Does a 4-month-old baby experience teething discomfort?

While teething discomfort is possible in 4-month-olds, it's important to know that tooth eruption typically begins around 6 months; the fussiness, excess drooling, and hand-chewing you see at 4 months is often just the natural part of oral exploration, not necessarily teeth.

Symptoms can include: more drooling than usual, urge to bite or chew, mild fussiness, changes in sleep patterns, tugging on one ear. Fever does not occur with teething — if your baby has a temperature of 38°C or higher, it's not from teeth but from an underlying infection that needs pediatric evaluation.

For relief: you can offer a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or cold clean cloth to chew on; gentle massage of the gum with your clean finger also helps. If pain is significant and you've checked with your doctor, age-appropriate acetaminophen (at the dose your pediatrician recommends) can be used — stay away from questionable teething gels (those with benzocaine).

If fussiness lasts more than 3-4 days, your baby refuses to eat, or if high fever, diarrhea, or a rash appears, definitely see your pediatrician.

Note: This is not medical advice; please consult your doctor about medicines and dosages.