• 2 days ago

When Do Babies Get Their First Teeth and What Are the Signs?

When Does Teething Usually Start?

Most babies get their first teeth around 6 months of age, but the timeline can vary widely:

Tooth

Average Eruption Time

Lower central incisors

6–10 months

Upper central incisors

8–12 months

Upper lateral incisors

9–13 months

Lower lateral incisors

10–16 months

First molars

13–19 months

Canines

16–23 months

Second molars

23–33 months

Some babies may begin teething as early as 3 months, while others may not get their first tooth until after 12 months—both are usually normal.

What Are the Signs of Teething?

Symptoms can vary from baby to baby, but the most common include:

1. Increased Drooling

Teething stimulates the salivary glands, leading to noticeable drool and frequent hand-to-mouth behavior.

2. Red or Swollen Gums

Gums over erupting teeth may appear red, puffy, or slightly bruised in color.

3. Chewing and Gnawing

Babies may chew on hands, toys, or anything within reach to relieve gum pressure.

4. Fussiness and Irritability

Pain or pressure in the gums can make babies more clingy, fussy, or restless.

5. Mild Fever

A slight increase in temperature may occur. However, a fever above 38°C (100.4°F) often points to another cause.

6. Decreased Appetite

Sore gums can make babies reluctant to breastfeed or eat solid foods.

These symptoms typically last a few days. If your baby has high fever, rash, diarrhea, or ear pulling, consult a pediatrician to rule out other conditions.

What Can You Do During Teething?

Helpful Tips:

  • Offer chilled (not frozen) teething rings
  • Massage baby’s gums gently with a clean finger or moist gauze
  • Use age-appropriate pain relievers only with a doctor’s advice
  • Provide extra cuddles and skin-to-skin contact for comfort

Avoid the Following:

  • Teething gels containing alcohol or benzocaine
  • Applying ice directly to gums
  • Coating teethers with sweet substances like honey or jam
  • Using unsafe household items as teethers (e.g., keys, plastic lids)

What If the First Tooth Is Delayed?

  • It’s usually normal if no teeth appear until 18 months, especially with a family history of late teething

  • However, you should consult a doctor if:

    • No teeth by 18 months

    • Gums show no visible ridges or bumps

    • There are delays in overall development

When to Be Concerned During Teething

  • Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) likely isn’t from teething
  • Symptoms like rash, persistent diarrhea, or ear pain need evaluation
  • If your baby is unusually irritable or not sleeping, support and monitoring are key