Teething timelines are approximate. Some babies get teeth early, while others are healthy and toothless for longer.
The first tooth typically appears between 4 and 7 months, but the normal range extends from birth to 12 months. Wide variation is completely normal and does not indicate any health problem.
Typical order of teeth
Lower central incisors usually appear first, between 4-7 months. These are followed by upper central incisors (8-12 months), then lateral incisors on both top and bottom (9-16 months).
First molars arrive around 13-19 months, canines between 16-23 months, and second molars between 23-33 months. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
The order is more consistent than the timing. While months vary widely between babies, the sequence of which teeth come first rarely changes.
Common teething symptoms
Mild drooling, gum swelling, irritability, and a desire to chew on objects are classic teething signs. Some babies sleep less or eat slightly less during active teething days.
You may notice your baby pulling at their ears or rubbing their cheeks. This is referred pain from the jaw and is usually harmless. A slight temperature elevation (under 38°C / 100.4°F) can occur but true fever is not caused by teething.
Each tooth typically causes discomfort for 3-5 days before breaking through the gum, then symptoms resolve quickly.
Comfort measures that help
A clean, cold washcloth or teething ring provides safe pressure on sore gums. Gentle gum massage with a clean finger can also help, especially before feeds.
Over-the-counter pain relief (acetaminophen or ibuprofen for babies over 6 months) can be used for particularly difficult days. Follow dosing instructions carefully and consult your pediatrician.
Avoid teething necklaces (choking and strangulation risk), numbing gels with benzocaine (not recommended for infants), and frozen teething rings that are too hard.
Oral care from the start
Start cleaning your baby's gums with a soft cloth even before teeth appear. Once the first tooth emerges, use a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft infant toothbrush.
Schedule the first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing. Early dental visits establish good habits and catch any issues early.
Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as prolonged exposure to milk or juice causes early childhood cavities.
Symptoms that need care
High fever (over 38°C / 100.4°F), persistent diarrhea, dehydration, rash beyond the face, or severe pain should be discussed with a clinician instead of assumed to be teething.
Research has shown that many symptoms parents attribute to teething are actually caused by common childhood infections that happen to coincide with the teething age window.
If your baby seems unusually distressed or symptoms last more than a few days, see your pediatrician to rule out other causes.
Questions parents ask
My baby is 10 months old with no teeth. Is that normal?
Yes. While most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months, the normal range extends to 12 months or even later. Late teething rarely indicates any problem.
Can teething cause fever?
Teething may cause a very slight temperature elevation, but not a true fever (over 38°C/100.4°F). If your baby has a fever, look for other causes and consult your pediatrician.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. Health authorities advise against amber teething necklaces due to choking and strangulation risks. Stick to safe alternatives like cold washcloths and silicone teething rings.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Start wiping gums with a soft cloth before teeth appear. Once the first tooth emerges, brush twice daily with a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste.