All About Teething Symptoms, Problems & Signs in Babies

Watching your baby get her first tooth and flash those adorable toothy grins are milestones you'll eagerly anticipate and cherish. You may be wondering when do babies start teething. In some very rare cases newborns may be born with a tooth already erupted, or have a tooth come through in the first few weeks. Typically, the first buds of your baby will begun erupting at around 4-7 months. But there’s no hard-and-fast rule, it’s completely fine if it happens before or after. 

Read on to learn more about what teething is, when do babies start teething, the signs and symptoms to look out for, how long teething typically lasts, and the best ways to care for your little one during this stage. 

When Does Teething Start?

Teething in infants often starts when babies are between six and 12 months old, though in some cases those first teeth may appear earlier or even a little later. In some very rare cases new borns may be born with a tooth already erupted, or have a tooth come through in the first few weeks. Look out for teething signs and symptoms, such as tender gums, drooling, or gnawing on a fist or finger, which may indicate that you'll soon be seeing a tooth emerge.

Your Baby's First Tooth

Each baby is unique and so is each baby’s teething timeline. Generally, when your baby starts teething, she will have four teeth appear in every six months. The first teeth are primary or milk teeth that will be replaced eventually by the adult teeth when she is between six and 12 years of age. In most cases, babies get their first tooth between the four and seven months of age. However, there are also babies who get their tooth as late as 12 to 14 months. So, if your baby is one of them, know that it is normal for her to get her first teeth late.

How Long Does Teething Last?

The duration of the teething process can vary. At some point between your child's second and third birthdays, however, your little one will have a full set of 20 primary teeth. This means the total teething period lasts for about two years. If your little one has teething problems, know that this will probably come and go. Teething symptoms are typically experienced in the days before a tooth erupts; then the soreness subsides until a new tooth starts to come in.

What Are the Symptoms of Teething?

Although in many cases the symptoms of teething in infants start as early as three to four days before the tooth is visible, some babies are lucky to not experience any symptoms at all. As your baby's teeth grow and break through the gums, she may experience teething symptoms like:

• Irritability:

She may become a little fussier and even cry more than usual.

• Disturbed sleep:

She may stay awake during the night due to the teething pain or discomfort.

• More drooling:

Your baby may drool a lot when teething. This happens because the extra saliva helps soothe the tender gums.

• Gnawing on things:

Your baby may chew on toys, a teething ring, or even her own fist. Chewing helps relieve the pressure on the baby's gums and massages the gums while easing any discomfort caused due to the erupting tooth.

• Sore, swollen gums:

The gum area where your baby's tooth is appearing may become red, tender, and swollen.

• Low-grade temperature:

Your baby may also have a slightly high temperature. But if she seems very uncomfortable or has a temperature of 100.4°F or more, contact her doctor.

Your Baby's Teething Schedule

The appearance and order of each tooth differs from infant to infant. To help you understand the teething timeline in a better way, here's a general idea based on the months:

• 4-7 months:

Your baby will get her first tooth when she is about four to seven months old. However, her teeth can also come in as late as 12 to 14 months. Usually, her first tooth will be one of the front lower teeth, known as the central incisors. She may start experiencing the teething symptoms as early as three months, so don't be surprised to see the first tooth appearing around this time.

• 8-12 months:

Your baby will get the next pair of teeth during this time. These are the top front teeth, also called central incisors, which erupt from the top of her mouth.

• 9-16 months:

The next pair of teeth will erupt on either side of the first central incisors. They are called the lateral incisors. These erupt usually at the top. Soon, these will be followed by the lower lateral incisors that erupt to the side of the bottom middle ones.

• 13-19 months:

Your baby will get her first molars soon after she turns one. These are most likely to appear on the top part of the mouth.

• 16-23 months:

At around this age, your baby's first canines that are sharp and pointy will start appearing.

• 23-33 months:

Your baby will get her second molars between her second and third birthday. These teeth will complete the last gaps and finally, your little angel will now have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

What if My Baby's Teething Comes at a Different Time?

Teething is not a competitive sport. Since every child is unique, growing teeth varies from kid to kid. Your baby will get her teeth when they are ready. So, don't worry if other kids in your child's playgroup get teeth before she does.

How to Soothe Your Teething Baby?

Teething can be an uncomfortable phase for babies, and since there's no one-size-fits-all remedy, you may need to try different methods to find what soothes your little one best. Here are some effective ways to help relieve discomfort when teething starts: 

1. Give a Teething Ring 

Chewing on a teething ring allows your baby to massage their own gums, providing much-needed relief. Some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge for extra comfort but avoid freezing them as this can make them too hard and cold for sensitive gums. Always ensure that the teething ring is clean and never attach it to a string around your baby's neck to prevent choking hazards. 

2. Massage Your Baby’s Gums 

Using a clean finger, gently massage your baby's sore gums. The light pressure can provide instant relief from baby teething symptoms and help calm your little one. 

3. Offer a Chilled Washcloth 

A damp washcloth chilled in the refrigerator can be a simple yet effective teething remedy. Let your baby chew on it to soothe sore gums. 

4. Try Teething Biscuits or Chilled Foods 

If your baby has already started eating solids, offering a cold slice of cucumber, carrot, or a teething biscuit can help soothe your baby’s teething symptoms. Always supervise to prevent choking. 

5. Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding for Comfort 

Many babies find extra comfort in nursing when teething. The sucking motion can help relieve gum pressure while also offering emotional reassurance. 

If you're unsure whether your baby is teething, look out for baby's first tooth symptoms, such as excessive drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and a tendency to chew on objects. 

How to Care for Your Baby’s New Teeth?

The moment your baby’s first tooth appears is an exciting milestone! But with it comes the responsibility of ensuring proper oral care to keep those tiny teeth healthy. Your baby’s first tooth symptoms like swollen gums or mild discomfort are often the first sign that it's time to start a brushing routine. You should start brushing your baby's teeth or tooth as soon as the first one emerges, usually around six months of age. 

Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth 

Good oral hygiene should begin as soon as the first tooth emerges. Here’s how to ensure proper dental care: 

• Start early: You should begin brushing as soon as you notice the signs of teething in babies and the first tooth erupts. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants. 

• Use the right toothpaste: Apply a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste until your child turns two. After that, a pea-sized amount is sufficient. 

• Brush twice daily: Especially after meals and before bedtime to prevent plaque buildup. 

• Supervise brushing: As your child grows, encourage independent brushing but continue to assist until they are around seven or eight years old. 

It's important to remember that poor oral hygiene in baby teeth can impact permanent teeth, leading to cavities and infections. Establishing a routine early on will set your child up for lifelong dental health. 

What should be the diet during teething in infants?

Your little one's diet is a big part of dental health. Avoid giving your child sugary drinks like fruit juice and sodas, or sticky sweet snacks like gum, toffee, and sticky caramel candies. Also, don't let your baby fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup of milk, formula, juice, or any other sweet drink in her mouth, as this can cause the sugary liquid to pool in her mouth and lead to tooth decay. For more on caring for your baby's teeth, check out our article on dental care for children.

How frequent should the Dental Check-ups be?

Getting professional care from a dentist is crucial for the healthy development of your child's teeth, mouth, and gums. Usually, the first dentist visit should take place within about six months of the first tooth poking through or by the time your child is 12 months old, whichever comes first. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, you can make an appointment at any time. Your baby's doctor will also check your baby's teeth and gums at her regular check-ups. Read more about children's dentistry

When to See Your Baby's Doctor?

If your little one is showing symptoms like fever, irritability, or diarrhoea, or any other signs of childhood illness, and you're not sure whether it's related to teething or something else, it's safest to call your doctor so an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be made. You should also contact your baby's doctor if you're concerned about how much discomfort your baby is in as a result of teething. The doctor may recommend some form of pain relief while also making sure that nothing else is wrong to cause the elevated levels of pain or discomfort. Do not use teething gels to numb the gums, as these are dangerous. You'll also want to consult your baby's doctor or dentist if your baby has a tooth problem or injury, such as a broken or chipped tooth. Read on for tips on injury related to baby’s teeth knocked out

Interesting Facts About Baby Teeth

Want to know more about teething and those white-as-can-be baby teeth? Here are some fun facts about your little one's teeth:

• On average, about four teeth will poke through every six months during the teething process.

• Girls' teeth may erupt a little sooner than boys' teeth.

• The bottom teeth tend to erupt before the same type of tooth on the top.

• Teeth usually erupt in symmetrical pairs; in other words, one tooth on the right side of the jaw and the same type of tooth on the left side of the jaw will poke through at roughly the same time.

• Your child's primary teeth are smaller and whiter than the permanent teeth that will replace them in a few years' time.

• From around the age of four, your child's face and jaw will begin to grow and change shape, and this will create gaps in her smile as the baby teeth won't catch up in size. This is completely normal—it's the mouth's way of making space for the bigger adult teeth that will follow.

• Your baby's secondary teeth will be coming in when she is about seven or eight years old. Because it will take a little while before your child has a full set of adult teeth, for several years your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth.

• Your baby has 20 primary teeth but will have many more secondary teeth. By the time your child is in her teens or early 20s, she'll have between 28 and 32 adult teeth.

Reasons for Early Teething in Babies 

While most babies begin teething around six months, some may start earlier due to various factors. Genetics plays a significant role, as babies with parents or siblings who teethed early may follow a similar pattern. Nutritional factors, such as adequate calcium and vitamin D levels, can also influence early tooth development. Additionally, hormonal factors and prenatal influences like a mother’s diet during pregnancy may contribute to early teething. In rare cases, certain medical conditions or developmental variations can also lead to early teething in babies. However, early teething is usually not a cause for concern and is part of natural growth. 

The Big Picture

Teething can be a challenging time for your baby and you. But remember, teeth are important as they help your c

hild chew and bite into the food necessary for her growth and development. You must be eagerly waiting for that first tooth to appear, but know that it will be here very soon, and more others will be on their way. Before you know, those gaps in your baby's smile will be filled and every tooth emerging will make that smile even more adorable day by day.

So, make sure to take good care of your baby's teeth to keep her cute smile shining bright and white!