When those edges push up, gums stretch and feel sore. You might see pink, puffy tissue and a tiny white ridge. The discomfort often spikes right before the tip shows and then fades within a few days. Irritability, more drool, and extra chewing are common. High fever or deep ear pain points to something else and needs medical attention.
Typical Timing For Front Teeth
Primary teeth arrive in a set order, though many babies run early or late and still fall within a normal range. Here’s a compact view, so you can map current fussiness to a likely tooth stage. A fuller chart appears on the ADA baby teeth eruption chart in case you want exact windows by arch.
| Tooth | Typical Eruption Window | What Parents Often Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Central Incisor (Upper) | 8–12 months | Drool surge, gums look swollen, brief night wakings |
| Central Incisor (Lower) | 6–10 months | Chewing on hands, mild gum redness |
| Lateral Incisor (Upper) | 8–12 months | One cheek a bit flushed, strong urge to gnaw |
| Lateral Incisor (Lower) | 7–10 months | Short fussy spells before the edge appears |
| Canine (Upper/Lower) | 16–20 months | Tender ridges, extra clinginess |
Why These Side Front Teeth Can Sting
Pressure builds beneath the gum as the crown rises. Saliva ramps up, which softens tissue and makes skin around the mouth chafe. Chewing on firm, safe items relieves pressure and distracts the brain from that dull ache. Once the tip pierces through, soreness eases fast.
How Long Does The Discomfort Last?
Most babies show 24–72 hours of stronger symptoms around eruption, then settle. A rough night may return when the second side follows. The chewing habit lingers because it works—pressure against the gum sends competing signals that take the edge off.
What Pain Looks Like Versus Illness
Teething can bring pink gums, drool rash, a flushed cheek, and poorer sleep. A true fever (38°C / 100.4°F or higher), deep ear pain, a spreading facial rash with oozing, or breathing trouble doesn’t fit the teething picture and needs prompt care. Blaming every symptom on new teeth can delay the right treatment.
Safe Ways To Soothe Sore Gums
Simple, low-risk steps usually work best. One high-quality overview from pediatric specialists outlines proven relief and what to skip; see the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on teething pain for a practical checklist.
Cold Pressure
Offer a chilled (not frozen) silicone teether, a refrigerated spoon, or a wet washcloth from the fridge. The cold calms nerve signals while pressure counters the ache. Freezing makes items too hard and risks gum injury. Keep a small rotation in the fridge so one is always ready.
Clean Gum Massage
Wash your hands, then rub the tender ridge with a steady, gentle motion for 1–2 minutes. Many babies stop fussing almost instantly. If your child bites, switch to a firm rubber teether so you can give pressure without fingertips in the way.
Teethers That Work Hard
Look for solid silicone or dense rubber pieces with varied textures. Rings with a narrow section let the mouth close more comfortably near the front sides. Skip liquid-filled toys that can rupture. Replace worn teethers so no fragments break off.
Food-Based Soothers (When Age-Ready)
For babies on soft solids, chilled purée pouches, cold applesauce, or yogurt can be soothing during a short window. Hold off on hard foods that pose a choking risk. Mesh feeders with chilled fruit can help, yet watch closely and remove stringy bits that slip through.
Medicine: When And How
Some families use infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen for tough nights, following age and weight directions on the label. Avoid aspirin in children. If you have questions about timing or dosing, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist. Numbing gels and drops are not advised for infants.
Products And Myths To Skip
Benzocaine And Lidocaine Gels
These numbing agents can be dangerous for infants and do not give lasting relief. U.S. regulators warn against oral benzocaine products for children under 2 and advise against viscous lidocaine for teething. Stick with cold, pressure, and approved pain medicines when needed.
Necklaces, Bracelets, And Other Wearables
Items worn around the neck or wrist raise choking and strangulation risk. Chewing jewelry is not a safe substitute for a hand-held teether with proper ventilation holes and solid construction.
“Teething Causes High Fever”
Low-grade warmth or a flushed cheek can happen. A higher reading suggests infection or another issue. Treat true fever as illness, not tooth pain.
How To Keep Skin Happy During Drool Season
Extra saliva can irritate the chin, cheeks, and neck folds. Pat dry often with a soft cloth, then apply a simple barrier like petroleum jelly before naps and overnight. Swap out soaked bibs, and rinse food residue after meals. Most mild patches calm within a day or two once you manage moisture.
When Teething Pain Isn’t The Real Problem
Reach out for care if any of the following pop up, since these fall outside normal tooth eruption:
- Fever at or above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Pulling at the ear with crying that doesn’t settle
- Rash that spreads, oozes, or cracks
- Poor feeding or fewer wet diapers across a day
- Breathing changes, wheeze, or bluish lips
- Facial swelling that seems new or worsening
If something feels off, trust your gut and call your child’s clinician. Fast attention beats waiting out symptoms that don’t fit the teething pattern.
Daily Care That Eases Every New Tooth
Clean the mouth even before the first tooth shows. Wipe gums with a soft cloth after feeds. When a tooth erupts, switch to a baby brush with soft bristles and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. A steady bedtime routine—clean, feed, cuddle, dark room—also lowers night wakings tied to discomfort.
Hydration Helps
Offer regular breastfeeds or formula. For older infants, a little cool water in a sippy cup during meals can be soothing. Good hydration keeps saliva flowing and makes mucosa less irritable.
Sleep Tips During A Teething Spike
Stick to your usual bedtime flow. Add a few minutes of gum massage before lights out, then a chilled teether in the crib for supervised wind-down. If your child wakes upset, offer brief comfort and a safe soother; avoid starting brand-new sleep habits you’ll need to undo later.
Soothing Options At A Glance
| Method | How It Helps | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chilled Silicone Teether | Cold dulls soreness; textures add pressure | Refrigerate, don’t freeze; inspect for tears |
| Gum Massage | Steady pressure interrupts pain signals | Clean hands; stop if tissue bleeds |
| Cold Washcloth | Conforms to the ridge, easy to grip | Moisten with water only; supervise |
| Age-Appropriate Pain Reliever | Short-term relief during tough nights | Follow label; avoid aspirin; ask your pediatrician if unsure |
| Moisture Barrier For Rash | Shields skin from drool and friction | Reapply before naps and bedtime |
What Makes Side Front Teeth Feel Different From The First Pair
Once central edges are in, babies learn that biting pressure brings relief. When the next pair rises, they hunt for just-right contact points and gnaw longer. The ache may feel sharper on one side if the tooth on that side is farther along. This “asymmetry” is normal. A white line on one gum with puffy tissue on the other usually means the second tooth isn’t far behind.
Why The Ache Comes And Goes
Inflammation flares as the crown presses against the gum, eases after a day, then pops back up when a wider portion approaches the surface. That’s why you might get two restless nights separated by a calm day. A predictable routine and chilled chew breaks make those bumps easier for everyone.
Red Flags During Eruption
Call your child’s clinician without delay for any of these:
- Blue or dark swelling over a tooth area that grows quickly
- Bleeding that soaks a cloth or won’t stop with gentle pressure
- Ulcers that spread or prevent feeds
- A foul odor with pus
Putting It All Together
Side front teeth can sting for a short stretch, yet simple tools—cold, pressure, and smart skin care—carry most babies through. Use a chilled teether during the day, massage the gum before bed, keep bibs dry, and save medicine for rough patches when label-appropriate. Skip numbing gels and any wearable chews. If symptoms look bigger than gum soreness, treat them as illness and get care soon. With steady habits and safe relief, this stage passes quickly and the smile widens by the week.