🍼Teething Tots: A Guide to Your Baby's First Teeth
Understanding teething symptoms, timeline, and how to comfort your baby
What Is Teething?
Teething is the process of baby teeth (primary teeth) breaking through the gums. It's a normal part of development that typically begins around 6 months of age, though it can start earlier or later. Most babies have all 20 primary teeth by age 3.
While teething can be uncomfortable for babies and frustrating for parents, it's a temporary phase. Understanding what to expect and how to help can make this milestone easier for everyone.
📅Teething Timeline
👶First Teeth (6-10 months)
- •Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) usually appear first
- •Upper central incisors (top front teeth) follow
- •May cause increased drooling and fussiness
🧒Later Teeth (12-24 months)
- •Molars typically appear around 12-16 months
- •Canines (pointed teeth) come in around 16-20 months
- •Second molars usually appear last (around 20-30 months)
Note: These timelines are approximate. Every baby is different, and variations are normal.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
✅Common Symptoms
- ✓Increased drooling: More saliva than usual
- ✓Chewing on objects: Babies put things in their mouth to relieve pressure
- ✓Fussiness or irritability: Especially at night
- ✓Swollen, tender gums: May appear red or inflamed
- ✓Low-grade fever: Usually under 101°F (38.3°C)
- ✓Ear pulling or cheek rubbing: Due to gum pain
- ✓Difficulty sleeping: Disrupted sleep patterns
- ✓Decreased appetite: May eat less due to discomfort
⚠️What's NOT Normal
These symptoms are NOT typically caused by teething and warrant a call to your pediatrician:
- ✗High fever: Over 101°F (38.3°C) - may indicate illness
- ✗Diarrhea: Not caused by teething
- ✗Rash (except face rash from drool): May indicate other conditions
- ✗Severe crying: That can't be comforted
- ✗Vomiting: Not related to teething
- ✗Cold symptoms: Runny nose, cough are signs of illness
💡Safe Ways to Soothe Teething Pain
Safe Methods:
- ✓Cold teething rings: Chilled (not frozen) rings or toys
- ✓Cold washcloth: Damp, clean cloth chilled in refrigerator
- ✓Gum massage: Gently rub gums with clean finger
- ✓Cold foods: If baby is eating solids, offer cold purees or yogurt
- ✓Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen if approved by pediatrician
- ✓Extra cuddles and comfort: Sometimes distraction helps
What to Avoid:
- ✗Frozen teethers: Too hard and can damage gums
- ✗Teething gels with benzocaine: Can be harmful to babies
- ✗Teething necklaces: Choking and strangulation risk
- ✗Alcohol: Never rub alcohol on gums
- ✗Homeopathic teething tablets: May contain harmful ingredients
- ✗Small objects: Anything that could be a choking hazard
Caring for New Teeth
As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, it's time to start good dental care habits:
🪥Start Brushing
Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a tiny smear (rice-sized) of fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
👨⚕️First Dental Visit
Schedule the first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.
💧Prevent Decay
Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle. Only put water in bedtime bottles to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Teething
When do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething around 6 months of age, but it can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The timing varies widely and is usually normal. If your baby hasn't started teething by 18 months, consult your pediatrician or dentist.
How long does teething last?
Teething occurs intermittently as each tooth comes in. The discomfort usually lasts a few days before and after each tooth breaks through. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age 3. The most intense teething typically occurs between 6-12 months when the first teeth appear.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething may cause a very slight increase in body temperature, but it should not cause a high fever (over 101°F). If your baby has a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms, these are likely due to illness, not teething. Contact your pediatrician if your baby has a high fever or other severe symptoms.
What order do baby teeth come in?
Typically, the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) come in first, followed by the upper central incisors. Then come the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally the second molars. However, variations in order are normal and not a cause for concern.
Is it normal for my baby to be very fussy while teething?
Yes, some fussiness and irritability are normal during teething. However, if your baby is inconsolable, has a high fever, or shows other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult your pediatrician. Sometimes what seems like teething symptoms can actually be signs of illness that need treatment.