Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months old, but the normal range is 4-12 months. Some babies are even born with teeth! Here's everything you need to know about teething.
Tooth Eruption Timeline
Bottom Central Incisors
Usually first! The two bottom front teeth.
Top Central Incisors
The two top front teeth. Hello, cute baby smile!
Top Lateral Incisors
Teeth on either side of top front teeth.
Bottom Lateral Incisors
Teeth on either side of bottom front teeth.
First Molars
Back teeth for chewing. Can be painful!
Canines (Cuspids)
The pointed teeth. Fill in the gaps!
Second Molars
Way in the back. Full set of 20 baby teeth complete!
Teething Relief Products
Pediatrician-approved teething remedies:
Signs of Teething
Common Signs
- ✓ Drooling (lots of it!)
- ✓ Chewing on everything
- ✓ Swollen, tender gums
- ✓ Fussiness/irritability
- ✓ Trouble sleeping
- ✓ Refusing food
- ✓ Pulling at ears
NOT Teething Signs
- ✗ High fever (over 101°F)
- ✗ Diarrhea
- ✗ Rash on body
- ✗ Cough or congestion
- ✗ Vomiting
These symptoms mean something else is going on. See your doctor.
✅ Safe Teething Remedies
- • Cold washcloth: Wet, wring out, freeze briefly, let baby chew
- • Chilled teether: Refrigerate (not freeze) solid rubber teethers
- • Gum massage: Clean finger, gentle pressure on gums
- • Cold spoon: Metal spoon chilled in fridge (supervised)
- • Teething biscuits: For babies eating solids (watch for choking)
- • Pain reliever: Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen if over 6 months (ask pediatrician for dosing)
⚠️ Avoid These Products
- ✗ Benzocaine gels/liquids (Orajel, etc.): FDA warns can cause dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia
- ✗ Homeopathic teething tablets: FDA found inconsistent amounts of belladonna (toxic)
- ✗ Amber teething necklaces: Choking and strangulation hazard. No evidence they work.
- ✗ Frozen teethers: Too cold, can damage gums. Refrigerate, don't freeze.
- ✗ Liquid-filled teethers: Can break and leak
Early Teething (Before 4 Months)
Some babies start teething as early as 3 months, and a few are even born with teeth (called natal teeth). Early teething isn't a problem - it's just their schedule. If you see a tooth erupting, it's not a sign of anything wrong.
Late Teething (After 12 Months)
If baby has no teeth by 12 months, mention it to your pediatrician. It's usually just genetics (were you or your partner late teethers?), but occasionally can indicate nutritional deficiencies or other issues worth checking.
Caring for New Teeth
- Start cleaning right away: Wipe gums with damp washcloth even before teeth appear
- Use a soft baby toothbrush: Once teeth appear, brush twice daily
- Tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste: Rice-grain sized amount for under 3 years
- Avoid bottles in bed: Milk/juice pooling causes tooth decay
- First dental visit: By age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth
Night Waking During Teething
Teething can definitely disrupt sleep. The pain seems worse at night because there are fewer distractions. Tips:
- Give pain reliever about 30 minutes before bedtime if needed
- Offer extra comfort but try to maintain sleep routines
- Cold teether before bed can help
- Remember: acute teething pain usually lasts just a few days per tooth
Teething vs. Illness
Many things get blamed on teething that aren't actually caused by it. Research shows teething may cause mild temperature increase (up to 100.4°F) but NOT true fever. If baby has:
- Fever over 101°F
- Symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or rash
- Unusual lethargy or won't eat/drink
...see your pediatrician. These aren't teething symptoms.
Track Your Baby's Progress
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, FDA Consumer Updates