When Should A Baby Start Getting Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Navigating the various developmental milestones of a newborn can be both exciting and daunting, and understanding when a baby should start getting teeth is a common concern for many parents. Typically, infants begin their teething journey around six months of age, though this timeline can vary significantly from one child to another. This article will provide a detailed overview of the typical teething schedule, identify common signs, explore influencing factors, and offer practical advice for soothing your baby, ensuring a smoother experience during this significant developmental phase. Parents often seek clear guidance on this topic, as the emergence of the first tooth marks a new stage in a baby’s growth and can impact their comfort, feeding habits, and oral health. Understanding these aspects empowers parents to provide the best care.

The Typical Teething Timeline

The process of teeth erupting, commonly known as teething, follows a general pattern, yet it is crucial to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Observing the typical timeline helps parents anticipate and prepare for this natural milestone, minimizing anxiety and facilitating appropriate care.

First Teeth Eruption: Age Range

On average, most babies will experience the eruption of their first tooth around six months of age. However, this is merely an average, and the window for first tooth appearance is quite broad, ranging from as early as four months to as late as twelve months or even beyond. Some infants surprise their parents by showing a tooth as early as three months, while others may not sprout their first pearly white until their first birthday. This wide variance underscores the importance of individual development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines updated in 2024, if a baby has no teeth by 18 months, parents should consult their pediatrician. Genetics play a significant role in this timeline, often mirroring when parents or older siblings first teethed.

Order of Teeth Appearance

While the exact timing varies, the order in which teeth typically emerge tends to be consistent among most babies. The first teeth to appear are almost always the two bottom central incisors, located at the front of the lower jaw. These are usually followed by the two top central incisors. Next, the lateral incisors, which are adjacent to the central incisors, typically emerge—first the top ones, then the bottom. This pattern of symmetrical eruption usually continues as the first molars, then the canines (eyeteeth), and finally the second molars, making their appearance. By the age of two and a half to three years, most children will have their full set of 20 primary teeth. This systematic progression allows for gradual adjustment to chewing and biting.

Signs and Symptoms Your Baby is Teething

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of teething can help parents understand their baby’s discomfort and provide timely relief. While these indicators are generally mild, they can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, making careful observation essential.

Common Physical Indicators

One of the most noticeable signs that your baby is teething is excessive drooling. As the gums swell and teeth prepare to push through, salivary glands become more active, leading to a constant stream of saliva. This increased drooling can sometimes cause a mild rash around the mouth, chin, and neck. Another tell-tale sign is swollen, red, or tender gums. Parents might even be able to see a small bump or bluish area on the gum where the tooth is about to emerge. Babies often try to alleviate this discomfort by chewing on anything they can get their hands on—their fingers, toys, clothing, or even a parent’s shoulder. This gnawing action provides pressure that can temporarily soothe their sore gums. Increased fussiness and irritability are also very common during this period. Your typically happy baby might become unusually irritable, crying more than usual, especially if their discomfort disrupts their sleep patterns.

Less Common or Misattributed Symptoms

While some symptoms are clearly linked to teething, others are often mistakenly attributed to it or require further investigation. A low-grade fever, typically below 101°F (38.3°C), might occasionally accompany teething, but higher fevers are generally not a direct result of teething and could indicate an infection, warranting a call to the pediatrician. Similarly, diarrhea is not a direct symptom of teething. While increased drooling can sometimes lead to looser stools, persistent or severe diarrhea should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other causes. Ear pulling can also occur, as the pain from erupting teeth can radiate to the ears. However, ear pulling is also a classic sign of an ear infection, so if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry found that while drooling and irritability are highly correlated with teething, symptoms such as high fever or severe gastrointestinal issues are often coincidental and require medical assessment.

Factors Influencing Teething Age

Several factors can influence when a baby begins teething, highlighting the diverse nature of infant development. Understanding these elements can help parents gauge their baby’s likely timeline and avoid unnecessary worry.

Genetics and Family History

One of the most significant determinants of a baby’s teething timeline is their genetic predisposition, often inherited from their parents. It is common for a baby to start teething around the same age their parents or older siblings did. If both parents teethed early, there’s a higher probability their child will too, and vice versa. This genetic link suggests a hereditary component to the timing of tooth eruption, providing a helpful reference point for expecting parents. Research often indicates that familial patterns are among the strongest predictors of teething onset. Therefore, a quick chat with grandparents or older family members can offer insights into what to expect.

Prematurity and Birth Weight

Babies born prematurely often experience developmental delays across various milestones, including teething. While not a strict rule, premature infants may start getting their first teeth later than full-term babies, sometimes by several weeks or even months, to compensate for their earlier arrival. The body prioritizes growth and organ development in premature babies, and the eruption of teeth may simply occur on a slightly delayed schedule. Birth weight, while not a direct cause, can sometimes be linked to overall health and developmental progression, though its correlation with teething timing is less direct than prematurity. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the importance of comprehensive health monitoring for premature infants, which includes observing dental development as part of their overall growth trajectory.

Nutritional Status

Adequate nutrition plays a crucial role in overall infant development, including the formation and eruption of teeth. While severe nutritional deficiencies are rare in developed countries, proper intake of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and Vitamin D, is vital for healthy bone and tooth development. Calcium is the building block for strong teeth, and Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb and utilize calcium effectively. Babies who are well-nourished and have a balanced diet are more likely to experience healthy tooth eruption. Conversely, chronic malnutrition could potentially impact dental development, though this is less common. Ensuring your baby receives appropriate breast milk or formula, and later, a diverse range of solid foods, supports all aspects of their growth, including their dental health.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While teething is a normal part of development, there are specific situations when it becomes prudent to consult a healthcare professional. Recognizing these instances ensures your baby receives the best possible care and rules out any underlying issues.

Delayed Teething

If your baby shows no signs of teeth by their first birthday, or certainly by 18 months, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician. While a wide range of normal exists, significant delays can sometimes indicate a very rare underlying health issue, such as a nutritional deficiency or a glandular problem. However, in most cases, delayed teething is simply a variation of normal development and often attributed to genetics. The pediatrician can evaluate your baby’s overall development and offer reassurance or investigate further if necessary. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2024 guidelines, persistent absence of teeth beyond 18 months warrants a comprehensive dental and pediatric evaluation. This proactive approach helps to address any concerns early.

Severe Symptoms

While some fussiness and a low-grade fever are common during teething, certain severe symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If your baby develops a high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C), experiences severe diarrhea or vomiting, or exhibits unexplained rashes that are not confined to the drool-affected areas, it is important to contact your pediatrician. These symptoms are generally not directly caused by teething and could indicate an infection or another illness requiring diagnosis and treatment. Persistent, inconsolable crying that cannot be soothed by typical teething remedies should also prompt a medical consultation, as it may signal significant pain or another underlying problem. Always trust your parental instincts; if something feels wrong, seek professional advice.

First Dental Visit

Beyond addressing concerns, it’s crucial to establish regular dental care for your child early on. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the AAP both recommend that a baby has their first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This early visit isn’t typically for complex procedures but rather for an initial check-up, to get acquainted with the dentist, and for parents to receive guidance on infant oral hygiene. The dentist can check for proper tooth eruption, identify any potential issues, and provide personalized advice on cleaning your baby’s teeth, fluoride use, and healthy eating habits. This preventative approach sets the foundation for lifelong oral health, helping to prevent early childhood caries and other dental problems.

Soothing Your Teething Baby: Practical Tips

Helping your baby through the discomfort of teething can be challenging, but many safe and effective remedies are available. Providing appropriate relief is key to keeping your little one comfortable during this developmental stage.

Safe Teething Remedies

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to soothe sore gums is gentle pressure. You can massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger or a soft, damp washcloth. Teething rings designed for babies are also excellent options; choose solid rings that can be chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen, as extreme cold can harm gums) to provide cool relief. For older babies who have started solids, offering cold foods like pureed fruits (e.g., applesauce or mashed banana) or small pieces of chilled cucumber can provide soothing counter-pressure. If your baby is particularly distressed, over-the-counter pain relievers like infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil, for babies over 6 months) can be used, but always consult your pediatrician for the correct dosage and to ensure it’s appropriate for your child.

What to Avoid

While seeking relief for your baby, it’s equally important to be aware of remedies that should be avoided due to safety concerns. Teething necklaces or bracelets, often made of amber beads, are not recommended by pediatricians or safety organizations. These pose significant risks of choking and strangulation and have not been scientifically proven to alleviate teething pain. Topical numbing gels containing benzocaine should also be avoided, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against their use in children under two years due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a serious blood disorder. Similarly, homeopathic teething tablets and gels often lack scientific evidence of effectiveness and have been found in some cases to contain inconsistent amounts of active ingredients or even harmful substances. Always prioritize safety and consult with your pediatrician before trying any new remedy.

Oral Hygiene for New Teeth

Once your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to establish a routine for oral hygiene. Starting early sets the stage for a lifetime of good dental health and helps prevent common issues like early childhood caries.

Brushing First Teeth

Even before the first tooth appears, you can start cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth or a gauze pad after feedings. This helps remove bacteria and gets your baby accustomed to the routine. Once the first tooth erupts, it’s time to introduce a baby-specific, soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice—twice a day, morning and night. Gently brush all surfaces of the tooth and continue to wipe the gums. As more teeth appear, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount once your child is three years old. Supervise brushing until your child is about six or seven years old to ensure they are brushing effectively and not swallowing too much toothpaste. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), proper oral hygiene from infancy is crucial for preventing tooth decay.

Preventing Early Childhood Caries

Early Childhood Caries (ECC), also known as baby bottle tooth decay, is a preventable condition caused by prolonged exposure of a baby’s teeth to sugary liquids. To prevent ECC, avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or any other sugary drink. If a bottle is needed for comfort, fill it with water. Similarly, limit sugary drinks and snacks throughout the day, opting for water between meals. Regular dental check-ups, as recommended by the American Dental Association, are also crucial for monitoring oral health and catching any potential problems early. The dentist can apply fluoride varnish if needed, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Encouraging good oral hygiene habits from the very beginning will contribute significantly to your child’s overall health and well-being.

The journey of when a baby should start getting teeth is a natural and exciting phase in their development, marked by individual variations in timing and symptoms. While the average age for the first tooth is around six months, some babies may begin earlier or later, influenced by genetics and other factors. Recognizing common signs like drooling and fussiness, and understanding when to seek professional advice for severe symptoms or delayed eruption, empowers parents to provide optimal care. Establishing early oral hygiene practices and utilizing safe soothing methods are paramount for ensuring both immediate comfort and long-term dental health for your child.

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Dr.BaBies

Dr.BaBies

Dr. BaBies is our expert consultant focusing on the health and well-being aspects of early childhood screen exposure. Holding a doctorate in Developmental Health, Dr. BaBies specializes in understanding the impact of visual and auditory stimuli on a baby’s developing nervous system and sleep patterns.

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