When Do Babies Start Teething? A Complete Parent’s Guide
- plurefy com
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Introduction
One of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) milestones in a baby’s first year is teething. Those tiny first teeth may look cute, but the process of cutting them through the gums can be tough—for both baby and parents.
If you’ve ever wondered, When will my baby start teething? you’re not alone. Teething timelines vary widely, but most babies begin around 6 months old. Still, some may start earlier (as young as 3 months) or later (closer to their first birthday).
Chapter 1: What Is Teething?
Teething is the process of a baby’s primary (milk) teeth pushing through the gums. Babies are born with all 20 of their primary teeth already developed under the gums—they just haven’t erupted yet.
This process is gradual, beginning with the front teeth and continuing until around age 2–3, when the last molars come in.
Chapter 2: When Do Babies Typically Start Teething?
While every child is different, here’s the average timeline:
3–4 months: Early signs may appear (drooling, chewing on hands).
4–7 months: Most babies’ first teeth erupt, usually the bottom central incisors.
8–12 months: Upper front teeth follow.
12–18 months: First molars appear.
18–24 months: Canines come in.
24–36 months: Second molars finish the set.
By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
Chapter 3: Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Every baby reacts differently, but common symptoms include:
Increased drooling
Chewing or gnawing on toys, fingers, or blankets
Irritability or fussiness
Swollen or tender gums
Trouble sleeping
Slight increase in temperature (but not usually a fever)
Rubbing their ears or pulling their cheeks
⚠️ Important: High fever, diarrhea, or rash are not normal teething symptoms. If your baby experiences these, consult a doctor.
Chapter 4: Which Teeth Come in First?
The order of eruption is fairly predictable:
Bottom central incisors (6–10 months)
Top central incisors (8–12 months)
Top lateral incisors (9–13 months)
Bottom lateral incisors (10–16 months)
First molars (13–19 months)
Canines (16–23 months)
Second molars (23–33 months)
This pattern helps babies learn to bite, chew, and eventually transition to solid foods.
Chapter 5: Teething Pain — Why It Happens
Teething hurts because teeth must break through sensitive gum tissue. The pressure and inflammation cause discomfort, which is why babies chew on things—it helps relieve that pressure.
Factors that can make teething pain worse include:
Genetics (some babies simply have more sensitive gums).
The thickness of the gum tissue.
Whether multiple teeth erupt at once.
Chapter 6: How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Here are safe, effective ways to ease discomfort:
At-Home Remedies
Teething rings: Use BPA-free, chilled (not frozen) rings.
Cold washcloth: Dampen and chill a clean cloth for baby to chew.
Massage: Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
Cold food (if baby is eating solids): Chilled applesauce, yogurt, or cucumber sticks can help.
What to Avoid
Teething gels with benzocaine (unsafe for infants).
Teething necklaces (choking hazard).
Frozen objects (too hard, risk of injury).
Chapter 7: Teething and Sleep
Many parents notice teething disrupts sleep. Babies may wake up more often due to discomfort. To help:
Stick to a calming bedtime routine.
Offer extra cuddles or rocking.
Provide a chilled teething toy before bed.
Chapter 8: Teething and Feeding
Some babies refuse food when teething due to gum pain. Tips:
Offer softer foods like oatmeal or mashed fruits.
Avoid salty or spicy foods that may irritate gums.
Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding for comfort and nutrition.
Chapter 9: When Teething Starts Early or Late
Early teethers: Some babies get teeth at 3 months (rarely even at birth).
Late teethers: If no teeth appear by 12–15 months, consult your pediatrician.
Delayed teething may be linked to genetics, nutrition, or medical conditions—but often it’s just natural variation.
Chapter 10: Caring for Baby Teeth
Even though baby teeth fall out, they’re essential for speech, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth. Care tips:
Start brushing with a soft-bristled brush as soon as the first tooth appears.
Use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Schedule a first dental visit by age 1.
Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle (to prevent “bottle rot”).
Chapter 11: Teething Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Teething causes fever and diarrhea.
Fact: Mild temperature increase may occur, but not illness.
Myth: Babies don’t need dental care until permanent teeth.
Fact: Baby teeth are just as important and need daily care.
Myth: Teething toys dipped in honey soothe pain.
Fact: Honey is unsafe for babies under 1 year (risk of botulism).
Chapter 12: When to Call the Doctor
Contact your pediatrician if:
No teeth by 15 months.
Baby develops a fever over 100.4°F (38°C).
Gums look infected or bleed excessively.
Teething pain severely disrupts feeding or sleep.
Chapter 13: Teething and Long-Term Health
Teething is more than just a milestone—it’s the foundation of lifelong oral health. Healthy baby teeth:
Prevent cavities in early childhood.
Maintain jaw alignment.
Reduce the risk of crooked permanent teeth.
Chapter 14: Parental Coping Tips
Teething can be stressful, so parents should:
Take turns soothing the baby at night.
Use teething as bonding time with extra cuddles.
Keep realistic expectations—this phase is temporary.
FAQs About Teething
Q1. Can babies be born with teeth?
Yes, about 1 in 2,000 babies are born with a tooth (“natal tooth”).
Q2. Do all babies experience pain while teething?
Not necessarily—some barely notice, while others are very fussy.
Q3. How long does teething last?
Each tooth may cause discomfort for a few days, but the teething phase continues until around age 2–3.
Q4. Should I use pain medication?
Consult your pediatrician before giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin.
Q5. What are the signs that a baby is teething?
Common signs include drooling, irritability, and a desire to chew on objects.
Q6. Can teething cause fever?
Teething can cause a slight increase in temperature, but a high fever is not typical and may indicate an illness.
Q7. Are there any home remedies for teething pain?
Some parents find relief using teething rings, cold washcloths, or gentle gum massages.
Q8. When do babies typically start teething?
Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, but this can vary widely.
Q9. Is it safe to use teething gels?
Some teething gels contain benzocaine, which is not recommended for infants. Always consult a pediatrician.
Q10. How can I help my baby through the teething process?
Comforting your baby with cuddles, offering safe teething toys, and maintaining a calm environment can help.
Conclusion
So, when do babies start teething? Most begin between 4–7 months, but the timeline varies. The first tooth is just the beginning of a 2–3 year process that shapes a child’s ability to chew, speak, and develop healthy permanent teeth later in life.
By knowing what to expect, recognizing symptoms, and using safe soothing techniques, parents can navigate teething with less stress and more confidence. Remember—this phase is temporary, and before long, your little one will be flashing a full set of adorable baby teeth.
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