When Do Babies Start Teething? A Parent’s Guide

Teething is a normal part of baby’s development, though the exact timing varies. Most little ones get their first tooth around 6 months of age, but some begin as early as 4 months or as late as around a year. Every child is different – one baby might sprout a tooth at 3½ months, while another might not get any until after 12 months. On average, however, parents can expect that baby teeth start arriving in infancy (typically 4–7 months old). By about 2½–3 years, most children have all 20 primary teeth in place

Teething Milestones: Which Teeth Come First

Most babies’ first teeth are the two lower front teeth (lower central incisors). According to Cleveland Clinic, a baby’s first tooth usually breaks through at about 6 months – typically the two bottom front teeth. Soon after, the four upper front teeth (upper central and lateral incisors) emerge. In general, teeth tend to come in pairs (one on each side of the jaw) and in this order: first the incisors, then the first molars (around 13–19 months), followed by the canines (around 16–23 months), and finally the second molars (by about 2–3 years). In other words, by the age of about 2½–3 years, your child should have all 20 baby teeth. A handy rule of thumb is that roughly four new teeth appear every six months of life, with lower teeth typically emerging before the upper ones.

Signs of Teething

Every baby reacts differently, but common teething signs include:

• Lots of drooling and chewing. Babies often drool more than usual, have red or puffy gums, and will chew on fingers or toys to relieve gum pressure.

• Irritability and fussiness. Sore gums can make your baby cranky or unusually clingy. Teething can also disrupt naps or bedtime, leading to more crying and restlessness.

• Difficulty feeding or sleeping. Gum discomfort may cause your baby to want to nibble or chew on the nipple, or wake more often at night. Loss of appetite or trouble sleeping are common during the 1–2 days around a tooth’s eruption.

• Slight fever (low-grade). A small rise in temperature can happen with teething, but a true fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) is usually due to something else. If your baby has high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash, consult your pediatrician – those symptoms are generally not caused by teething.

Teething can make babies extra fussy and tired. Gentle comforting – like cuddles with a soft toy – can help them settle when they’re feeling uncomfortable.

If you suspect teething, watch closely for these clues. Slight gum swelling or a small white bump on the gums (where the tooth is just about to pop through) is a tell-tale sign. Parents should keep in mind that symptoms like runny noses or high fevers are usually from colds or other illnesses, not teething.

Soothing Teething Discomfort

When your baby is cranky from teething, there are safe ways to comfort them. Pediatric experts recommend:

• Gum massage. Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger, a soft (clean) cloth, or even a cool spoon can provide relief. The pressure helps counteract the tooth coming through.

• Chilled teethers. Offer firm, rubber teething rings or toys made for infants to chew on. Chilling (not freezing) the teether in the refrigerator can feel extra soothing on gums. Avoid frozen rings, which can be too hard, and never use liquid-filled or metal teething objects that could break.

• Safe pain relief. If your baby is very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about using an infant dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) for babies over 6 months. Only use medication as directed by your doctor.

• Avoid unsafe remedies. Do not use teething necklaces, bracelets, or gels on babies. The FDA warns that amber necklaces or metal coins used in home remedies can pose choking/strangulation risks, and benzocaine-containing gels or ointments can be dangerous for infants.

The key is to keep your baby safe while finding what gives them the most relief. Sometimes simply cuddling, rocking, or letting them nap in a calm, dark room can help them drift off despite the discomfort. Quiet reassurance and a gentle touch can go a long way when every tooth seems a battle.

While a teething baby may need extra comfort, establishing routines (like a soothing bath or bedtime story) can still help them sleep.

Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth

Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, taking care of them early is important. Healthy primary teeth help with speech, chewing, and guide permanent teeth. Pediatric dental guidelines recommend:

• Clean gums before teeth. Starting at birth, wipe your baby’s gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth. The CDC advises doing this after morning feeding and before bedtime. This clears away bacteria and sugars to keep gums healthy.

• Begin brushing at first tooth. As soon as that very first tooth pops through, start brushing twice a day. Use a tiny-soft-bristled toothbrush (infant-sized) and plain water. Parents should hold the brush and use gentle strokes. This establishes the routine.

• Use the right amount of toothpaste. At first, you can brush without toothpaste. Once you’re comfortable (and after consulting your dentist or doctor), smear a rice-size dab of fluoride toothpaste on the brush for baby’s teeth. This helps prevent decay. When your child is older (around 3–6 years), you can increase to a pea-size dab, but always supervise so they spit out the toothpaste.

• Visit the dentist early. Dental experts recommend a child’s first dental check-up by the first birthday or soon after the first tooth erupts. The dentist can check that teeth and jaws are developing normally and give you personalized care tips.

• Consider a kid-friendly toothbrush. Once your baby has a few teeth (around age 1–3), look for a gentle toothbrush made for toddlers. For example, the Q10 Kids Electric Toothbrush has a small brush head and extra-soft bristles designed for little mouths. Its built-in timer and fun lights help children brush the full 2 minutes. Using a soft, age-appropriate electric brush can make daily brushing more effective and fun (always assist or supervise young kids).

By following these simple steps, you’ll be setting up healthy habits early.

Encouraging Healthy Habits (and Using Q10)

As your baby grows, make oral care part of the daily routine. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day in a playful way – maybe singing a little song or using a timer – so they learn to expect it. An electric kids’ toothbrush like the Q10 Kids Electric Toothbrush can turn brushing into a joyful game: its gentle bristles and light-up zone timer teach children to brush evenly and fully, while colorful stickers or fun designs keep them interested. (Always be there to help a toddler brush until they have the skill to do it themselves.)

Remember, those first teeth are precious. Start cleaning them gently, and they will serve your child well until the permanent teeth take over. By combining comfort measures during teething with early brushing habits – and even a fun brush like the Q10 – you’re giving your child a healthy smile from day one.

Ready to start? As soon as that first tooth appears, pick up a soft baby brush and begin brushing. A gentle routine now will help ensure your little one’s teeth (and smile) stay healthy for years to come – and a kid-friendly toothbrush like Q10 can help make it a positive experience. Keep at it twice a day, and celebrate every new tooth along the way!

Sources: Authoritative health organizations and pediatric dentistry experts were consulted to compile these teething tips and timelines.