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Is it teething, or something else? How to tell the difference
July 26th, 2026 | by Dr Helen FungWhen your baby is unsettled, drooling more than usual or chewing on everything in sight, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s “just teething” or something that needs a closer look. Teething is a normal part of your child’s development, and most of the time it’s mild and settles on its own. But every now and then, symptoms can point to something else entirely — and knowing the difference can help you feel confident about what to do next. This guide walks through what typical teething usually looks like, what’s outside the ordinary, and when it’s worth getting your little one checked.
What typical teething usually looks like
Teething is generally a mild, temporary process as your baby’s first teeth make their way through the gum. Common signs parents report include:
- Increased drooling
- Rubbing, gnawing or chewing on toys, fingers or other objects
- Mild irritability or a bit more clinginess than usual
- Slightly disrupted sleep for a few nights
- Red or slightly puffy gums in the area where a tooth is coming through
Some parents also notice their baby feels a little warmer than usual during teething. This is commonly reported, but it isn’t a reliable sign of teething on its own and shouldn’t be relied on to explain a genuine fever. If your baby has a true fever, teething is unlikely to be the cause, and it’s worth reading on below.
Teething symptoms are usually manageable at home and settle within a few days as the tooth comes through. If your baby seems otherwise well — feeding, sleeping and behaving mostly as usual, just a little more unsettled — this is generally consistent with ordinary teething.
Signs that are not typical teething
Some symptoms fall outside what’s expected with normal teething and are worth a dental check, a call to your GP, or medical attention, depending on what you’re seeing. These include:
- A true fever. A temperature that’s clearly elevated — not just slightly warm gums or cheeks — is not a normal part of teething. If you’re ever concerned about a fever in your baby, contact your GP or a medical service for advice.
- Unusual facial or gum swelling. Puffiness that looks more pronounced than typical gum swelling around an emerging tooth, or swelling of the face or jaw.
- A tooth that looks discoloured or visibly damaged. For example, a tooth coming through with an unusual colour, or one that appears chipped, cracked or otherwise not as expected.
- Persistent crying or distress that doesn’t settle. If your baby remains very unsettled despite your usual comfort measures, this is worth having checked.
- Refusing to eat or drink for an extended period. Ongoing refusal, rather than just being a little fussier than normal at mealtimes.
- Any sign of infection, such as pus, a bad smell, or a gum area that looks increasingly inflamed rather than settling.
None of these signs are things you need to diagnose yourself. If you notice any of them, it’s simply a good reason to get your baby checked — by Tooth Town for anything dental-related, or by your GP or a medical service if you’re concerned about their general health, such as a genuine fever.
Comfort measures for ordinary teething
For everyday teething discomfort, simple, safe comfort measures at home are usually enough:
- A clean, cool teething ring for your baby to chew on
- A clean, cold washcloth for gentle chewing
- Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger
If you’re considering pain relief medication for your child, please check with your pharmacist or GP for advice on what’s appropriate and how much to give, rather than guessing based on general information. They’ll be able to advise on what’s suitable for your baby’s age and weight.
When it’s fine to just ask us
If you’re not sure whether what you’re seeing is ordinary teething or something worth a closer look, you don’t need to work it out on your own. It’s always fine to call Tooth Town and describe what you’re noticing, or to book a check-up so we can take a look. We would much rather see your baby for a reassuring check than have you wondering at home.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does teething usually start?
Teething timing varies quite a bit from baby to baby. If you have questions about your child’s individual timing or development, our team is happy to talk it through at an appointment.
Can teething cause a high fever?
A genuine fever is not considered a normal part of teething. Some parents notice their baby feels slightly warmer during teething, but this shouldn’t be relied on to explain an actual fever. If your baby has a temperature that’s clearly elevated, contact your GP or a medical service for advice.
Is it safe to let my baby chew on a teething ring?
A clean, cool teething ring is a commonly used comfort measure for teething. If you have questions about what’s suitable for your baby, our team or your GP can offer guidance.
My baby’s gum looks swollen and red — is that normal?
Mild redness or puffiness around an emerging tooth can be a normal part of teething. However, swelling that looks more significant, spreads to the face, or doesn’t settle is worth having checked by our team.
Should I use a teething gel?
We’d recommend checking with your pharmacist or GP before using any product on your baby’s gums, so they can advise on what’s appropriate. Our team can also talk through comfort options at an appointment.
What if I’m just not sure whether it’s teething?
That’s completely understandable, and it’s exactly the kind of thing our team is happy to help with. You’re welcome to call us to describe what you’re noticing, or book a check-up so we can take a proper look.
What to do next
If your baby is unsettled and you’re unsure whether it’s ordinary teething or something that needs a closer look, our team is here to help you work it out. Book an appointment and we’ll check your baby gently and let you know what — if anything — needs to happen next. If you’re worried about a genuine fever or your child’s general health, please contact your GP or a medical service.
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.
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What actually happens during your child’s filling?
July 26th, 2026 | by Dr Helen FungIf your child needs a filling, it’s completely normal to want to know what the appointment will actually involve — for their sake and for your own peace of mind. Many parents find that once they understand the steps, it’s much easier to explain the visit to their child in a calm, matter-of-fact way. Fillings are one of the most common treatments in paediatric dentistry, and most children manage them very well, especially when they know what to expect. Here’s a plain-English walkthrough of a typical filling appointment at Tooth Town.
Why a filling is needed
A filling is used when decay has created a small hole, or cavity, in the tooth. Once decay has broken through the outer surface of the tooth, it won’t repair itself, and the affected part needs to be cleaned out and sealed to stop it from progressing further and to protect the healthy tooth structure around it. Your child’s clinician will have already explained why a filling is the right next step for their tooth, and will talk you and your child through the plan again on the day.
Before we start: examination and explanation
Every filling appointment begins with a quick check of the tooth and a simple explanation of what’s about to happen. Our team uses a calm, child-friendly approach often called “tell-show-do” — we tell your child what we’re going to do, show them (using friendly, age-appropriate language and sometimes the instruments themselves), and only then do it. This helps children feel informed and involved, rather than surprised by each step. We’ll also check in with you about anything specific to your child, such as previous experiences, sensitivities or ways they like to be supported.
Making the area comfortable
Before working on the tooth, the area usually needs to be numbed so your child doesn’t feel the treatment. A numbing gel is often used first to make the injection more comfortable, and your child’s clinician will explain each step as they go, using gentle, honest language rather than surprising your child. Every child experiences this a little differently — some children barely notice, while others need a bit more reassurance and time. Our team is experienced in helping children through this part of the appointment at their own pace.
Removing the decay
Once the area is comfortably numb, the decayed part of the tooth is carefully removed. This is usually done with small, gentle instruments designed for this exact job. Your child won’t feel pain during this step, though they may notice some vibration, pressure, water, or sounds, which we’ll explain beforehand so nothing feels unexpected.
Cleaning and preparing the tooth
After the decay has been removed, the tooth is cleaned and prepared so the filling material can bond well and seal the tooth properly. This step helps make sure the filling lasts and the tooth is properly protected going forward.
Filling the tooth
The tooth is then filled using a tooth-coloured or other material appropriate for your child’s specific tooth and situation. Your child’s clinician will have already discussed which type of filling material is most suitable, based on the location and extent of the decay, when they explained the treatment plan.
Checking the bite
Once the filling is in place, your child’s clinician checks their bite to make sure the filling feels comfortable and sits at the right height when they close their teeth together. Your child may be asked to bite down gently on a small piece of paper a few times so this can be checked and adjusted if needed.
What your child might feel afterwards
It’s common for the numbness to last for a little while after the appointment, and your child may notice their lip, cheek or tongue feels strange or “puffy” until it wears off. Mild sensitivity around the filled tooth can also occur and is usually temporary. Every child recovers a little differently, and your child’s clinician will let you know if there’s anything specific to watch for based on their treatment.
Simple aftercare
While the numbness is still present, it’s best to avoid very hot food or drinks, and to keep an eye on your child so they don’t accidentally bite their cheek, lip or tongue without realising it — this is a common and easily avoidable mishap while the area is still numb. Once the numbness has fully worn off, your child can generally go back to eating and drinking normally, unless you’ve been given different instructions for their specific treatment. For more general guidance on the days that follow treatment, see our guide on looking after your child after dental treatment.
A note on comfort options
Most children manage a filling appointment very well with the approach described above. For some children, additional comfort options such as happy gas (relative analgesia) may be discussed with families where appropriate. This isn’t offered as a standard part of every filling, and whether it’s suitable will depend on your child’s individual needs — your child’s clinician is happy to talk this through with you if it’s something you’d like to discuss.
Frequently asked questions
Will my child feel pain during the filling?
The tooth is numbed before treatment begins specifically so your child shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself. Some children feel a brief pinch or pressure during the numbing step, and our team works gently and explains each step as they go to help your child feel as comfortable as possible.
How long does a filling appointment usually take?
This depends on the tooth and the extent of the decay, so it’s best to ask your child’s clinician what to expect for your child’s specific appointment.
Can I stay with my child during the filling?
Yes. You’re welcome to stay with your child for their filling, and for any appointment at Tooth Town. The only time parents aren’t permitted to stay is during treatment under general anaesthesia, where this isn’t allowed in the hospital operating theatre, in line with national standards across all hospitals.
What if my child is very anxious about the appointment?
Please let us know beforehand so we can plan extra time, use additional reassurance techniques, and talk with you about options that might help your child feel more at ease.
Will the filling need to be replaced later on?
Fillings in baby teeth and permanent teeth can last for varying amounts of time depending on the tooth and how it’s cared for. Your child’s clinician will let you know if and when it should be checked again as part of their regular reviews.
What should I tell my child before the appointment?
Simple, honest language works best — for example, letting them know the dentist will look after their tooth and explain everything before it happens. Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “drill” unprompted, as these can create worry that isn’t necessary. Our team is happy to help find the right words if you’re unsure.
What to do next
If your child has an upcoming filling appointment and you have questions about what to expect, our team is here to help you and your child feel prepared and at ease. Book an appointment or get in touch, and we’ll walk you through exactly what your child’s visit will involve.
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.
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Strip crowns on front baby teeth: why appearance matters for more than just smiling
July 26th, 2026 | by Dr Helen FungIf your child needs a crown on one of their front baby teeth, it’s natural to wonder what that will look like — and to want it to look as close to a normal tooth as possible. That’s not vanity. A child’s front teeth are part of how they smile, talk and feel comfortable being seen by other people. This guide explains what a strip crown is, why it’s often the preferred option for front baby teeth, and why getting the appearance right matters for your child’s wellbeing, not just their looks.
What is a strip crown?
A strip crown is a tooth-coloured crown most often used to restore a front baby tooth after decay or trauma has affected too much of the tooth for a simple filling to work well.
The name comes from how it’s placed. During the appointment, your child’s clinician fits a clear plastic “strip” — a shell shaped like a tooth — over the prepared tooth, fills it with a tooth-coloured material, and hardens it in place with a special light. Once set, the plastic strip is removed, leaving a smooth, natural-looking crown bonded to the tooth underneath.
Because the material is tooth-coloured and the strip shapes it to look like a natural front tooth, strip crowns tend to blend in well with the teeth around them.
Why does front-tooth appearance genuinely matter for children?
It would be easy to think of this as purely cosmetic, but for children, how their front teeth look can affect more than their smile.
Confidence and smiling freely. Front teeth are the ones children (and everyone else) notice first. A child who feels self-conscious about a front tooth may smile less, cover their mouth, or feel singled out by other children — and confidence matters at every age.
Everyday social comfort. Children can be perceptive about looking “different” from their friends, even when adults might not think twice about it. A crown that blends in naturally can help a child feel like themselves again, without needing to think about it.
Speech sounds. The front teeth play a role in forming some speech sounds. Restoring the shape and position of a badly damaged or decayed front tooth can support clearer speech while the tooth is doing its job — though every child is different, and your child’s clinician will talk you through what’s relevant for your child specifically.
None of this is about chasing a “perfect” smile. It’s about helping your child feel comfortable, function normally and not think about their tooth more than they need to.
How does this compare to a stainless steel crown?
Stainless steel crowns are strong, durable and commonly used on back baby teeth, where chewing forces are higher and the crown is less visible. Because a strip crown is tooth-coloured, it’s generally the preferred choice for front teeth, where appearance and blending in matter more.
We’ve written a separate guide comparing crown types in more detail — including when each type is typically used — if you’d like the fuller picture: Comparing dental crowns for children.
What to expect if your child needs a strip crown
Every child’s situation is different, and the right treatment for your child’s tooth is confirmed after an examination (and X-rays, where needed). In general terms, having a strip crown placed is similar to having a filling — your child’s clinician will explain the appointment, talk through what your child might feel or hear, and make sure you both know what to expect beforehand. We’ll always explain the options clearly so you can ask questions before deciding on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What is a strip crown made of?
A strip crown uses a tooth-coloured filling material, shaped using a clear plastic shell (the “strip”) during placement. Once set, the shell is removed, leaving a smooth, natural-looking crown.
Why would my child need a crown instead of a filling?
When decay or trauma has affected a larger portion of a tooth, a filling alone may not hold up well or restore the tooth’s shape and strength. A crown covers more of the tooth for a longer-lasting result. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s appropriate after assessing the tooth.
Will a strip crown look like a normal tooth?
Strip crowns are designed to blend in with the surrounding teeth, since the material is tooth-coloured and shaped using the strip technique. Results can vary slightly from child to child, and your clinician can talk you through what to expect for your child’s specific tooth.
Why not use a stainless steel crown on a front tooth?
Stainless steel crowns are strong and are typically used on back teeth, where they aren’t very visible. For front teeth, a tooth-coloured strip crown is usually preferred because appearance matters more there.
Is it just about looks?
Not entirely. Appearance plays into a child’s confidence and comfort smiling, and front teeth can also play a role in some speech sounds. It’s about supporting your child’s overall comfort and function, not just cosmetics.
How long do strip crowns last?
Baby teeth are only ever a “for now” solution by nature, since they’re eventually replaced by adult teeth. Your child’s clinician can give you a better sense of what to expect for your child’s particular tooth and timeline at the appointment.
What to do next
If your child has a damaged or decayed front tooth and you’re not sure what the options are, the best next step is a check-up so we can have a proper look and talk you through what’s suitable for your child. Book an appointment with our friendly Tooth Town team — we’ll explain everything clearly, answer your questions, and help your child feel at ease along the way.
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.
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Dental anomalies in children: when a tooth looks or grows differently than expected
July 26th, 2026 | by Dr Helen FungIf you’ve noticed one of your child’s teeth looks a little different — maybe it’s an unusual shape, it’s come through in an unexpected spot, there seems to be an extra tooth, or a tooth just hasn’t shown up when you expected it to — it’s completely natural to feel a bit worried. Try not to jump to conclusions. Children’s teeth develop across a genuinely wide range of what’s considered normal, and most differences turn out to be simple variations rather than anything serious. This guide explains, in plain language, what “dental anomalies” actually means, the general categories we see, and why the only way to properly understand what’s happening for your child is an in-person examination.
What we mean by a “dental anomaly”
A dental anomaly is simply a tooth, or a set of teeth, that has developed differently from what’s typically expected — in number, shape, size, or position. Human tooth development varies quite a lot from person to person, and small differences are common. The word “anomaly” sounds clinical, but it doesn’t mean something is wrong with your child, and it certainly doesn’t mean anyone did anything to cause it.
It’s also important to know that noticing something looks different doesn’t tell you what it means on its own. Two children can have teeth that look similar from the outside but have very different underlying causes, and very different next steps. That’s why we always start with a proper look, rather than guessing from a description or a photo.
It’s not usually anyone’s “fault”
Many parents ask, understandably, whether they did something wrong during pregnancy, or whether they’re missing something in their child’s daily care. In almost all cases, dental anomalies are simply part of the natural variation in how teeth form — they are not caused by something a parent did or didn’t do. They also aren’t necessarily a sign that something else is going on with your child’s general health. Some anomalies are isolated findings with no broader significance at all. We understand it’s easy to feel worried or even a little guilty when something looks unexpected, but there’s usually no reason to feel that way.
The general categories we look at
Every child is different, and how an anomaly presents can vary a lot, so please treat the following as general background rather than a way to work out what your child has. Broadly, the differences we assess fall into a few categories.
Extra teeth (supernumerary teeth). Sometimes a child develops one or more teeth in addition to the usual number. These can appear in different positions and don’t always cause a problem — but they’re worth checking, as they can occasionally affect how nearby teeth come through.
Teeth that don’t develop at all (missing or absent teeth). Occasionally, one or more teeth simply don’t form. This can affect baby teeth or the adult teeth developing underneath, and it’s something that’s often only confirmed with an examination and, where appropriate, X-rays.
Unusually shaped or sized teeth. Teeth can vary in their shape or size — for example, looking smaller, larger, or a different shape than the teeth around them. This is often simply part of a person’s individual development.
Teeth in an unexpected position. Sometimes a tooth comes through in a different spot than expected, or at a different angle. This may resolve on its own as your child grows, or it may be something we keep an eye on over time.
We’ve kept the enamel side of things brief here, because it’s genuinely its own topic — if what you’ve noticed is more about a tooth’s colour or texture (such as white, cream or brown patches, or enamel that seems weaker than usual), please see our separate guide on weak enamel and hypomineralisation, which covers that in detail.
How Tooth Town approaches it
Our approach is always the same, whatever the anomaly looks like: first, we take the time to properly understand what’s happening through an examination, and X-rays where relevant. Second, we explain it to you clearly, in plain language, so you understand what we’re seeing and why. Only after that do we talk about whether any monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
It’s worth knowing that many dental anomalies don’t need any active treatment at all — often, the right approach is simply to keep an eye on things at regular check-ups. Where treatment or monitoring is recommended, we’ll always explain the reasoning and talk you through the options, so you’re never left guessing.
In some cases, what’s been noticed may relate to a broader orthodontic picture — for example, how the teeth are lining up or coming together as your child grows. Where that’s relevant, this would be reviewed as part of Tooth Town’s early interceptive orthodontics pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Did I cause this, or could I have prevented it?
Almost certainly not. Most dental anomalies are simply part of the natural range of how teeth develop, and they aren’t caused by something a parent did or didn’t do.
Does this mean something else might be wrong with my child?
Not necessarily. Many anomalies are isolated findings that aren’t linked to anything else going on with your child’s health. Your child’s clinician will let you know if there’s anything further worth discussing after an examination.
Will my child need treatment?
Not always. Many dental anomalies simply need monitoring over time rather than active treatment. Your child’s clinician will explain what, if anything, is recommended after a proper assessment.
Will my child need an X-ray?
Sometimes, yes — particularly to check whether a tooth is developing underneath the gum, or to understand a tooth’s position more clearly. Your child’s clinician will only recommend X-rays where they’re genuinely useful for understanding what’s happening.
I’ve noticed a difference in colour, not shape — is that the same thing?
Colour and texture changes (such as white or brown patches, or enamel that looks weaker than usual) are a bit different and are covered in our separate guide on weak enamel and hypomineralisation. Feel free to have a read, or ask our team which pathway applies to your child.
Could this be related to orthodontic treatment down the track?
For some children, yes — the position of certain teeth can be part of a broader orthodontic picture. If that’s relevant for your child, this would be reviewed as part of our orthodontic pathway.
What to do next
If you’ve noticed something about your child’s teeth that looks different to what you expected, the best next step is simply to have it looked at. There’s no need to worry in the meantime — most differences turn out to be straightforward, and an examination is the only way to understand what’s actually happening and what, if anything, needs to happen next. Book an appointment and our team will take the time to explain exactly what we find.
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. Your child’s clinician will confirm what’s most appropriate for them after examination.
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