The average time for teething is 4 to 7 months, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says it can happen anytime from 3 months to near a child’s first birthday. If you’re expecting your baby’s first tooth to come in, or wondering whether your baby’s fussy behavior is caused by a tooth that’s coming in or if it’s something else, here’s what you should expect, what is actually teething-related, and what popular remedies pediatric experts do not recommend.
When do babies start teething typically has a wide normal range. Most babies will have their first signs at 4 months, and will have their first visible tooth between 6 and 10 months, typically either the two bottom front teeth. Some of the common symptoms are drooling, swelling gums and chewing on objects. Although teething is often said to be responsible for high fever, diarrhoea and rashes, this is not the case.
Quick Answer: When Do Babies Start Teething?
Let’s take a quick peek at the typical teething timeline, when symptoms are likely to start, when the first tooth will come through and when to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment.
| Question | Typical Answer |
|---|---|
| When do first signs of teething start? | As early as 3 to 4 months |
| When does the first tooth usually appear? | Between 6 and 10 months |
| Which tooth comes in first? | Usually a lower central incisor (bottom front tooth) |
| When do all 20 baby teeth usually arrive? | By around 30 to 33 months (2.5 to 3 years) |
| Does teething cause fever? | No high fever; a very slight temperature rise is possible |
| When should baby see a dentist? | Within 6 months of the first tooth, by age 1 at the latest |
When Do Babies Get Their First Tooth? The Full Eruption Timeline
When do babies get first tooth eruptions in a predictable order, even though the exact timing varies from baby to baby. Here’s the general sequence most pediatric dentists reference.
| Tooth | Typical age range |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6 to 10 months |
| Upper central incisors (top front) | 8 to 12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9 to 13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10 to 16 months |
| First molars | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines (eyeteeth) | 16 to 22 months |
| Second molars | 23 to 33 months |
Your child should have all 20 primary teeth by the age of 2.5 to 3. There is a true genetic component to this, and if you or your partner had teeth early or late as a baby, then your child might too.
Signs of Teething in Babies: What to Watch For
Signs of teething in babies are similar for all babies, each individual baby will have a different degree of discomfort. Signs include lots of drooling (this can begin as early as 3 months, before a tooth comes through), a strong desire to chew or bite on fingers, toys, or anything they can reach, swollen or puffy gums where the tooth is coming through, fussiness or irritability, and a little disturbance to normal sleeping or feeding habits. Teething can be a breeze for some babies, or a day long ordeal for others.
Does Teething Cause Fever?
This is one of the most persistent myths in baby care, and it’s worth addressing directly. Does teething cause fever? The American Academy of Pediatrics says that teething doesn’t cause a true fever, colds, rash or diarrhea. The temperature increase that teething causes is very mild, and is usually well below 101°F (38.3°C). If your baby’s temperature is at or above that level, or your baby has diarrhea, rash, or looks like he or she is truly sick, not teething-related, and needs to be seen by your pediatrician.
How to Soothe Teething Pain Safely
A few simple, low-risk approaches work well for most babies. You can gently rub your clean finger over your baby’s gums and it will really help. A firm solid rubber teething ring, refrigerated (not frozen, as this may be too hard on the developing gums) provides your baby with a safe teething ring and also provides a slight numbing effect from the cold. In a pinch, a clean, cold, damp washcloth will help. For babies already eating solids, cold foods like chilled applesauce or yogurt can help too, and our list of foods safe for baby teeth has more ideas. If the pediatrician approves, the infant pain reliever (always given as prescribed for your baby’s age and weight) may help, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Teething Remedies to Avoid: FDA Safety Warnings
This is one of the most important sections of this guide, since several popular teething products come with real safety warnings that don’t always make it into general parenting advice.
| Product | FDA/AAP guidance |
|---|---|
| Benzocaine gels (Orajel, Anbesol, similar) | Avoid for children under 2, linked to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen |
| Lidocaine-containing products | Avoid; swallowing too much can cause seizures in infants |
| Amber teething necklaces or jewelry | Avoid entirely, the FDA has linked these to choking and strangulation deaths, and their pain-relief claims aren’t backed by evidence |
| Homeopathic teething tablets/gels | Use caution, some products have been recalled for inconsistent or unsafe ingredient levels |
| Frozen (not chilled) teething rings | Avoid, overly hard, frozen rings can bruise sensitive gum tissue |
The FDA has explicitly and repeatedly advised against the use of the benzocaine-containing gels and teething necklaces, and has suggested that parents use a firm rubber teething ring or a clean finger to massage their gums. If you have used any of these products, consider changing to one of the safer products listed above.
Best Teething Toys for Babies: What to Look For
It’s better to understand what makes a teething toy safe and effective than to focus on a specific “best” brand. The common characteristics of the best teething toys for babies are that they are firm, BPA-free silicone or rubber, are large enough that they can’t be a choking hazard, have no small parts that could break off, and can be safely chilled in the refrigerator or used at room temperature. Steer clear of anything that has liquid-filled centers which might leak if punctured, and do not use teething jewelry at all, as stated above by the FDA. Baby’s teething toys should also be easy to clean as they are going to spend a lot of time in your baby’s mouth and must be washed regularly.
How to Brush Baby Teeth
Oral hygiene starts the moment that first tooth appears, not months later. Here’s how to brush baby teeth the right way from the very beginning:
- Once the first tooth erupts, begin twice-daily brushing with an infant toothbrush and smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, no more, and check how much toothpaste you should really use as your child grows
- Brushing all surfaces of the tooth or teeth gently, along the gumline
- You can start to get your baby used to wiping their gums with a clean damp washcloth after each feed, before any teeth have grown in.
- Do not allow your baby to fall asleep with a milk or juice bottle in their mouth as the sugar in the liquid can lead to a high risk of cavities, even on newly erupted teeth, so it pays to learn how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay early.
When to Schedule Baby’s First Dental Visit (and What a Checkup Costs)
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that you bring your baby in for his or her first dental appointment before his or her first tooth erupts or by the first birthday, whichever happens first. This initial visit is usually a gentle, short one, where you can see how the teeth are coming in, discuss how to brush and feed and have any questions answered.
Baby teeth check up cost for their first visit to check up is often less than for a full checkup on an older child, typically $60 to $175 without insurance, because it is primarily an introductory exam and not a complete cleaning. A lot of dental insurance schemes offer well-baby check-ups to infants and young children without charges. For those who live in the Richmond, TX area, most pediatric dental offices will be able to provide you with an exact quote prior to scheduling, and our kids dentist cost guide shows what later checkups and treatment typically run.
When to Call Your Pediatrician or Dentist
While most teething is easily managed at home, contact your pediatrician or dentist if your baby has a fever temperature of 101°F or higher, diarrhea, a rash or if your baby appears to be more ill than fussy, as these are symptoms of other conditions and not teething. If you see signs of gum infection such as pus or a lot of swelling, or if no teeth have come in by about 18 months, it’s worth a check, although the age at which teeth come in varies greatly among healthy babies. For sudden swelling or a mouth injury, our emergency dental care team can help.
Why Choose Glow Up Dentistry for Your Baby’s First Dental Visit
- Gentle, baby-focused exams: We know how to prepare for a first visit to the nursery with an infant and make the visit calm and reassuring for both baby and parent, the same gentle approach behind all our dental cleanings and exams.
- Practical brushing and feeding guidance: We’ll show you how to take care of your baby’s new teeth at home.
- Honest answers about teething: We’ll help you determine the difference between normal teething and something that needs a closer look.
- A welcoming environment for first-timers: We understand that parents may feel apprehensive about taking their baby to their first dental appointment, and we can help make it a pleasant experience.
When your baby’s first tooth has come in, or you’re just getting ahead, schedule a visit to our Richmond, TX team. Your baby’s smile will start off healthy and well.
Conclusion
There is a broad, normal range of when babies start teething. Most babies show signs around 4 months, with the first tooth appearing between 6 and 10 months, and earlier or later is not uncommon. With the real facts in front of you, the idea that teething doesn’t lead to fever or diarrhea and knowing how to soothe the baby with true remedies, not products the FDA has specifically cautioned against, makes this stage much easier to pass through for the whole family.
Contact our team if you have any questions about your baby’s teething schedule or it’s time for the first checkup. We’re here to assist you on your journey.
FAQs
The first signs of teething are usually noticed at 4 months of age, and the first visible tooth appears between 6 and 10 months of age, but this can occur anytime between 3 months and 12 months.
The first signs are usually drooling, swelling of gums, excessive chewing, fussiness and some sleep or feeding issues.
No, not really a fever. Teething can make a slight rise in temperature, but if the temperature is 101°F or higher, it is probably a separate illness and should be discussed with your pediatrician.
Seek toys that are large enough to avoid a choking hazard, firm and BPA-free silicone or rubber, and easy to clean. Never use teething jewelry as it has been associated with choking and strangulation by the FDA.
Teething gels containing benzocaine are not recommended for children under 2 years because of an uncommon, but serious, side effect called methemoglobinemia. A clean finger or a cold rubber teething ring are safer options for gum massage.
The initial visit to the dentist is usually a short examination and is typically the most expensive of the visits, costing $60 to $175 without insurance. Most insurance policies will pay for preventive visits to your baby at no extra cost to you.
The first tooth typically appears in most babies between the ages of 6 and 10 months, typically a lower front tooth. Teething can happen earlier or later than usual, and this is generally normal, and sometimes hereditary.
