Teething and Disruption of Sleep Patterns in Infants

Milestones are the special moments that reflect a baby’s growth and development. From the first smile to sitting, crawling, and walking, each milestone marks the development of new skills and brain maturity. Teething is a major milestone, showing that the baby is growing healthy. But, this stage often brings along sleepless nights, crying spells, and lots of drool.

Many parents notice that their baby’s sleep changes around the time a new tooth is about to erupt. Teething can cause temporary sleep disruption because of the discomfort and gum irritation it causes. Understanding why this happens and how to ease it can make this journey smoother for both baby and parents.

How Does Teething Fit into Growth?

Teething marks the beginning of the baby’s ability to chew solid food. It is also a clear sign of oral and bone development. It reflects changes in the baby’s immune system and metabolism as their body prepares for new dietary needs. Like learning to sit or crawl, teething is a developmental phase that helps babies become more independent in feeding and exploring their surroundings.¹

What is Teething in Infants?

Teething refers to the eruption of primary (baby) teeth through the gums. It begins around 6 to 10 months of age and continues until 3 years, when 20 primary teethhave appeared. Teeth push upward through the gums, breaking the tissue surface. This process causes inflammation, swelling, and pain before the tooth erupts. During teething, the body releases inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines around the erupting tooth. These natural chemicals trigger pain and sensitivity in the gum area, which can make the babies irritable and restless at night.²

What are the Common Symptoms of Teething?

Teething symptoms vary in each child. Some babies hardly notice it, while others experience several days of pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include:

• Gum Swelling and Tenderness: The area around the erupting tooth looks red or swollen.
• Increased Drooling: The baby produces more saliva to soothe irritated gums.
• Chewing or Biting: Babies love biting on toys, fingers, or objects to relieve pressure.
• Mild Temperature Rise: A slight increase in body temperature occurs.
• Irritability or Fussiness: Pain and discomfort can make babies more sensitive and clingy.
• Decreased Appetite: Sore gums can make feeding less appealing.
• Sleep Disturbance: Difficulty falling asleep or frequent night wakings are very common.³

How Does Teething Disrupt Sleep Patterns?

Sleep pattern changes are one of the most noticeable signs of teething. Even a good sleeper can start to wake or cry at night during the teething phase.

Pain and Gum Discomfort

Pain is the main reason for sleep disruption. The pressure of a tooth breaking through the gums can cause throbbing pain or tenderness. At night, babies feel more uncomfortable as there are no distractions.This leads to increased nighttime awakenings and shorter sleep durations.

Inflammatory Responses

Research shows that inflammatory substances released during teething can affect gum tissues and also the body’s overall comfort and mood. These mild inflammatory responses can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle and make it hard for the babies to sleep.

Behavioral Factors

Teething babies seek extra comfort and reassurance. They cry for longer periods, want to be held, or wake up wanting to nurse or be rocked back to sleep. This pattern can alter their sleep patterns.

Circadian Rhythm Disturbance

As teething pain tends to worsen at night, the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles, can get disrupted. This results in a few nights of inconsistent sleep until the tooth erupts.

Overlap with Developmental Milestones

Teething often coincides with other milestones like rolling over, sitting, crawling, or separation anxiety. These developmental changes, along with teething, can disrupt sleep patterns.⁴

How to Help the Baby Sleep Better During Teething?

There are simple methods to make teething nights more comfortable for both baby and parents.

Gentle Gum Relief

• Clean Finger Massage: Wash the hands and rub the baby’s gums to ease pressure.
• Chilled Teething Ring: A cold (not frozen) teether can soothe sore gums.
• Cold Washcloth: Let the baby chew on a clean, damp, cool cloth for pain relief.

Comfort and Reassurance

• Provide extra cuddles and closeness during this phase.
• Maintain a calm bedtime routine; bath, gentle lullaby, and dim lights, to help the baby associate nighttime with relaxation.
• Respond promptly to crying at night. Try to keep interactions soothing and brief, so the baby does not get overstimulated.

Maintain Sleep Routine

• Even though nights are rough during this phase, stick to the usual sleep schedule. 
• Consistency helps babies settle back into normal sleep once the discomfort eases.

Offer Safe Teething Toys

• Choose BPA-free silicone or rubber teethers.
• Avoid necklaces, gels, or liquid filled teethers that can cause choking or toxicity risks.

Pain Relief Medications 

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for discomfort under pediatric guidance.
• Avoid topical gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as they are unsafe for infants.

Supportive Environment

• Keep the baby’s room cool, dark, and quiet.
• Use white noise or soft lullabies if helpful.
• Do not overdress the baby, as overheating can worsen irritability.

When to Consult a Doctor?

While teething is normal, persistent symptoms can be due to other causes. The doctor can rule out infection or other causes and suggest safe pain management options. Consult the pediatrician if the baby has:

• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or rash
• Ear tugging or persistent crying
• Swelling or bleeding in the gums
• Refusal to feed or signs of dehydration (few wet diapers).^5,6

Summary

Teething is a normal developmental milestone in a baby’s growth. It can cause temporary disruption of sleep due to gum pain and discomfort. As new teeth push through, babies wake more often at night, cry, or find it harder to settle back to sleep. Inflammation, drooling, and the urge to chew can add to restlessness. These sleep disturbances are short-lived and improve once the tooth erupts. Parents can ease discomfort by offering chilled teethers, gentle gum massage, and maintaining a calm bedtime routine. Extra comfort, care, and consistency help babies feel secure and return to normal sleep patterns after teething passes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Related Initiative

Within the broader scope of maternal health, this article contributes to SHAKTI — HealthOdysseyHub’s postpartum care initiative dedicated to evidence-based education and collaborative practice in maternal recovery.

Learn more about SHAKTI here: https://healthodysseyhub.com/shakti-postpartum-care-healthodysseyhub/

References

1. McIntyre GT, McIntyre GM. Teething troubles?. British dental journal. 2002 Mar;192(5):251-5. DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4801349a
2. Wake M, Hesketh K, Lucas J. Teething and tooth eruption in infants: a cohort study. Pediatrics. 2000 Dec 1;106(6):1374-9. DOI: 10.1542/peds.106.6.1374
3. Macknin ML, Piedmonte M, Jacobs J, Skibinski C. Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2000 Apr 1;105(4):747-52. DOI: 10.1542/peds.105.4.747
4. Kahn M, Lucchini M, Oster E, Thakur S, Waugh M, Barnett N. Does Teething Disrupt Infant Sleep? A Longitudinal Auto-Videosomnography Study. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2025 Apr 1;279:114461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114461
5. Meer Z, Meer A. Teething trouble and its management in children. Int J Dent Clin. 2011 Jun 30;3(2):75-77. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278003460
6. Memarpour M, Soltanimehr E, Eskandarian T. Signs and symptoms associated with primary tooth eruption: a clinical trial of nonpharmacological remedies. BMC Oral Health. 2015 Jul 28;15(1):88. DOI 10.1186/s12903-015-0070-2

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