Could My 4 Month Old Be Teething?

Updated on February 25, 2008
M.H. asks from Cheyenne, WY
56 answers

My 4 month old daughter chews on her hands constantly. She also is drooling very heavily. I can't see any budding teeth, but is it possible that she is about to cut her first tooth this early?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

It is possible for kids to start teething at 4 months. It is more common to start around 6-12 months. However, chewing on hands and drooling a lot is actually more tied to other types of physical development and not teething. So many moms will tell you that fevers, drooling, chewing, putting items in the mouth are all signs of teething, but the truth is that none of these things result from teething. As my pediatrician puts it - the only thing teething produces is teeth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Yes, teeth can come this early. The teeth may not break through the gums right off and may take awhile. My son had his first tooth at 5 months. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Denver on

Yes!! and it can take up to 3 months for a tooth to show but most babies show their first tooth sooner than that...

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

This is so crazy! When I was reading about what you were going through, I thought I was reading about my own life:) I have a 4 month old little girl, Abigail, as well, & she is doing the exact same thing. I haven't seen any teeth yet, but her gums look swollen a little. The best thing I have found are those teething tablets. They're all natural & seem to work GREAT. Hope that works & good luck.
PS
I also have a little boy, Callen, who turned 4 in Nov, & I work from home as well:) CRAZY!! Have a good day!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Fort Collins on

Some babies can... it's not likely that any of those teeth will actually pop through yet. But its possible. My 2 1/2 mo old does the same thing. She drools like she's teething and chews on her had all the time. I think part of it is just a phase and a fasination with her hand. Don't worry about it even if she does get teeth... no biggy!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Fort Collins on

Absolutely! My soon to be 8 month old has 6 teeth already and started getting them really early. It's definitely possible. I recommend Hylands Homeopathic Teething Tablets. I personally don't feel like putting toxic stuff on my childs gums to numb the gums...if you read the ingredients on the numbing remedies most often suggested by people they are bad. Again, just my opinion. Good luck:)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Denver on

My babe did the same thing at four months, but didn't cut a tooth until ten months. I was told the teeth move up and down a bit before they actually work their way through. He went through many bouts of teething long before the teeth came. Homeopathics worked beautifully to help with the discomfort.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Grand Junction on

Yes. As I understand it, some babies are even born with teeth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.T.

answers from Boise on

Hi M.,

Yes, I do believe your little one is teething. It is not too uncommon, at least in my family, for children to get their teeth early. Both my oldest boys started teething at just 9 weeks old! They had 4 teeth by the time they were 4 months old, and the whole set of little chompers by the time they were 1! My 3rd was a little slower, but not by much. He had all, including molars by the time he was 14 months.

And having been in the dental field, I will explain a little more about teething to you. Teething is really a long process. The teeth first need to cut through the jaw bone, then through the gums. Since you can see any budding teeth yet, I'm pretty sure she is cutting some through the jaw bone right now. It usually isn't too much longer after that you will see the teeth buds coming up. My advice, stock up on infants Tylenol, and makes sure you are extra patience with her. Good luck! =)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Pocatello on

I don't know why, but my two oldest children did the same thing around 3 or 4 months old and they were not teething; neither got teeth until close to a year old. I have heard several other mothers say the same thing. My son did actually did get teeth at 4 months old but he didn't have any of the teething signs. I guess you can just wait and see.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.B.

answers from Cheyenne on

Your 4 month old could very possibly be teething. My now 2 year old cut her first tooth at 4 months and had every tooth from molar to molar top and bottom by the time she was 14 months old. It sure makes it h*** o* a breast feeding mom when the teeth come that early... but it is possible! Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Denver on

Hi M. - you're little one is starting the teething process so don't be alarmed - the drooling and the hand chewing are totally normal. You don't need to give her anything homeopathic or medicinal unless she is uncomfortable. My little guy started drooling and chewing before yours and his first little tooth didnt erupt until he was 9months old. The Highlands products ie: teething tabs, earache tabs work great for painful teethers.

good luck to you and your little doll!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Albany on

Teeth have their own timing. My daughter would generaly teeth for a week or so, my son, unfortunately, takes a month or more(up to 8 weeks) for a toth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I read in a baby book by a pediatrician when my children were little that babies could still feel the teething pain, etc., really at any age, but that it didn't necessarily mean they were getting a tooth soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Colorado Springs on

my son got his first teeth at 4 months and at 13 months, he already has 20!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

She could definitly be teething!! My oldest son got his first tooth when he was just 3 months old! I found that he loved to chew on frozen waffles.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Drooling is the sign of teething. Teething at 4 months is okay. Babies start teething as early as 2 months; some cut their teeth much later. It usually depends when you and your husband cut yours.

And just because she's beginning to teethe that doesn't mean the buds will break thru tomorrow. It could be a couple of months before they do.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.J.

answers from Denver on

Yes, my grandson began teething at the same age (4 months)
he had a very diffcult time with it since he was so young, unable to hold anything or chew on something, not to mention the fever and diahrea that came aong with it, when I finally realized he didn't have the flu but was teething, orajel and ibuprofen helped to relieve some of his pain plus those little finger (like a thimble) rubber you can buy to run against his gums helped alot also!!Good Luck
L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.C.

answers from Denver on

Both my kiddos cut their first before they were 5 months! My mom-in-law said her first cut hers at 3 1/2 months. I personally love the homeopathic pills and liquids to ease the teething pain. They seem to respond better to those, but when they are "actually" coming thru oragel was the only way t go. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Yes! I heard that they start teething a few weeks if not months before the teeth actually cut through. My son got his first two teeth on the same day at exactly 3 months old!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.T.

answers from Denver on

It's possible. My son got his first teeth at 4 months. But all that chewing and drooling really starts at this age. Babies learn by putting things in their mouths. So it might not be teeth. She just might like to chew on her hands. Also, teeth can move around and cause discomfort months before they actually pop thru. If she seems unusually fussy and is chewing a lot, give her a little tylenol and some good chew toys. Most babies don't get teeth until 6 months or later. But my son had the bottom two at 4 months and the top four about a month later. So it's a possibility!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.P.

answers from Provo on

Hi M.,
I have 2 kids. The first one was actually born with 2 back teeth but they were pulled in the delivery room. Because he was born with them I thought he would get teeth early but he didn't. He drooled so much from 4 months on & was constantly chewing on his tongue but he didn't cut his first tooth until 7 months. My 2nd child also did the drooling & chewing but got his first tooth at 7 months too. Each child is different so there's not really an "early" or "late" time for those pearly whites to arrive.
T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Denver on

YUP! My daughter had two bottom teeth by five mos. All kids are different but she very well could already be teething. Also the teething process can start way before a tooth pops up! Try teething tablets, they are wonderful if she seems bothered by the pain.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.B.

answers from Pocatello on

My son got his first tooth at 5 months. I was shocked at how quickly it came, but it is possible.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Denver on

It's totally possible. My kids had teeth come in at 3 1/2 months and 4 1/2 months. A more accurate indicator of what's going on is when your son cut teeth. Syblings seem to follow similar patterns in this area. Good luck. My son who started at 3 1/2 went very steady from that point so we had about 12 months straight of drool. Our other son who started at 4 1/2 months cut between 2 and 4 at a time and had all his teeth except his two year molars by the time he was a year. He didn't drool near as much, either. GL

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Denver on

M.,
Yes she is most likely teething. It is common for kids to get teeth early or later. They just say that kids get teeth at a certain age but teeth come when they are ready just like everything else in life. Everything is not by the book.

C. B

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.S.

answers from Denver on

Yes she could be..My daughter is 9 months old and she already has 8 teeth..When she was born in May she actually was born with two bottom teeth. So I think a baby can get teeth at any age..So hang in there they will come..

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My son got his first teeth at 4-months. My daughter at 3-months. Yes, it is possible. I even have a friend who was BORN with a tooth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.B.

answers from Denver on

Hi there! Yes, babies can begin teething as early as 3 months old. Drool and chewing are two of the major signs of teething as well as fussiness. But just because your baby is teething does not mean that she'll have a tooth any time soon. For some babies, like my daughter, teething can happen in phases. It begins to come down, but doesn't break through until a few more teething spurts...There is a wonderful Homeopathic remedy for teething which helps with the pain as well as fussiness. The brand is called Highland's and it comes in a little tube in gel form. It has really helped my daughter. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Provo on

A couple of my babies have started the process around 4 months and had their first tooth by 5 months. I haven't always been able to see the tooth coming until it's breaking through. My 10 month old now has 7 teeth. But as I'm sure you've heard, drooling and chewing aren't always signed of teething.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.G.

answers from Denver on

Hi M.!
My daughter started showing signs of teething when she was 4 months old as well, although her first 2 teeth didn't come in until she was 8 months old! A natural remedy for the discomforts of teething is Baltic Amber. You would get a "Teething Necklace" that she would wear (not chew on) and the warmth of her skin releases the natural resins in the amber, reducing inflamation, redness in cheeks, discomfort and drooling. For more info, go to www.naturalchoices4baby.com and click on the baby care tab. It has made an incredible difference with my daughter (much more so than the teething tablets). Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
H. Gaitten
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Provo on

Of course she could be teething! That's how my little girl was when she got her first two front bottom teeth. Its nothing to be concerned about - kids teeth at all different ages. Hang in there!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.W.

answers from Denver on

My son started constantly chewing on his hands, drooling and showing signs of teething when he had just turned 3 months old. I thought that was really early (we have 2 daughter who started getting teeth much later) but sure enough, when he turned 4 months, we woke up one morning and his 2 bottom teeth had come in. I would say it is very possible that that's what is going on with your daughter. The teething tablets from Walgreens have worked wonders to sooth his pain. He is now 6 months and is working on some more. Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Boise on

That's how old my daughter was when she started teething. I hear some babies are even born with teeth! At first, I used the orajel, but I just couldn't get it on her gums without a struggle, so I got these desolving tabs. They are homeopathic and they desolve instantly in the baby's mouth. They worked great!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.H.

answers from Provo on

teething actually begins around 4-7 months. I wouldn't be suprised if your child is teething. Just be grateful if your baby isn't cranky.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Yes she can! I have a 12 month old and she cut her first tooth at 3 1/2 to 4 months. I was like you and did not think she should be getting teeth this early but it happens. I can tell you that it was a little difficult because she did not want her bottle because her teeth hurt. Now she has eight! Since you have a son I figure you do not need any tips on how to comfort her, but I wanted you to know you are not alone. My daughter was one too! Good luck!

J. S

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Provo on

My son got his first tooth on the day he turned 4 months old, and the second one the next day! So yes it is possible! My 2nd son didn't get his first until he was 7 months.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.A.

answers from Provo on

Yes she is teething. Teething doesn't necessarily mean that the teeth have already broken the gum. What is means is that the teeth are starting to push against the gum from the underside and she is feeling the pressure. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that my little one got her first teeth (2 of them) at 3 1/2 months and my nephew is almost 12 months and has no teeth yet. Every baby is different.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Casper on

My lo started teething at around 4 months and the way he was acting I was sure that tooth was gonna pop through any day! However he is now almost 9 months and those teeth (while so close to popping through you can see the white trying to force through the gums) are still not in yet and he is still teething and crabby. Only more so now that it is so close to popping through. I know for some babies in happens in a matter of days but for him this process has been very long. Have you ever tried teething tablets? They are tiny white pills that disolve very quickly when you put them in the babies mouth. You can get them at wal-mart or the healthfood store. They help with the pain and the crabbiness. They have worked wonders for us! However there are some days that he is so misserable that we give him baby ib profin because he just won't stop crying and knawing on his fingers. We do ib profin over tylenol because my brother in law (a physicians assistant) said it was better because it helped with the swealing. However until he was about 7 month we would give him baby tylenol. Btw my neice cut her first teeth at around 3 months. So no 4 months is not to early :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.J.

answers from Pocatello on

Four of my five kids (the youngest is only 2 months) started teething at four months-and none of them actually cut a tooth until 7 mos. Hopefully yours won't take that long. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Fort Collins on

It could be awhile still, but it could be any day as well. Both of mine had teeth by 4 months. It seems to be hereditary with my husband's family to get teeth really early. To think my friends said I just didn't know the signs of real teething - ha! I know someone that had a baby born with 2 teeth as well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Denver on

My daughter got both her bottom front teeth at 4 months. So yes, it's definitely possible!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Provo on

she could totally be teething. All 3 of my kids get their teeth early like this. It can be months before you see an actual tooth though. Kind of frustrating.
Freeze a banana and apply to her gums-it naturally numbs the area if she is in any pain & it just feels good to them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.M.

answers from Casper on

She could easily be cutting teeth but be careful, if she is running a fever (or pulling on her ear)it is more than just teething. My son had 4 teeth at 4 months and 8 teeth at 8 months. Alot of drool could also mean that more than one tooth is on its way. I'm sure it's an old wives tale but it has been said that early teethers are extremely smart...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

It is very possible she could be teething. My son is 6 months and his teeth just broke through his gums this week. However started gnawing and drooling around 4 months as well. My oldest son got his first teeth at about 4 1/2 months. My pediatrician said they don't cut before 4 months but after that it is anyones guess when they will come in.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Cheyenne on

Yes my daughter started teething at 4 months old.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Yes, it's possible. Both my kids started teething at 4 months!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.C.

answers from Pocatello on

YES!! Believe it or not I have a 3 month old that has had teeth coming in since she was a month old!! Sounds crazy, but it's true!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My son started teething at 4 months, so it's definitely possible! He is now 4 years old and his teeth are perfect, according to the dentist, so don't worry, she will be fine!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.L.

answers from Pocatello on

Sounds like teething. Mine started teething about 3-4 months old and then popped her 2 bottom teeth around 5 1/2 months old. She is now 10 months old and is about to get her front top 2 teeth any day.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Cheyenne on

My 3 month old is doing the same thing, so I guess you and I'll see at the same time!!! He soaks through at least 3 cloth bibs a day and constantly chews on his hand or toys or blankets all the time. He also has started getting really fussy! Good luck to you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.S.

answers from Denver on

Hello M.~

Sounds like she is on her way. She's probably doing everything to prepare for her first one, hopefully making it easier on both of you....my daughter's first one was at 5 months. A plus of this was that as soon as she cut her first one, she spit out her binkie and never looked back!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Missoula on

Yes, My son had his 2 front top teeth completely in by 41/2 months and many more by 6 months. The rest quickly followed and his 2 year molars came in 3 days after his 2nd bday.
Watch out if you are breast feeding:o.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Cheyenne on

She could be teething, but maybe not! My son started chewing on EVERYTHING and drooling constantly at about 3 months, and still hasn't cut any teeth at 8 months ( and the docs say it doesn't even look like he is close)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I've never had a baby I adopted both my children from Russia and the youngest was five however, my sisters 6 month old baby had her two bottom front teeth come in at 3 months so yes I would say it is possible.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My babies start teething around 3 or 4 months on and off and they didn't get their teeth until 7 1/2 months. So I think she is probably teething but you might not see results for a couple of months!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches