Baby Teething: Signs, Teething Chart, and Soothing Tips
Teething can cause drooling, fussiness, and chewing, the first tooth usually appears around 6 months. Gentle gum massage, firm rubber teethers, and comfort help your baby.
Teething is such an exciting time! I remember feeling just as eager as you probably are to see those very first tiny teeth appear.
As parents, it’s natural to be curious about what happens when teething begins, what signs to look out for, and, most importantly, what you should and shouldn’t do to help your little one through it. This guide is here to give you a parent-friendly overview of teething.
Of course, every baby is different, so if you have any questions or concerns, always reach out to your pediatrician.
What is Baby Teething?
Teething, sometimes called teething syndrome, is the process when a baby’s first set of teeth, known as primary teeth, start to push through the gums. Babies are actually born with a full set of teeth under the gums, but they don’t all come in at the same time.
As these tiny teeth make their way into the mouth, they can lead to common signs like drooling, crankiness, and a strong urge to chew on things.
Teething is a normal part of development, but it can be a new and sometimes surprising experience for both babies and parents (1).
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Babies can surprise you with their first tooth at different times. Some may show their tiny tooth as early as 4 months, while most get their first one between 6 and 10 months. Usually, the two bottom front teeth are the first to appear, followed by the four middle top teeth.
Over the next couple of years, teeth continue to emerge until most children have all 20 baby teeth by around 30 months. Every baby’s timing is a little different, but this gives a general roadmap of what to expect.
How to Tell If a Baby Is Teething?
Your pediatrician may mention the following common signs that your little one is starting to teeth (2):
- Increased drooling: You might notice bibs are getting soaked more often.
- Chewing or biting: Babies may gnaw on toys, fingers, or anything they can safely reach.
- Crankiness or fussiness: Teething can make your baby a bit more irritable than usual.
- Swollen or tender gums: You may see or feel slight puffiness where a tooth is coming in.
- Changes in sleep or feeding: Discomfort may make naps shorter or feedings more frequent.
How Long Does Baby Teething Last?
Teething is a gradual process that can last for a couple of years. By the time they are about two and a half years old, they usually have all 20 primary teeth.
Each tooth may take several days up to a week to break through the gums. Keep in mind that every child is different, so the speed of teething can vary a lot.
Baby Teething Chart
Having a general baby teething timeline can help you know what to expect and track your little one’s progress. The chart below shows the typical order and age range when each primary tooth usually appears:
| Upper primary teeth | Age |
| Central incisors (middle top teeth) | 8–12 months |
| Lateral incisors (next to the middle teeth) | 9–13 months |
| Canines (pointed teeth next to lateral incisors) | 16–22 months |
| First molars (back teeth) | 13–19 months |
| Second molars (back teeth behind first molars) | 25–33 months |
| Lower primary teeth | Age |
| Central incisors (middle bottom teeth) | 6–10 months |
| Lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| Canines | 17–23 months |
| First molars | 14–18 months |
| Second molars | 23–31 months |
How to Soothe a Baby During Teething
While teething can be uncomfortable, there are safe ways we can help make it easier for our babies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends sticking to simple, gentle methods and avoiding products that may do more harm than good (3).
FDA- and pediatrician-recommended ways to soothe teething pain include:
Gently rub their gums
Wash your hands and use a clean finger to massage your baby’s gums. This light pressure can help soothe discomfort and provide temporary relief as a tooth begins to push through the gum line. Many babies find this simple, hands-on comfort calming, especially during fussy teething moments.
Offer a firm rubber teether
Choose a solid, firm rubber or silicone teething ring that is easy for your baby to hold. Chewing on a safe teether helps apply pressure to sore gums, which can reduce discomfort as teeth move into place. Avoid liquid-filled teethers, as they can break and become a choking risk.
Use cool (not frozen) items
A chilled teether or a cool, clean washcloth can help numb sore gums and reduce irritation. Cooling provides relief, but it’s important not to freeze these items. Frozen objects can be too hard and may injure sensitive gum tissue.
Supervise closely
Always stay nearby when your baby is using a teether or chewing on soothing items. Close supervision helps prevent choking and ensures your baby is using teething tools appropriately.
Provide comfort
Teething can be frustrating and overwhelming for babies, so extra comfort matters. Holding, rocking, singing, or speaking softly can help your baby calm down when they feel any discomfort. Just your presence and touch can reduce stress and make the discomfort more manageable.
How to Take Care of Your Baby’s New Teeth
Caring for your baby’s teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, to gently clean the tooth twice a day.
Even before teeth come in, you can wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. This helps remove bacteria and gets them used to oral care. Don’t put your baby to sleep with a bottle, as milk or juice left on the teeth can lead to early tooth decay.
What to Avoid When Your Baby Is Teething
It’s tempting to try anything that promises quick relief, but some teething remedies can be unsafe. Avoid using teething gels, sprays, or tablets that contain ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can be harmful to infants.
Teething jewelry, including necklaces or bracelets, should also be avoided due to choking and strangulation risks. Frozen teethers or very hard objects may damage sensitive gums and should not be used.
When in doubt, stick with simple, pediatrician-recommended soothing methods. Always check with your child’s doctor before trying new products.
When Should I Worry About Baby Teething?
Teething is usually a normal part of development, but some symptoms may signal something more than teething discomfort. Contact your pediatrician if your baby has a true fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, extreme irritability that doesn’t improve with comfort.
Teething should not cause serious illness, so it’s always best to trust your instincts and seek medical advice if something doesn’t feel right.
The Takeaway
Teething is a normal and important milestone in your baby’s growth, even though it can come with a few uncomfortable days along the way. Knowing what signs to expect and which soothing methods are safe can help you feel more confident during this stage.
Every child’s teething journey looks a little different, and when questions come up, your pediatrician is always there to help guide you.
FAQs
When do I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
Before teeth come in, gently wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth is a great way to begin oral care. You can start brushing as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears. A soft baby toothbrush and a small swipe of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) is all you need.
Is fever normal during baby's teething?
It’s common for babies to seem a little uncomfortable while teething, but teething alone does not cause fever. A temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher usually means something else is going on. If this happens, contact your pediatrician.
Does teething affect feeding or appetite?
Some babies may eat more slowly or seem less interested in feeding when their gums are sore. This is usually temporary and improves as the tooth comes through.
Are teething gels safe for babies?
Teething gels and tablets containing benzocaine or lidocaine are not advised for infants due to health risks. Instead, try gum massage or a firm rubber teether. Check with your child’s doctor before using any medicine.
