{"id":"2cc96554a1cb709bb09bec09183391d0","slug":"my-18-month-old-has-swollen-gums-on-one-side-and-wont-eat-solid-foods-how-long-until-the-tooth-breaks-through","question":"My 18-month-old has swollen gums on one side and won't eat solid foods, how long until the tooth breaks through?","answer":"I understand you're watching closely for that tooth to come through. Unfortunately, the research I have doesn't cover the timeline for teeth breaking through once gums are swollen — it only tells us that most babies get their first teeth around 6–7 months, usually the bottom front ones first. Since your child is past that initial teething window, I can't predict when this particular tooth will emerge from the sources available.\n\nWhat I can say is that swollen gums and reluctance to eat solids are common during teething. A cold teething ring can help soothe sore gums, which may make eating easier. If the swelling persists, spreads, or your child develops other symptoms like fever or seems unwell, check in with your pediatrician to rule out anything else going on.","sources":"[{\"pmid\":\"26696106\",\"title\":\"Knowledge of Teething and Prevalence of Teething Myths in Mothers of Saudi Arabia.\",\"journal\":\"The Journal of clinical pediatric dentistry\",\"year\":\"2016\",\"url\":\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26696106/\",\"score\":0.75}]","thread_json":null,"topic":"teething-and-dental","view_count":0,"created_at":"2026-09-02T08:01:39.224Z"}