Home treatment usually helps relieve minor teething symptoms such as discomfort, drooling, and irritability. But talk to your doctor if your child has other symptoms that become severe or last longer than a couple of days. Such symptoms may include:

• Frequent ear pulling.
• Ongoing or severe diarrhea.
• A severe diaper rash.

Also, talk to your doctor about any other teething concerns, such as when your child:

• Has not started teething by 12 months of age.
• Has visible signs of tooth decay.
• Has permanent teeth coming in before the primary teeth are lost, resulting in a double row of teeth.
• Has a small jaw or a birth defect of the mouth or jaw, such as cleft palate.
• Has any facial injury that has damaged a tooth or gums.

If your doctor considers it necessary, he or she may refer your child to a dentist who specializes in children's teething problems.