Dr. Vinita Tekchandani Masters Degree In Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
When do babies start teething? It is one of the most common questions new parents ask. Teething is a normal part of a baby’s development, but every baby follows a slightly different timeline. Most babies start getting their first teeth at around 6 months of age, although some may begin teething as early as 3–4 months, while others may not have a first tooth until after their first birthday.
Understanding the signs of teething, knowing what is normal, and learning how to soothe your baby’s discomfort can make this stage easier for both parents and babies.
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age, with around 6 months being a common starting point. However, there is no exact age at which every baby will start teething.
Some babies are born with a tooth, known as a natal tooth, while others may begin developing their first tooth closer to 12 months. A late first tooth does not necessarily indicate a problem if your baby is otherwise growing and developing normally.
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two front teeth on the bottom. These are followed by the upper central incisors.
Although the timing varies from child to child, baby teeth generally appear in the following order:
By around 3 years of age, most children have all 20 primary teeth.
Remember that this is only a general guideline. Your baby’s teeth may appear earlier or later than these ranges.
Teething can cause noticeable changes in your baby’s behaviour. Some babies experience very little discomfort, while others may become more irritable.
Common signs of teething include:
Babies may drool more than usual when they are teething. Excess saliva can sometimes cause a mild rash around the mouth, chin, or cheeks.
A baby with sore gums may want to bite or chew on toys, fingers, or other safe objects. The pressure can provide temporary relief to irritated gums.
You may notice that the gums look slightly swollen, red, or tender in the area where a tooth is about to appear.
Some babies become fussier than usual because of gum discomfort. They may cry more frequently or have difficulty settling down.
Teething discomfort may make it harder for some babies to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night.
Some babies may temporarily eat less or become uncomfortable while breastfeeding or using a bottle because sucking can put pressure on sore gums.
This is an important question for parents. Teething may cause a slight increase in body temperature, but it should not cause a significant fever.
If your baby has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, severe coughing, breathing difficulty, or appears unusually unwell, do not automatically assume that teething is the cause. These symptoms may indicate an infection or another medical condition and should be discussed with a paediatrician.
Teething is a natural process, but it should not be used to explain significant or persistent illness.
There are several simple ways parents can help relieve teething discomfort.
A firm rubber or silicone teething ring can give your baby something safe to chew on. Choose a product designed specifically for infants and inspect it regularly for damage.
Wash your hands thoroughly and gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Gentle pressure can sometimes provide comfort.
For babies who have started eating solid foods, appropriately prepared cool foods may help soothe the gums. Always follow age-appropriate feeding recommendations and supervise your baby while eating.
Because teething can increase drooling, gently wipe your baby’s face with a soft cloth. Keeping the skin dry can help reduce irritation and drool rash.
Sometimes the best solution is simply comfort and reassurance. Holding your baby, rocking them gently, or distracting them with a favourite activity may help during periods of fussiness.
Parents should be careful when choosing teething products and home remedies.
Avoid giving your baby products that can create choking, poisoning, or injury risks. Do not use amber teething necklaces or other jewellery around a baby’s neck, as they can pose serious choking and strangulation hazards.
Parents should also avoid applying medicines or numbing products to the gums unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional. Some products may not be safe for young babies.
Never give a baby medication without checking the appropriate medicine, dosage, and age recommendations with a paediatrician or qualified healthcare professional.
Parents often wonder whether they need to take their baby to the dentist before all the teeth appear.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur when the first tooth appears or no later than the first birthday.
An early dental visit allows the dentist to check the development of the teeth and gums and identify potential problems early. It also gives parents an opportunity to learn about brushing, fluoride, feeding habits, pacifier use, and preventing early childhood cavities.
You do not have to wait until your child has several teeth before starting dental care.
As soon as the first tooth appears, begin cleaning it regularly.
Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies. A tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste can be used for children younger than 3 years, according to current dental recommendations. Parents should supervise brushing and use an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste.
At this stage, the goal is not only to clean the tooth but also to establish a healthy daily routine.
Gently brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. As your child grows, gradually teach them to participate in brushing while continuing to supervise them.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are important parts of infant nutrition, but oral hygiene still matters once teeth appear.
Frequent or prolonged exposure of the teeth to sugary liquids can increase the risk of tooth decay. This is particularly important when a baby regularly falls asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice, or another sweetened drink.
Once teeth appear, parents should follow good oral hygiene practices and discuss feeding and dental care with their child’s paediatrician and dentist.
Avoid putting sugary drinks in bottles or sippy cups and avoid frequent exposure to sweetened beverages.
Parents sometimes become concerned when their baby reaches their first birthday without a tooth.
In many cases, there is no reason to panic. Tooth eruption varies considerably between babies, and some healthy children simply develop teeth later.
However, your child’s first birthday is also a good time for a dental evaluation. A dentist can examine the gums and jaw development and advise you about what to expect.
If there are concerns about delayed tooth development or other aspects of your baby’s growth, your paediatrician or dentist can provide appropriate guidance.
Teething is usually manageable at home, but certain symptoms should not simply be attributed to teething.
Seek professional advice if your baby has:
These symptoms may have another cause and require proper evaluation.
Teething is an important milestone in your baby’s development. While most babies start teething at around 6 months, the exact timing can vary significantly. Knowing the typical baby teething timeline and recognising common symptoms can help parents understand what their child is experiencing.
Most importantly, remember that every baby is different. If you are concerned about your baby’s teething symptoms, delayed tooth eruption, or oral health, consult our dentist for personalised guidance. Book slot by clicking here.
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but teething can begin earlier or later. A first tooth appearing between 4 and 12 months can still fall within the broad range of normal development.
The lower central incisors, or the two bottom front teeth, are usually the first teeth to appear.
Teething is not a single event. Primary teeth continue to erupt over several years. Most children have their complete set of 20 primary teeth by approximately 3 years old.
Teething may cause drooling, gum tenderness, chewing, irritability, and sleep changes. However, significant fever, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or other serious symptoms should not automatically be blamed on teething.
It is recommended to arrange the first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by the child's first birthday, whichever comes first.
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