Teething is one of the first big milestones in your baby’s development, marking their transition from a gummy smile to a mouthful of pearly whites. As exciting as it is to see that first tooth pop out, the process can be a bit tough—for both baby and parents. If you’re wondering when do babies start teething or searching for ways to soothe your teething baby, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including helpful baby teething remedies and a clear teething timeline.
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Baby Teething: What Every Parent Should Know
Teething is a natural developmental process that all babies go through. It marks the eruption of your baby’s primary teeth (also known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth) through the gums. While this process is completely normal, it can cause discomfort and behavioural changes in your little one.
Before diving into the timeline of when does teething start, it’s important to understand that every baby is unique. Some babies sail through teething with minimal symptoms, while others may experience more discomfort. As parents, being informed about what to expect can help you feel more prepared and less stressed as you support your little one.
When Do Babies Start Teething? The Typical Timeline
One of the most common questions new parents have is: when do babies get teeth? While there’s no precise answer that applies to every child, there is a general timeline that most babies follow.
The Average Teething Age
Teething typically begins for most babies between the ages of 4 and 7 months. However, it’s important to note that this can vary significantly from one baby to another. Some little ones might get their first tooth as early as 3 months, while for others, it might take a bit longer, even until after their first birthday! Both the scenarios are considered normal and not necessarily a cause for concern.
Baby Teething Timeline
Here’s a general timeline of when you can expect your baby’s teeth to appear:
| Age | Teeth Likely to Erupt |
|---|---|
| 4–7 months | 2 Lower Central incisors (Front teeth) |
| 8–12 months | 2 Upper Central incisors (Front teeth) |
| 9–16 months | 2 Upper Lateral incisors (next to front teeth) |
| 13–19 months | 2 Bottom Lateral incisors (next to front teeth) 4 First Molars (upper and lower back teeth) |
| 16–23 months | 4 Canines (upper and lower pointy teeth next to lateral incisors) |
| 23–33 months | 4 Second molars (upper and lower very back teeth) |
By the time your child is about 3 years old, they should have all 20 of their primary teeth.
Remember: This timeline is just a general guide, and variations are completely normal.
10 Common Signs That Your Baby Is Teething
Now that we know when does teething start, let’s look at how to recognise when your baby is going through this process.
Here are the most common signs and symptoms of teething:
1. Increased Drooling
If you notice your baby suddenly producing excessive saliva, it might be a sign that teething is underway. This increased drooling often starts before you can even see any teeth emerging.
2. Irritability and Fussiness
Teething can be uncomfortable, which often leads to increased irritability. Your happy baby might become fussy, especially during the days when a tooth is about to break through.
3. Swollen, Tender Gums
Check your baby’s gums, and you might notice that they appear swollen or reddened, particularly in the area where a tooth is about to emerge. And those little gums might feel tender if you touch them.
4. Gnawing and Chewing
When babies start teething, they often have an increased urge to chew on things. This behaviour helps relieve the pressure from the emerging tooth beneath the gums.
5. Refusing to Eat or Drink
Some babies may temporarily lose interest in feeding during teething. The sucking motion can increase pressure on the inflamed gums, causing discomfort.
6. Cheek Rubbing and Ear Pulling
Teething pain can sometimes extend to the ears and cheeks due to shared nerve pathways. If your baby is rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear without signs of infection, it could be related to teething.
7. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
The discomfort from teething can interfere with your baby’s sleep. You might notice more frequent night waking or difficulty settling down for naps.
8. Slight Temperature Elevation
A slightly elevated temperature (less than 38°C or 100.4°F) may accompany teething.
Note: A genuine fever is not a typical teething symptom and could indicate an infection requiring medical attention.
9. Facial Rash
Some babies develop a rash around their mouth or chin due to excessive drooling. Gently keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent irritation.
10. Visible Tooth Below the Gum
Sometimes, you may be able to see the emerging tooth as a small white bud below the gum line before it fully breaks through.
Effective Baby Teething Remedies to Soothe Your Little One
Watching your baby in discomfort can be tough for any parent. Fortunately, there are several baby teething remedies that can help alleviate your little one’s discomfort:
Gentle Gum Massage
Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. The counter-pressure can help relieve the discomfort caused by the emerging tooth.
Cold Teething Toys
Refrigerated (not frozen) teething rings or cold washcloths can numb the gums and provide relief. The cold helps reduce inflammation and soothes the tender gum tissue.
Safe Teething Toys
Providing appropriate teething toys gives your baby something safe to chew on, which can help relieve the pressure under the gums. Look for BPA-free options specifically designed for teething babies.
Cold Foods (For Babies on Solids)
If your baby has started solid foods, offering cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt can provide relief. For older babies (over 6 months), a cold piece of cucumber or carrot (under supervision) can be soothing.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months) can be used for pain relief but always consult with your paediatrician before administering any medication to your baby.
Herbal Remedies
Some parents find that natural remedies like chamomile tea (cooled) can be soothing for teething babies. However, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies.
Teething Biscuits
For older babies already eating solid foods, teething biscuits can provide both comfort and distraction. Just be sure to supervise your baby while they’re eating to prevent choking.
When to See a Doctor About Teething?
While teething is a normal process, there are times when you should consult a healthcare provider:
- If your baby has a fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
- If teething seems to cause severe pain that can’t be relieved with typical comfort measures
- If there are no signs of teeth by 18 months
- If your baby’s teething symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, or rash on the body
- If you notice any unusual growth or abnormalities in your baby’s mouth
FAQs About Baby Teething
Have questions about baby teething? Here are answers to common concerns parents have.
What are the first signs of teething?
Teething symptoms can vary, but common early signs include:
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on objects (gnawing)
- Fussiness or increased crying
- Trouble sleeping
- Slightly raised body temperature (not a fever)
- Flushed cheeks or a mild rash
Some babies may also breastfeed more often for comfort or change how they latch.
When do babies start teething?
Most babies begin teething around 6 months old, but some may start as early as 2–3 months, while others may not cut their first tooth until 8–9 months or later.
How long does teething last?
Teething typically continues until age 3, though timelines vary:
- Others may continue teething up to 36 months
- Some babies finish teething around 24 months
Can teething cause illness?
Teething can cause discomfort, irritability, and mild temperature increases, but it does not cause:
- High fever
- Runny nose or cough
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If your baby has these symptoms, it may be due to an illness—consult a pediatrician.
Trust Your Baby’s Smile to the Experts at RS Dental
At Richmond & Springvale Dental Group, we understand just how important your child’s first dental experiences are. Our paediatric dentistry team is specially trained to care for your little one’s smile with a gentle, friendly, and comforting approach. Whether your baby is just starting to teeth or already has a few pearly whites, we’re here to guide you through every step of their oral health journey.
Ready for Happy, Healthy Smiles? Contact Our Caring Team Today!
Don’t let teething troubles (or any other dental concerns) worry you. Reach out to RS Dental Group in Abbotsford or Springvale, and we’ll ensure your child’s dental health journey gets the best start.
