Teething is a major developmental milestone for your baby, but it can also be a challenging time for the whole family. The fussiness, drooling, and sleepless nights can be tough, but understanding the process can help you feel more prepared to comfort your little one. This guide provides a general timeline for when you can expect each new tooth and offers safe, effective ways to soothe your baby's discomfort.
The Baby Teething Timeline: When to Expect Each Tooth
Remember, this is an average timeline. It is perfectly normal for your baby's teeth to appear earlier or later than this guide suggests!
- 6-12 Months: The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom two middle teeth (lower central incisors), followed by the top two middle teeth (upper central incisors).
- 9-16 Months: The teeth to the right and left of the middle teeth (lateral incisors) emerge.
- 13-19 Months: The first molars, the wider teeth towards the back of the mouth, make their appearance.
- 16-23 Months: The sharp, pointed teeth (canines) fill in the gaps between the incisors and molars.
- 23-33 Months: The large second molars arrive in the very back of the mouth, typically completing the full set of 20 baby teeth.
Common Teething Symptoms Checklist
Some babies sail through teething with no issues, while others are quite uncomfortable. Here are the most common signs to look for:
- ✓ Excessive drooling
- ✓ Swollen, tender gums
- ✓ Irritability, fussiness, or crying
- ✓ A constant urge to chew on things
- ✓ Disrupted sleep patterns
- ✓ Refusing to eat or drink
- ✓ A very low-grade fever (under 100.4°F / 38°C)
Safe Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby
When your baby is uncomfortable, you can offer relief with these safe and effective methods:
- Counter-pressure: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger. You can also offer a solid (not liquid-filled) silicone teether for them to chew on.
- Cold Temperatures: Cold helps numb the gums. Try a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, a clean, wet washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator, or cold, soft foods like yogurt if your baby has started solids.
- Pain Medication: If your baby is very uncomfortable, especially at night, you can ask your pediatrician about giving a weight-appropriate dose of infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months).
Important Safety Warning: The FDA advises against using over-the-counter numbing gels containing benzocaine, homeopathic teething tablets, and amber teething necklaces due to significant safety risks.
Caring for Your Baby's New Teeth
Oral hygiene starts now! Even before the first tooth, you can wipe your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth emerges, use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) twice a day.
Important Medical Notes
While mild fussiness and a low-grade temperature can be linked to teething, a high fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C), diarrhea, a rash, or a runny nose are not normal teething symptoms. These are signs of an illness, and you should call your pediatrician to have your baby evaluated.