Is My 3 Month Old Teething?

Updated on December 21, 2006
M.F. asks from Stuart, VA
26 answers

My son was born on August 10 and is a little over 3 months old. He has been drooling excessivly for about 3 or so weeks now. On Saturday Nov 3 I was nursing him and he fell asleep (he does this a lot) and he suddenly awoke and started this awful high pitched screaming, which he never does. My husband and I attributed it to a bad dream. We got him calmed down in about 5 minutes and he was fine until the next day. He was very cranky so I decided to take him to the Dr on Monday. She said that his left ear was infected and gave him amoxicillin to take for 10 days. He's been running a fever ever since. 100.3 is as high as it ever got. I took him back to the Dr yesterday to let her recheck his ears and she said that they were all cleared up. He was still running a fever then. She noticed his drooling and blowing bubbles and said that his fever was probably from teething. I've never known a child to start teething at 3 mos old. He is big for his age though. He weighs 16.2. I have been giving him Tylenol ever since. She also told me that the screaming was probably gas so I've also been giving him Mylicon. Does anyone have a child that has teethed this early?

1 mom found this helpful

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

So What Happened?

Thank you all for your advice. Gavin didn't actually get his 1st tooth until he was about 6 1/2 mos. Then 6 days later the one beside it started to pop thru too. He's been cranky and losing some sleep at night. I've given him Motrin, Tylenol, teething tablets, and orajel and nothing really seemed to soothe him. Thanks again for all of your suggestions.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.J.

answers from Columbia on

The same thing happened to me. I took my 3 month old to the doctor because I thought he had a terrible ear infection because he had a fever, was screaming and was grabbing his head. The doctor told me he was teething and told me to get Hyland Teething Tablets. They helped a lot and he is now at 4 months and about to break a tooth thru. (It is his canine tooth, which is fairly odd, but still....a tooth). I also give him a bottle with cold water and an ice cube in it and he likes to chew on the nibble. It always calms him down.
He is a bigger baby too. At 8 weeks he was 14 lbs and now at 4 months he is 19 lbs. but he is also long for his age. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but just wanted to let you know. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Norfolk on

My daughter got her first tooth at 3 1/2 months. I didn't think they could get them that early either, but apparently I was wrong. Yes, the very high pitched scream is usually gas. Mylicon is fine, but don't give him too much because then he might get constipated. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.B.

answers from Charlotte on

It is very common for children to start having teething symptoms around 3 months old and begin showing teeth between 4-7 months. If you would like a site to research more on teething, I suggest babycenter.com they have a section on teething that is very in depth of what to expect.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Charleston on

Yep, my little one did. The drooling and pain and all that fun stuff can start as early as 3mths. We didn't see an actual tooth until 6mths.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.R.

answers from Raleigh on

I've invested in bibs. My, now 5 month old son, started drooling at 3 months too. Sure enough, guess what popped through on his 4 month birthday, 2 teeth! Aiden never did have a fever though. But I noticed the front of his shirts were constantly soaked with drool and bubbles practically lived on his little chin. I never noticed tooth buds or those bruises they say babies get right before teeth come through. The little chompers just showed up. So now, we;ve invested in teething rings and other stuff for him to chew on. I've also upgraded his binky to the ones that have teething nubs on them. Good luck to you! It's all up hill from here.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Norfolk on

It seems lately that all the babies I know are teething earlier than "normal". My son, who is almost one, had his first four teeth come through when he was 4 months. And now they come in groups of two and fours every two months or so. He just had four molars push through this week! This gives him 12 teeth. To help ease his pain i switch off between tylenol and motrin every three hours for the first 24 hours and then choose one or the other for the rest of the time he needs it. Wet washcloths help too. My son also likes to chew on the rubber toothbrush that comes with the toothpaste for babies (with it on my finger of course). Hope this helps and good luck!

~Jenn

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Spartanburg on

Go to your nearest walmart and the pharmacist to give you a bottle of teething pills they are homepathic and gave my daughters ALOT of relief!!!!!!!!! They are little tiny white pills that just disolve in their mouth. THEY ARE WONDERFUL!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.E.

answers from Norfolk on

My daughter started teething around 3 months. We could feel the heat in her gums. Unfortunately, she did not even start to get any teeth until she was almost a year old. She just turned 2 last week and we are still waiting on 2 teeth to come in. Best I can tell you is to keep some teething rings in the fridge and a LOT of toys that your son can chew on. We also found that for the teething, infant Motrin soothed her better than Tylenol. But every child is different. Teething tablets also did wonders for her. You can find them at Wal-Mart in the homeopathic remedies. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Spartanburg on

My son did this too. He started teething around 3 months drooling, whining, you name it, but he didn't actually get teeth until he was 6 months old. I asked the dentist and she said that it can happen that way because the teeth have begun to form in your womb actually and so the baby has teeth before birth just still under the surface and sometimes it takes longer to surface than others. I suggest using teething tablets by; Hyland I think I usually buy them at CVS, a friend who is an RN says they are better because orajel only hardens the gums.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.K.

answers from Richmond on

Hi M., I am going through the same thing. My daughter was born on Aug 31, and she is teething. She started a couple weeks ago. I can feel her k-9's in her gumline. She's been drooling and blowing bubbles too. She also has been screaming like your son too. My pediatrician told me that she probably was teething and that the teeth probably wouldn't pop through for another couple of months. I think the screaming is because of of the pain they are in from the teething. I have two other children and neither of them started until at least 6 months.

Good luck! I feel for you, I am in the same boat! :-)

Angie

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.V.

answers from Spartanburg on

my son started teething at 2 months and by the time he was 4 months old he had in his 2 bottom teeth. he done all the same your baby is doing. so yes they can teeth that early and i would rather have them teethe early than late. they come in quicker. lol.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.E.

answers from Charleston on

Hey my oldest had got her teeth early. ((my husband had a tooth like when he was born)) it is common. My daughter (oldest) had all her teeth and back ones since she was like 1. but my 13 month only has like 8 teeth. it may take awhile for the teeth to come through. I know with my oldest we couldnt tell when she was teething since she all her teeth came in early we couldnt tell the difference in her really. I dont really remember what all we did i just wanted to let you know it is normal!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.O.

answers from Charlotte on

Yes! My son got his first tooth at 5 months and had started teething at 2 to 3 months. I used lots of orajel, which really helped, and cold wash cloths/teething rings. Nursing a lot helps when you notice him in lots of pain. Sometimes he may act like that makes it worse, sometimes it makes it better! Just depends on the day, but just take your finger and rub his gums a lot.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi M...
As crazy as it sounds, yes, it is possible that your 3 month old is teething. The important thing to remember about being a mommy is that each child is different. My son ALWAYS had a very VERY healthy appetite. So much so that at his 7 month checkup, my pediatrician told me to begin taking him off of baby food and formula and that I could start weening him towards whole milk. I know this sounds very odd, but it was because of HOW MUCH he was eating in a day. By 6 months, my son had pretty much all of his teeth.. he began eating rice cereal off of a spoon at 6 weeks and never stopped. By 6 months he was eating food.. I mean real food to the point he could even eat french fries, mac and cheese, sandwich meat, eggs, bacon, french toast....etc!!! By 18 months this baby boy of mine was eating steak and pork chops and by 2 he could consume 4 pieces of pizza and a salad for dinner..and was eating two lunches at daycare each day (fruits, veggies and all). It may all sound a bit crazy, but I was a first time mom and figured if he could eat it and it didn't mess up his stomach, then why not.. and the day my ped. told me to put him on table food, I got a raise in income as formula and baby food is so expensive!!! Good luck to you and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. And just so you know.. .even eating all of that, my child was skinny as a rail and always in slims until he finally filled out around the age of 8. He is now 10 and is perfectly fine, happy and is filling out nicely, but is not overweight for his age. Good luck!
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Charlotte on

My daughter, born Aug. 7th, is an early teether as well. She's been drooling and knawing on anything she can for the past 2-3 weeks. I was early also, so it's not a surprise to me. I've been paying close attention to her crankiness, because as you know, at this age they're going through it all at the same time and it's harder to tell which is bothering them more right then. Just keep an eye on your son's crying/habits. You can usually tell if it's more achiness; tugs at ear, growing pains, gums bothering him (more of a whiney cry, may get slight fever),or in pain; (harsher cry) from gas or knawing too h*** o* something and maybe hurt those sensitive gums. Another week or so, and they'll be old enough to use Orajel, (4 mos. & up)which will help. I don't like to go straight to medicines too quickly though, so I already have teething rings in use and will try to help little one as naturally as safe. Good luck, I'm right there with ya!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Killeen on

There are babies BORN with teeth! They start the drooling and high temps (100 isn't really fever for a baby since they have faster metabolisms and higher heart rates than us) usually a while before you ever see any white spots or teeth buds. You might night see either until after the first of the year, and then something might show up by Christmas! I've always found that burping works a lot better than Mylicon drops, even if it takes 10 minutes to work out even a little one. To keep him from getting ear infections though, try nursing with him semi inclined, babies that lay flat on their back are more likely to get ear infections, as well as babies who have smokers around them whether in the house or the car. Sounds weird, but its true. Your ears, nose and throat are all interconnected, and babies immature systems can only handle so much! Tylenol every 4-6 hours during teething is just fine and when he's a little older and can chew on stuff, he'll be able to help you help himself feel better. Orajel and Anbesol seem like quick fixes and something easy, but actually hinder teeth from crowning. (My reference is a dentist of 50 years to whom I asked a lot of questions when I had my first.) If he'll take a pacifier, that might help him out too. Otherwise you and your baby sound pretty normal to me!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.N.

answers from Fayetteville on

My little girl is 7 months now and she had both of her bottom front teeth come in before she was 4 months old. All the signs you have pointed out my little girl also went through. The tylenol is a good thing and you may also want to try some teething tablets. You can get them from walmart and they seem to really help my little girl.. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.L.

answers from Richmond on

I used to be dental assistant. Yes they can start at 3 mnths. Sometimes the teeth can start to move in but won't break thru for a while. But it is hard to say sometimes what the problem is. Try using a damp cool washcloth and just gently rub on the gums. Not only can this sooth your baby but it will get him used to you putting your finger in his mouth to do the tooth care when they finally pop thru. I am sure you have heard about not letting him fall asleep witht he bottle in his mouth. I have seen what this can do and it just breaks your heart to see little ones with bottle rot.

There is also a homeopathic remedy that really helped with my son, it is called Teething Tablets by Hylands. Good luck because I know how it just tears you apart when you can't put your finger on what is the exact cause of their fussyness.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Charlotte on

My son just turned 4 mos and has 2 little teeth through the skin. I was amazed at how much it affected him. He was up every 2 hrs at night again and very clingy until they were through.
He started drooling and chewing on his hands around 3 mos and you could tell his bottom gums were raised and bumpy feeling.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Richmond on

Yes ,my daughter started teething around 3 months,However,we thought she'd NEVER get teeth,she was about 10 months!!!!She is now 15 months and has 8 front teeth,4 top-4 bottom,and 1 molar.Just hang in there,you may see a tooth soon(or feel one-OUCH!!!) or it may be awhile.Good Luck,R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Richmond on

M.:
This may sound crazy to other mothers because but i fully believe that your little one may be teething. My son got his first two teeth at like 5 months old. Luckily he didnt show the sign of teething but he is now 21 months and has a mouth full of teeth when i know 2 year olds that dont. He has had all of his teeth since he was about 14 months old. So its not really out there for it to be happening this soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Sounds like teeting to me! My grandson was 2 months old when he started (the awful drooling that made him look like he had been in the shower, etc...)and he now has 6 teeth at 9 months and is still getting more. Tylenol and Motrin didn't always do the trick for the pain, so my daughter used the night time rub on the gums stuff (sorry, can't remember what it's called but all stores that sell baby stuff have it). Also, there are these little teething pellets that come it a really small bottle. Sorry, ca't remember the name of those either but my suaghter would disolve them in water and then suck that up in one of those medicine droppers to give the baby. That worked great and you can get those at all pharmacies. Good luck!
L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.

answers from Spartanburg on

It sounds like he is starting the process and you may or may not see pearly whites for a while, but he is getting ready. Get some teething tables from CVS, or Walmart. they come in a small tube and I think it is Dr. Hylands (but don't take that for absolute) and just a couple on the tongue help the whole teething process go so much smoother. Tylenol and Advil did nothing to touch the teething issues with my daughter, but these teething tables did the trick every time. His ear may be hurting because all of that is connected, I wouldn't take him to the doctor every time unless is continues for several days and the fever will not break with any medicine. Otherwise, ear infections can clear on their own without medcine most of the time and you don't want him to be on antibiotics too much and only when absolutely necessary.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Charleston on

I have a son that was born July 31 2006 he is 3months and 2week he just cut his first tooth on bottom all you see is this pearly white lol but yes to answer your question. My daughter who is 2 years old also teethed this earlie once she got her first tooth they all started coming in quick. My son is also a big boy im not sure of his weight but he is about 26/27 inches tall last time he was weighed in October 11th he was 13lbs 11 ozs.He has been having a hard time with his cranky all the time .
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Florence on

My sister's son started teething at 2.5 months and had 2 teeth by the time he was 3.5 months. I was amazed!! Our children are 2 weeks apart, and her son had a full mouth of teeth by the time my daughter(who is 2 weeks older than him) had 4 teeth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi M.,

My son has started teething at 3 mos as well. It isn't usual for children to start teething. By the time my son was a year old he had a mouth full of teeth. I have also known children who were born with a tooth coming out. I know it sounds crazy, but crazier things have happen. As for his gas, I would check on his diet, you may want to change what he is intaking. Little ones don't handle the cramping too well. I don't know if you started him on baby food or cereal but check to see if that is what causing the excessive gases in his digestive system. Don't worry, you are doing right by him. He'll be ok, Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches