Teething and Nursery: What Parents Need to Know

Teething often coincides with the months when many babies and toddlers start nursery, and parents understandably wonder how the two fit together. Will teething make settling in harder? Is a raised temperature a reason to stay at home? How can the nursery team help soothe sore gums? This guide explains the common symptoms of teething, what teething symptoms and fever really mean, safe ways of soothing teething pain and how to decide whether a teething baby can go to nursery. It also offers tips for working with your child's key person during a difficult teething phase.

When do teeth come through?

Most babies get their first tooth at around six months, although some start earlier and others not until after their first birthday. The first teeth are usually the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. Teeth then continue to appear over the next two years or so, with the back molars often among the last. By around two and a half to three years, most children have all 20 of their first teeth.

This means that teething is not a single event but a series of phases spread across the nursery years. Some teeth come through with barely any fuss, while others, particularly the larger molars, can cause more discomfort.

Common teething symptoms

Every child experiences teething differently. Common signs include red or swollen gums where a tooth is coming through, a flushed cheek, more dribbling than usual, chewing on fingers, toys or anything within reach, and rubbing the ear on the same side as the tooth. Many children are more unsettled, clingy or irritable, and some sleep less well or eat less for a few days.

These symptoms usually appear a few days before a tooth breaks through the gum and settle once it has come through. If symptoms last a long time or seem severe, it is worth checking with your child's doctor that nothing else is going on.

Teething symptoms and fever

One of the most common questions is whether teething causes fever. Teething may cause a slightly raised temperature, but health services such as the NHS advise that a fever of 38°C or above is not usually caused by teething. A high temperature is more likely to be a sign of an infection, which is common in young children, especially in the first months of nursery.

Similarly, diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash on the body, a persistent cough or a runny nose are not typical teething symptoms. If your child has any of these, or seems generally unwell, treat it as an illness rather than assuming it is due to teeth. Seek medical advice if you are worried, and follow your nursery's illness policy.

Can a teething baby go to nursery?

In most cases, yes. Teething on its own is a normal part of development and is not usually a reason to keep a child at home. If your child is a little grumpy but otherwise well, eating and drinking reasonably and able to join in with play, nursery can be a helpful distraction.

However, if your child has a high temperature, is very unwell, is not drinking, or needs a level of one-to-one comfort that would be hard to give in a group, it is better to keep them at home. Most nurseries have an illness policy that explains when children should stay away, often including a period after a fever or after vomiting and diarrhoea. Ask for a copy when your child starts, so you know what to expect.

Soothing teething pain safely

There are several simple and safe ways of soothing teething pain, both at home and at nursery.

• Teething rings: a clean teething ring, chilled in the fridge (not the freezer), can offer relief. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Gentle gum massage: rubbing the gum with a clean finger can soothe discomfort.
• Cold, hard foods for older babies: for babies over six months who are eating solids, pieces of cucumber or carrot can help, always under close supervision because of the choking risk.
• Wiping dribble: gently wiping the face helps prevent a rash on the chin and cheeks.
• Comfort and cuddles: extra closeness, calm routines and familiar comfort objects matter a lot.
• Pain relief: if your child is in pain, a pharmacist or doctor can advise on suitable children's pain relief for their age and weight.

Health bodies advise against some traditional remedies. Amber teething necklaces and bracelets carry a risk of choking and strangulation. Some teething gels contain ingredients that are not recommended for young children, so always check with a pharmacist before using them. Avoid homeopathic teething products and never rub alcohol or sugary substances on the gums.

How teething can affect settling in

If your child starts nursery during a teething phase, settling in may be a little bumpier. A sore mouth, disrupted sleep and general discomfort can make children more clingy and more upset at goodbyes. This is usually temporary. Keeping goodbyes short and warm, sending a familiar comfort object and giving extra closeness at home all help.

Our guide to separation anxiety at nursery has more ideas for making drop-offs easier during these phases.

Teething, chewing and biting

Teething toddlers often want to chew, and occasionally this leads to biting other children or adults. Biting is also common for other reasons at this age, such as frustration, excitement or not yet having the words to express feelings. Nursery staff usually respond by offering suitable things to chew, watching closely and helping children learn gentle behaviour. Our guide to toddler biting at nursery explains why it happens and how adults can respond calmly.

Teething and sleep

Teething can disturb sleep, both at night and during naps. Keep bedtime and nap routines as consistent as possible, offer comfort when your child wakes and try not to introduce new habits that may be hard to change later. Let your nursery know if your child has had a bad night, so staff can offer an earlier or longer rest if needed. Our guide to a toddler daily routine at nursery explains how rest usually fits into the nursery day.

Eating and drinking while teething

Some children eat less when their gums are sore. Softer foods, cool foods such as yoghurt and plenty of drinks can help during difficult days. Appetite usually returns once the tooth has come through. Tell your nursery if your child has been eating less, so staff can keep an eye on how much they eat and drink during the day.

Caring for new teeth

As soon as the first tooth appears, it is time to start brushing twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste, following your dentist's advice for your child's age. Limiting sugary foods and drinks helps protect new teeth, and a first visit to the dentist around the first birthday is often recommended. If your child uses a dummy, our guide to giving up the pacifier looks at when and how to phase it out gently.

Working with the key person

1. Tell the key person when a new tooth seems to be coming through.
2. Share what helps at home, such as a particular teething ring or song.
3. Send spare bibs if your child dribbles a lot.
4. Agree on pain relief: follow the nursery's medicines policy, which usually requires written consent.
5. Ask for updates on eating, sleeping and mood during difficult days.
6. Keep the nursery informed if your child becomes unwell.

Nursery at Altın Anahtar

At the Altın Anahtar nursery in Alsancak, the nursery group welcomes children from 12 months to 3 years, and the school is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:30. Our team can talk with you in English about your child's routines, comfort and any concerns during teething. You can contact the Altın Anahtar team to arrange a visit by appointment.

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