Baby Teething: Symptoms, Timeline and How to Help
When do baby teeth come in? Complete teething symptoms timeline, what's actually caused by teething (and what isn't), and how to soothe a teething baby safely.
Few parenting phases combine "completely normal" with "absolutely miserable" as effectively as teething. Here's what's actually happening and what actually helps.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
The average first tooth appears around 6 months, but the range is wide: 4 to 12 months is entirely normal. Late teething runs in families. A baby with no teeth at 12 months is almost always fine — mention it at the next visit, but don't panic.
Tooth eruption order
| Teeth | Average age |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6–10 months |
| Upper central incisors (top front) | 8–12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines | 16–23 months |
| Second molars | 23–33 months |
Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age 3.
No teeth by 12 months? Mention it at the 12-month visit. No teeth by 15 months warrants an X-ray to confirm teeth are forming below the gum line — they almost always are.
Real Teething Symptoms
These are genuinely linked to teething:
- Drooling — often starts at 2–3 months (long before teeth appear), increases during teething
- Gum rubbing and biting — babies bite everything to counter the pressure of an emerging tooth
- Irritability — especially in the 3–5 days around a tooth breaking through
- Disturbed sleep — tooth pain can wake babies who normally sleep well
- Slightly raised temperature — up to 38°C (100.4°F) may coincide, though the direct link is debated
Not caused by teething: Fever above 38°C, diarrhea, vomiting, significant runny nose, or rash. These need a pediatrician visit. Attributing real illness to teething delays proper treatment.
How to Help
Cold, not frozen. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring provides counter-pressure and numbing relief. Frozen teethers can damage gum tissue. A cold wet washcloth works just as well and costs nothing.
Gum massage. Gentle, firm pressure with a clean finger directly on the erupting gum relieves pain. Babies briefly stop fussing when you hit the right spot.
Age-appropriate pain relief. Infant acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen (after 6 months) is safe and effective for genuine teething pain. Dose by weight.
Avoid: Teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine — not recommended for infants by major pediatric organizations. Amber teething necklaces — a documented choking and strangulation hazard with zero evidence of benefit.
The First Dental Visit
Most dental organizations recommend the first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth — whichever comes first. Early visits establish a relationship with a dentist before any problems arise.
Brushing: Start when the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, twice a day. Increase to pea-sized from age 3.
Tracking Teeth
Recording when each tooth appeared is more useful than it sounds — it helps you anticipate upcoming teeth, explain sudden fussiness to caregivers, and answer pediatrician questions accurately. Most parents are surprised how quickly they forget the dates.
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