Teething — the emergence of your baby's first teeth — is one of the most talked-about milestones in parenting, and one of the most misunderstood. For parents in the UAE, knowing what's normal, what helps, and what to avoid can make a huge difference during what can feel like a very long few months.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, though it can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The typical order of tooth eruption:

• 6–8 months: Bottom front teeth (lower central incisors)
• 8–10 months: Top front teeth (upper central incisors)
• 9–11 months: Upper lateral incisors
• 10–12 months: Lower lateral incisors
• 12–16 months: First molars
• 16–20 months: Canines (cuspids)
• 20–30 months: Second molars

By age 3, most children have all 20 primary (baby) teeth.

Signs Your Baby Is Teething

Teething symptoms vary widely between babies. Common signs include:

• Increased drooling (often triggers a drool rash around the chin and chest)
• Chewing and gnawing on everything — fingers, toys, clothing
• Swollen, tender, or red gum tissue where a tooth is emerging
• Irritability, fussiness, and disrupted sleep
• Slightly raised temperature (below 38°C) — note: proper fever (above 38°C) is NOT caused by teething
• Mild diarrhea in some babies (not definitively proven to be caused by teething)
• Pulling or rubbing ears (pain can radiate to the jaw and ear area)

Important: High fever, significant diarrhea, vomiting, or rash beyond the chin are NOT signs of teething and should be assessed by your UAE paediatrician.

Natural Teething Remedies That Are Safe & Effective

1. Cold Pressure — The Most Effective Relief

Cold numbs the gum tissue and reduces inflammation. This is the single most effective teething remedy:

• A clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring — place in the refrigerator (not freezer; frozen rings are too hard and can damage tender gums)
• A chilled, damp clean washcloth to chew on
• For babies over 6 months: chilled cucumber or carrot sticks under supervision (not small pieces)
• Gentle gum massage with a clean, cool finger

2. Natural Teething Gels

Natural teething gels provide targeted, direct relief to sore gum tissue. Unlike older benzocaine-based gels (now widely avoided due to safety concerns), modern natural gels use plant-based ingredients to soothe and calm inflamed gums safely.

Xylogel Natural Teething Oral Gel

Xylogel is one of the most trusted natural teething gels available in the UAE. Based on xylitol — a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many plants — Xylogel soothes sore gum tissue while also protecting against early tooth decay. Unlike benzocaine, xylitol is safe for babies and has the added benefit of being antibacterial against the bacteria that cause cavities. Apply a small amount directly to sore gum tissue with a clean finger.

Tiny Buds First Tooth Natural Teething Gel (20g)

Tiny Buds First Tooth Natural Teething Gel uses a gentle, plant-based formula to cool and soothe teething discomfort. Completely drug-free and safe from the eruption of the first tooth. The cooling sensation provides immediate comfort, while natural anti-inflammatory ingredients address the underlying gum inflammation. Apply 2–3 times daily or as needed.

3. Gentle Gum Massage

Pressure on the gum can temporarily relieve teething pain. Wash your hands thoroughly, then use a clean finger to gently rub the sore gum area in circular motions. You can wrap your finger in a damp, cool washcloth for additional comfort. This also serves double duty as early dental hygiene — cleaning gums and getting baby used to oral care.

4. Distraction

Often underrated, distraction is genuinely effective for teething babies. Extra cuddles, a new toy, a short outdoor walk, or a favourite activity can shift focus away from gum discomfort. During bad teething nights, skin-to-skin contact has a particularly powerful calming effect.

What to Avoid for Baby Teething

Some teething remedies sound plausible but are dangerous:

• Benzocaine-based gels (Orajel, Bonjela, etc.) — The FDA warns against using benzocaine products in children under 2. They can cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that reduces blood oxygen. Avoid completely.
• Teething necklaces (amber, wooden beads) — Present serious strangulation and choking hazards. Banned or advised against by paediatric safety bodies worldwide. Do not use.
• Alcohol on the gums — A completely outdated and dangerous home remedy. Never apply alcohol to a baby's gums.
• Frozen teething rings — Too hard and can damage tender gum tissue and emerging teeth. Refrigerator-cold is the right temperature, not freezer-cold.
• Homeopathic teething tablets — Some have been recalled in the US due to inconsistent belladonna levels. Stick to evidence-based options.

When Is Paracetamol or Ibuprofen Appropriate?

For severe teething pain that disrupts feeding or sleep, infant paracetamol (e.g., Calpol) or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months) can be used occasionally under the guidance of your UAE paediatrician. These are not for daily use but are a legitimate option during the most intense eruption phases, particularly for molars.

Starting Dental Care During Teething

Teething is the perfect time to establish a dental care routine that will serve your child for life:

Before Teeth Emerge: Gum Care

Wipe gums twice daily with Tiny Buds Slip-On Oral Care Sleeve Dental Wipes — finger-sleeve wipes that gently clean gum tissue and accustom baby to oral care touching.

First Teeth: Stage 1 Toothgel

As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice daily. Use Tiny Buds Baby Toothgel Stage 1 — fluoride-free for babies aged 0–18 months, in delicious strawberry-cherry or strawberry-banana flavours. Apply a grain-of-rice sized amount to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush.

Toddler Stage: Stage 2 Toothpaste

From 18 months, transition to Tiny Buds Toddler Training Toothpaste Stage 2 with 1000ppm fluoride for cavity protection. Use a pea-sized amount.

Cavity Prevention: Anti-Cavity Spray

Tiny Buds Baby Anti-Cavity Spray is a sugar-free, alcohol-free oral spray that can be used after brushing to provide additional protection against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Convenient for use on the go in Dubai and UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions — Baby Teething UAE

Does teething cause fever in UAE babies?

Teething may cause a very slight temperature rise (below 38°C), but does not cause a proper fever. If your baby has a fever above 38°C, treat it independently of teething and consult your UAE paediatrician. Don't attribute it to teething.

Is Xylogel teething gel safe for newborns?

Xylogel is designed for use from the time teeth begin to emerge (typically 4 months+). For babies showing gum discomfort before teeth appear, gum massage and chilled teething rings are the safest approach.

Where can I buy Xylogel and Tiny Buds teething gel in UAE?

Both are available at Extra Value Mart with delivery across all UAE emirates. Shop at extravaluemart.com.

Shop Teething Products in UAE

Find Xylogel, Tiny Buds First Tooth Natural Teething Gel, dental wipes, toothgels and anti-cavity sprays at Extra Value Mart — trusted by parents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and all UAE. Shop online at extravaluemart.com or WhatsApp +971 56 969 0710.