Your happy baby suddenly seems fussy, drools through every bib, and wants to chew on anything within reach. Chances are, that first tooth is on its way. If you’re wondering when babies start teething, most begin around 6 months old, though every keiki is different.
Teething is a normal milestone, but it can be a tough stretch for babies and parents alike. In this guide, we’ll walk through the baby teeth timeline, the signs to watch for, safe ways to ease sore gums, and how to care for those brand-new teeth from day one.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months of age. Some start earlier, around 3 or 4 months, and a few don’t get a tooth until after their first birthday. Both are usually normal. Family history plays a role, so if you or your partner got teeth early or late, your baby may follow the same pattern.
Teething symptoms often show up a few weeks or even a couple of months before a tooth breaks through the gums. That’s why a baby may drool and chew for a while before you see anything.
Rarely, a baby is born with a tooth or gets one in the first month. These are called natal or neonatal teeth. If your newborn has one, let your pediatrician or dentist take a look, since some of these teeth are loose or make feeding uncomfortable.
If your child has no teeth at all by about 18 months, talk with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but it’s worth checking.
Baby Teeth Timeline: Which Teeth Come In First?
Babies have 20 primary teeth, also called baby teeth, waiting under the gums at birth. They usually come in a pair at a time, starting with the bottom front teeth. By about age 3, most children have all 20.
Here’s the typical order and timing, based on the American Dental Association’s eruption chart. Remember, these are averages. A few months early or late is common.
| Tooth | Upper teeth | Lower teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors (front teeth) | 8–12 months | 6–10 months |
| Lateral incisors (next to front teeth) | 9–13 months | 10–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months | 14–18 months |
| Canines (eye teeth) | 16–22 months | 17–23 months |
| Second molars | 25–33 months | 23–31 months |
Many parents notice that molars are the hardest to get through. They’re bigger and wider than front teeth, so the gums can be sorer for longer. The second molars, which come in around age 2, often bring a final round of fussiness.
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Every baby handles teething a little differently. Some barely notice, while others have a rough few days with each new tooth. Common signs include:
- Drooling. Lots of it. Extra drool can also cause a mild rash on the chin, cheeks, or neck.
- Chewing and gnawing. Babies may chew on toys, fingers, blankets, or you. The pressure helps relieve sore gums.
- Swollen or tender gums. You may see a red, puffy spot where a tooth is about to come in, or a small white bump just under the surface.
- Fussiness and irritability. Sore gums can make babies cranky, especially in the evening.
- Trouble sleeping. Some babies wake up more often during teething.
- Changes in feeding. A teething baby may fuss at the breast or bottle, or eat less for a few days because sucking hurts.
- Rubbing the face or pulling the ears. Gum pain can spread to the ears and cheeks, especially when molars are coming in.
Symptoms tend to be strongest in the few days before and after a tooth breaks through. Once the tooth is in, most babies feel better quickly.
What Teething Doesn’t Cause
It’s easy to blame every sniffle and upset tummy on teething, but some symptoms point to something else. Teething may cause a slightly higher body temperature, but it does not cause a true fever. Pediatric experts consider a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher a fever.
Teething also doesn’t cause vomiting, diarrhea, a runny nose, a cough, or a rash on the body. Babies in the teething age range are also picking up their first colds and other common illnesses, so the timing can be confusing. If your baby has any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician rather than assuming it’s teething.
How Long Does Teething Last?
For each tooth, the most uncomfortable period usually lasts a few days to about a week. Overall, the teething stage runs from your baby’s first tooth until the second molars come in, usually somewhere between age 2 and 3.
Teething isn’t constant during that time. Teeth tend to come in waves, with quiet stretches in between. Many parents find it helpful to keep a simple log of which teeth are coming in, so they know what to expect next.
Safe Ways to Soothe Your Keiki’s Teething Pain
The good news is that simple, safe remedies work well for most babies. Here are some options to try.
Massage the Gums
Wash your hands, then gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for a minute or two. The light pressure can ease soreness. Many babies love this, and it’s an easy way to check on new teeth as they come in.
Offer a Chilled Teething Ring
Solid rubber or silicone teething rings give babies something safe to chew on. Chill them in the refrigerator, not the freezer. Frozen rings can get too hard and may hurt your baby’s gums. Avoid liquid-filled teethers, which can break or leak.
Try a Cold, Wet Washcloth
Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and chill it in the fridge for a little while. Let your baby chew on it while you watch. The cool texture is soothing and easy for little hands to hold.
Serve Cool Foods for Older Babies
If your baby has started solids, cool foods like chilled applesauce, yogurt, or mashed fruit can feel good on sore gums. A mesh or silicone feeder filled with cool fruit is another option. Always stay with your baby while they eat, and avoid hard foods like raw carrots or teething biscuits that can break into pieces and cause choking.
Wipe Away Drool
Keep a soft cloth handy and gently pat your baby’s chin and face dry throughout the day. A bib can help keep clothes dry. If a drool rash develops, a thin layer of a gentle barrier cream or petroleum jelly can protect the skin.
Ask Your Pediatrician About Pain Relief
If your baby is very uncomfortable and nothing else helps, ask your pediatrician whether an infant pain reliever is right for your child. The right medicine and dose depend on your baby’s age and weight, so check with your doctor before giving any medication.
Extra cuddles help too. Sometimes a teething baby just needs more comfort and patience for a few days.
Teething Remedies to Avoid
Some popular teething products can be dangerous for babies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend avoiding:
- Numbing gels and liquids with benzocaine or lidocaine. These can cause serious, even life-threatening side effects in young children. They also wash away quickly, so they don’t help much.
- Homeopathic teething tablets and gels. Some of these products have contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, and the FDA has warned against them.
- Teething necklaces and bracelets. Amber, wood, marble, or silicone jewelry can cause choking or strangulation. The FDA advises against them.
- Frozen teething toys. Very cold, hard items can damage delicate gums.
- Rubbing alcohol on the gums. This old home remedy is unsafe for babies.
- Sugary treats or juice for comfort. These can lead to early cavities.
When in doubt, stick with simple options like a clean finger, a chilled teething ring, or a cool washcloth.
Caring for Your Baby’s First Teeth
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they matter a lot. They help your child chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. They also hold space for adult teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection and can affect the teeth that come in later.
Before the First Tooth
Start good habits early. After feedings, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad. This removes milk and bacteria and gets your baby used to having their mouth cleaned.
Once Teeth Come In
As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a soft, infant-sized toothbrush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. When your child turns 3, you can increase that to a pea-sized amount.
Fluoride is especially important for keiki in Hawaii, since most of our public water doesn’t contain added fluoride. Ask your dentist or pediatrician about fluoride varnish, a quick, painless treatment that helps protect baby teeth from decay.
Once two teeth touch each other, start cleaning between them once a day with floss or a floss pick.
Avoid Bedtime Bottles
Putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice lets sugars pool around the teeth all night. This can lead to baby bottle tooth decay, a common cause of cavities in young children. If your baby needs a bottle to fall asleep, fill it with plain water. Try to finish feedings before bedtime and wipe or brush your baby’s teeth afterward.
When to Call Your Doctor or Dentist
Teething is normal, but some signs need a closer look. Call your pediatrician or dentist if your baby:
- Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Has diarrhea, vomiting, a rash on the body, or cold symptoms
- Is unusually fussy, can’t be comforted, or refuses to eat or drink for more than a day
- Has swelling, bleeding, or a pimple-like bump on the gums that doesn’t go away
- Has a tooth that looks discolored, chipped, or damaged
- Has no teeth by about 18 months
When Should Your Baby See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend a first dental visit when the first tooth appears, and no later than your child’s first birthday. Many parents are surprised it’s that early, but this first visit is quick and gentle.
At your baby’s first appointment, the dentist will check their teeth, gums, and jaw, look for early signs of decay, and answer your questions about teething, brushing, feeding, and thumb-sucking. You’ll also get tips tailored to your child’s age. Learn more about what to expect at your child’s first dental visit and how our pediatric dentistry team makes visits fun for little ones.
Early visits help your baby get comfortable with the dentist and catch small problems before they become big ones. Combined with daily brushing and a healthy diet, they set your keiki up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Teething FAQs
Can babies start teething at 3 months?
Yes. Some babies show signs of teething, like drooling and chewing, as early as 3 or 4 months. The first tooth may not break through for several more weeks. Keep in mind that lots of drooling around 3 months is also a normal part of development, even without teething.
Does teething make babies sleep more or less?
Most teething babies sleep less, not more. Gum pain can feel worse when your baby lies down and there’s less to distract them. Sticking with your usual bedtime routine, offering a chilled teething ring before bed, and giving extra comfort can help. Sleep usually returns to normal once the tooth comes in.
Is it normal for teeth to come in out of order?
Yes. The timeline above is the most common pattern, but many healthy babies get their teeth in a slightly different order. What matters most is that teeth keep coming in over time. Your dentist can check on your baby’s progress at each visit.
Should I still breastfeed if my baby is teething?
Yes, you can keep breastfeeding. If your baby bites, calmly take them off the breast for a moment. Offering a chilled teething ring before feedings can help ease sore gums so your baby is less likely to bite.