When Do Babies Get Their Teeth? Facts

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months old. Some start as early as 3 months. Others do not have a tooth appear until after their first birthday. Both are normal. Teething is a process that follows a general pattern but varies widely from one baby to the next.

What Is the Typical Order of Baby Teeth Coming In?

The lower front teeth, called central incisors, usually come in first. The upper front teeth follow a month or two later. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

The American Dental Association describes a common sequence. Lower central incisors arrive around 6 to 10 months. Upper central incisors follow at 8 to 12 months. Upper lateral incisors, the teeth next to the front ones, come in at 9 to 13 months. Lower lateral incisors show up at 10 to 16 months. First molars appear around 13 to 19 months. Canines, the pointed teeth, come at 16 to 22 months. Second molars finish the set at 25 to 33 months.

This is a guide, not a rule. Many healthy babies deviate from this order. Some skip teeth and get molars before canines. Some get two teeth at once. Some get one at a time with weeks in between.

What Are the Real Signs of Teething?

Teething causes real symptoms, but many parents overestimate what it does. Studies published in Pediatrics have tracked teething symptoms closely. The most consistent signs are gum swelling, increased chewing or biting, drooling, irritability, and waking more at night.

Some babies also have a mild temperature rise. Research shows teething can raise body temperature slightly, but it does not cause a true fever. A fever of 100.4°F or higher is not from teething. If your baby has a fever, look for an infection or illness instead.

Teething does not cause diarrhea, vomiting, or full-body rashes. Many parents blame teething for these symptoms, but the evidence does not support it. If your baby has these symptoms, call your pediatrician. They are likely from a virus or another medical issue.

When Do Babies Get Their Teeth Late and Is That a Problem?

Some perfectly healthy babies get their first tooth at 12 months or even 15 months. Late teething is often genetic. If you or your partner got teeth late, your baby likely will too.

Premature babies often get teeth later than full-term babies. The timing is usually adjusted for gestational age. A baby born two months early might get their first tooth two months later than average.

Certain medical conditions can delay teething. These include Down syndrome, hypopituitarism, and some metabolic disorders. But late teething alone, without other symptoms, is rarely a sign of a problem. The American Academy of Pediatrics says if no tooth has come in by 18 months, your pediatrician should evaluate your child. This is a precaution, not a reason to worry.

What Actually Helps Teething Pain?

Several methods have solid evidence behind them. Cold is the simplest and most effective. A cold, not frozen, teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth gives relief. The cold numbs the gums and reduces swelling.

Gentle pressure also helps. Rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger can soothe them. Letting your baby chew on a silicone teether works the same way.

Pain relievers are an option when other methods are not enough. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can be used at the right dose for your baby’s weight. Ibuprofen is approved for babies 6 months and older. Always check with your pediatrician before giving any medication.

Some things do not work and can be dangerous. Teething gels with benzocaine are not recommended for children under 2. The FDA has warned that benzocaine can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces oxygen in the blood. Teething necklaces made of amber or silicone are choking and strangulation hazards. There is no evidence they work. The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics both advise against them.

How Do You Care for Baby Teeth Once They Appear?

Start cleaning the first tooth as soon as it appears. Use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Brush gently twice a day, especially after the last feeding at night.

Fluoride is safe and important at this age. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association both recommend fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth. The tiny amount used is not harmful if swallowed. It strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.

Your baby should see a dentist by their first birthday. This is the official recommendation from both major dental and pediatric organizations. The first visit is usually short. The dentist checks the teeth, looks at the gums, and talks to you about oral care habits. Early visits prevent problems and get your child used to the dentist.

Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. The sugar pools around the teeth overnight and causes severe decay, sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay. Water is the only safe drink at bedtime if your baby needs a bottle.

Common Misconceptions About Teething

Many parents believe teething causes fevers, diarrhea, and rashes. The evidence does not support this. A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association reviewed multiple teething studies and found no consistent link to these symptoms. The confusion likely comes from timing. Teething happens at the same age when babies are exposed to more viruses and start eating solid foods. Parents connect the symptoms to teething when the real cause is an infection or new food.

Another common belief is that teething causes diaper rash. The increased drool during teething does not cause diaper rash. Diaper rash is caused by moisture, friction, and irritation from urine and stool. Drool is not the cause.

Some people think teething causes ear pulling. Babies do pull at their ears when teething because the pain radiates to the jaw and ear area. But ear pulling alone is not a reliable sign of teething. Ear infections also cause ear pulling and are common at this age. If your baby pulls at their ears and has a fever or seems unusually fussy, see your pediatrician to rule out an ear infection.