Why Teething Matters for Your Baby’s Growth
Teething is one of the most memorable milestones in a baby’s first year of life. The appearance of the first tooth not only signals the beginning of your child’s smile but also marks the start of baby teething, a process that plays a critical role in chewing, jaw development, and early speech. Most babies will sprout their first tooth around six months of age, though timing varies widely, and some infants may not see a tooth until closer to their first birthday. According to the Mayo Clinic, teething is a normal developmental process that can start anywhere between 4 and 12 months, with a full set of 20 primary teeth usually in place by age three.
For parents, teething often raises questions: What if my baby’s teeth come in too early or too late? Does fussiness or drooling mean something is wrong? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that establishing good oral care from the very first tooth is essential to a child’s long-term health. This article provides a clear guide to when baby teeth typically appear, the common signs of infant teething, and what parents can do to ease discomfort and support healthy dental development.
Baby Teething Timeline – When Primary Teeth Appear
Understanding when and how baby teething begins can help parents feel reassured and better prepared for each stage of development. Babies are born with 20 primary teeth already present beneath the gums, and these teeth gradually erupt between 6 months and 3 years of age.
ADA
The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that the lower central incisors are typically the first to appear, erupting around 6 to 10 months, followed closely by the upper central incisors between 8 and 12 months.
AAP
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) adds that lateral incisors usually erupt between 9 and 16 months, while the first molars follow between 13 and 19 months. Canines generally emerge between 16 and 23 months, and the second molars are the last to erupt, usually appearing between 23 and 33 months.
National Health Service (NHS)
By the age of three, most children will have a complete set of 20 baby teeth. The UK National Health Service confirms this general timeline but emphasizes that every child is different, and it is not unusual for eruption to occur several months earlier or later than average. Some children may even have their teeth erupt in an atypical order, and this usually does not indicate a problem.
Mayo Clinic
Parents should also be aware of the wide range of normal variation. According to the Mayo Clinic, some babies sprout their first teeth as early as 4 months, while others may not begin until 12 months. Both patterns fall within the healthy range, provided that teeth do eventually emerge. If a child has no visible teeth by 18 months, it is wise to consult a pediatric dentist to rule out developmental concerns.
Key Takeaway
Knowing this timeline allows parents to monitor their child’s growth without unnecessary worry and to plan early dental visits at the right age.
To make this timeline even clearer for parents, the following Baby Teeth Chart provides a visual guide to when each tooth typically erupts, helping you track your child’s dental development with ease.
Common Symptoms of Baby Teething
As the first teeth begin to push through the gums, babies often show a set of recognizable signs. While every child’s experience is unique, certain patterns are so common that they can guide parents in identifying baby teething versus illness.
Physical signs (Mayo Clinic)
According to the Mayo Clinic, frequent indicators include drooling, gum swelling, irritability, chewing on toys or fingers, and disrupted sleep.
Some babies may rub their cheeks or tug at their ears because the pain from sore gums can spread to surrounding areas.
These behaviors occur because erupting teeth put pressure on gum tissue, stimulating nearby nerves and causing discomfort that radiates to the face and ears.
NHS observations & skin care
The UK National Health Service (NHS) adds that teething babies often have flushed cheeks, a slight temperature increase, and a stronger need for comfort.
They may wake more at night or appear clingier than usual.
NHS also notes that excessive dribbling can cause rashes around the mouth or chin, requiring gentle wiping and protective creams to prevent skin irritation.
The reason drooling is so common is that teething stimulates salivary glands, while babies’ swallowing reflex is not yet fully developed, leading to saliva overflow.
Feeding changes
Changes in feeding are among the most noticeable challenges of infant teething. Some babies refuse food because sucking or chewing worsens gum pain, while others increase feeding for comfort.
This happens because pressure from the tooth beneath the gum makes sucking motions painful, while extra feeding may help soothe anxiety.
Emotional & sleep changes
Emotional changes are also typical. Babies may become unusually fussy or irritable because of the constant low-level pain in the gums, and some may cry more easily, especially at night when there are fewer distractions.
Sleep disruption often results from the ongoing discomfort that prevents babies from settling.
What is not teething (AAP & CDC)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions parents not to assume that every symptom is linked to teething. High fever, persistent diarrhea, or widespread rash are not caused by tooth eruption and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Finally, the CDC emphasizes that persistent illness-like symptoms should never be ignored. Consulting a pediatrician ensures parents do not miss other underlying health concerns.
Key takeaway
Recognizing these signs—while understanding the biological reasons behind them—helps parents comfort their child appropriately and avoid unnecessary anxiety.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Teething can be uncomfortable, but parents have many safe and effective strategies to help their baby cope. The goal is to relieve gum soreness and avoid unsafe practices.
Mayo Clinic Recommendations
Gently massage the gums with a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to ease pressure and discomfort.
Repeat several times a day for consistent relief.
Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth.
Avoid frozen objects, as extreme cold may damage sensitive tissue.
Provide babies with safe teething rings or toys made of durable, non-toxic materials.
For older infants, offer chilled, peeled vegetables such as cucumber or carrot (with close supervision to avoid choking).
Extra cuddles, attention, and a consistent bedtime routine can be just as important as physical remedies.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warnings
Do not use benzocaine or belladonna products for teething pain due to serious side effects.
Avoid teething necklaces or bracelets because of choking and strangulation risks.
Safer alternatives include chilled teething rings, gum massage, and comforting routines.
Emotional Comfort
Holding, rocking, or singing to a fussy baby can provide reassurance.
If discomfort seems severe, or if unusual symptoms such as fever or diarrhea occur, consult a pediatrician to rule out illness.
When to Brush Baby Teeth and How to Keep Them Healthy
Infant teething is only the beginning of your child’s oral health journey. Once the first tooth erupts, build daily habits that keep the mouth clean and set the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Start oral care as soon as the first tooth appears.
Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth (after the first feeding and before bed).
As teeth emerge, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and plain water.
If your baby resists a regular brush, begin with wet gauze/cloth or a silicone finger brush as a gentle transition.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Guidelines
When toothpaste is introduced, use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3.
For ages 3–6, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Always supervise brushing to avoid swallowing.
WHO Advice
Encourage twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste (1,000–1,500 ppm).
Promote balanced nutrition for healthy teeth.
Establish a “dental home” by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting.
Dental visits allow risk assessment, fluoride varnish when needed, and tailored guidance for parents.
Key Takeaway
By combining gentle daily cleaning (cloth/finger brush → soft brush + water), age-appropriate fluoride, balanced nutrition, and timely dental visits, parents can keep baby teeth healthy and strong—laying a solid foundation for lifelong oral health.
FAQ – Parents’ Questions on Baby Teething
1. If my baby bites while nursing, what should I do?
Biting during baby teething is common because babies feel pressure in their gums. The NHS suggests calmly but firmly stopping the feed when biting happens and saying “no”, so the baby learns that biting means no more milk. You can also offer a safe teething toy before or after nursing to satisfy chewing needs. Some mothers find that adjusting the feeding position—so the baby latches more deeply—reduces gum pressure. If biting continues, pause breastfeeding briefly and restart once the baby is calm. By responding the same way every time, babies gradually learn that gentle sucking provides comfort and milk, while biting ends feeding.
2. How can I comfort my baby at night when teething pain seems worse?
Teething discomfort often intensifies at night due to fewer distractions. The Mayo Clinic recommends giving your baby a chilled—not frozen—teething ring or gently massaging the gums before bedtime. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine with a warm bath, rocking, or lullabies helps the baby feel secure and sleep longer. Using a clean, slightly damp washcloth as a comfort tool is another safe option. The American Academy of Pediatrics also encourages parents to avoid over-the-counter teething gels, instead focusing on comfort measures and consistent routines. For babies waking frequently, extra cuddles and skin-to-skin contact can reduce fussiness and help them fall back asleep. If pain continues to disrupt rest, consult a pediatrician to discuss safe pain relief options.
3. How can I help with drool rashes?
Excessive drooling can cause redness and rashes around the chin or mouth. The NHS recommends wiping gently but often with a soft cloth to keep the skin dry, and applying a protective barrier cream to prevent irritation. Avoid rubbing too hard, as it may worsen soreness. Keeping bibs and spare clothes handy also helps protect delicate skin.
Helping Your Baby Through Teething
Infant teething is a natural milestone, but it often comes with challenges for both babies and parents. By understanding the typical timeline of tooth eruption, recognizing common signs, and using safe strategies to ease discomfort, families can navigate this stage with greater confidence.
The NHS emphasizes that while every child develops differently, consistent routines and gentle comfort are key in supporting babies through teething. Simple measures—such as gum massages, chilled teething toys, and frequent cuddles—can make a significant difference.
Long-term dental health also begins here. The AAP and CDC recommend scheduling a first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth’s eruption. These early visits help establish a “dental home” and highlight the importance of daily oral care.
By combining practical home care, proper nutrition, and timely professional guidance, parents can ensure their baby’s first teeth grow strong and healthy—paving the way for a lifetime of confident smiles.