Learn about teething in infants, including when teeth appear, common symptoms, safe pain relief methods and when to consult a paediatrician.
Dr.J.T.Hema Prathima
Teething in infants is one of the most talked-about milestones of the first year, and for good reason. When your baby starts drooling through bibs, gnawing on everything in reach, and waking more often at night, understanding what is normal can save you real worry. This guide covers the teething age range, what symptoms to expect, and the safest ways to help your baby through it.
Teething is the process by which a baby's first teeth push through the gums. Most infants begin somewhere between 4 and 7 months of age, though some start before 4 months and others after 12 months. Starting a little earlier or later than this is usually not a concern. The NHS notes that some babies are even born with their first teeth.
A small number of babies are born with a tooth already visible. Others may not show their first tooth until after their first birthday. If no teeth have appeared by 15 months, a check with your paediatrician or paediatric dentist is worthwhile.
So when do babies start teething? The honest answer is that it varies, and every child's timeline is their own.
Recognising teething symptoms in babies helps you respond calmly rather than assuming something more serious is happening.
Common signs include:
This comes up constantly, and the answer matters. Teething may cause a slightly raised temperature, but a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher is not considered a typical symptom of teething. Loose stools and vomiting are similarly not established as direct effects. The NHS notes that there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea.
If your baby has a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, diarrhoea, or seems unwell beyond ordinary fussiness, treat these as separate symptoms and consult your doctor rather than attributing everything to teething.
Baby teeth generally follow a predictable sequence, though individual variation is entirely normal. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provides the following approximate eruption ranges:
| Tooth Type | Position | Approximate Eruption Age |
| Central incisors | Lower front | 5 to 8 months |
| Central incisors | Upper front | 6 to 10 months |
| Lateral incisors | Upper | 8 to 12 months |
| Lateral incisors | Lower | 7 to 10 months |
| First molars | Upper and lower | 11 to 18 months |
| Canines | Upper and lower | 16 to 20 months |
| Second molars | Lower | 20 to 30 months |
| Second molars | Upper | 20 to 30 months |
Most children have all 20 primary teeth by around age 3. The lower front teeth tend to arrive first, producing the classic baby-tooth smile in stages.
Several gentle, well-supported approaches can ease teething pain for infants without the risks that come with some commercial products.
Cold is one of the most reliable options. Try:
The combination of coolness and counter-pressure can help soothe sore gums and give the baby something to focus on. The FDA recommends a firm, not frozen, teether and gentle gum massage as options for soothing teething pain.
Wash your hands thoroughly, then gently rub the swollen gum with a clean fingertip for a minute or two. Many babies find steady pressure soothing, even if they first try to pull away. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rubbing an infant's gums with a clean finger as one option for managing teething discomfort.
Are Teething Gels Safe for Infants?
Topical teething gels vary widely in their ingredients. Some contain local anaesthetics, while others contain herbal extracts. Before using any gel, speak with your paediatrician about what, if anything, is appropriate for your baby's age. Do not assume a product is safe simply because it is marketed for infants. Topical gels are easily swallowed, which can affect how the active ingredient behaves in a small body.
The FDA warns against using benzocaine- or lidocaine-containing products for teething because they can cause serious harm.
Good general habits around product safety apply broadly. For guidance on keeping your newborn comfortable from the earliest days, these newborn care essentials for new parents are a helpful starting point.
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Several gentle, well-supported approaches can ease teething pain for infants without the risks that come with some commercial products.
Cold is one of the most reliable options. Try:
Wash your hands thoroughly, then gently rub the swollen gum with a clean fingertip for a minute or two. Many babies find steady pressure soothing, even if they first try to pull away. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rubbing an infant's gums with a clean finger as one option for managing teething discomfort.
Are Teething Gels Safe for Infants?
Topical teething gels vary widely in their ingredients. Some contain local anaesthetics, while others contain herbal extracts. Before using any gel, speak with your paediatrician about what, if anything, is appropriate for your baby's age. Do not assume a product is safe simply because it is marketed for infants. Topical gels are easily swallowed, which can affect how the active ingredient behaves in a small body.
The FDA warns against using benzocaine- or lidocaine-containing products for teething because they can cause serious harm.
Good general habits around product safety apply broadly. For guidance on keeping your newborn comfortable from the earliest days, these newborn care essentials for new parents are a helpful starting point.
Most teething discomfort passes on its own, but certain signs warrant a call to your doctor. Contact your paediatrician if your baby has:
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong beyond normal fussiness, it is always reasonable to call your paediatrician rather than wait.
Some baby teething remedies that circulate online or through word of mouth carry genuine risks.
Report adverse events from any teething product to your healthcare provider or the relevant regulatory authority.
Teething is a normal part of your baby's development, and while it can bring some temporary discomfort, most babies get through it with simple comfort measures and plenty of reassurance. Knowing what to expect can make this stage easier to manage and help you recognise when a symptom may need medical attention. Keep soothing methods simple and safe, avoid potentially harmful teething products, and remember that every baby's teething timeline is different. If you are ever unsure about your baby's symptoms or comfort, speak with your paediatrician for guidance.
Each individual tooth typically causes noticeable discomfort for a few days before and after it breaks through the gum. Since babies produce teeth over a span of roughly two to three years, teething as a whole is an ongoing process rather than a single event.
Current medical evidence does not support a direct link between teething and diarrhoea or vomiting. If your baby has either symptom, consult your doctor to rule out infection or another cause. The NHS specifically notes that there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea.
A chilled, not frozen, teething ring, a clean damp washcloth to chew on, and gentle gum massage with a clean finger are the most reliable options. Always supervise your baby with any teething object.
Infant-formulation paracetamol can help manage pain when used at the correct dose for your baby's age and according to appropriate medical or product guidance. Always follow your paediatrician's guidance on dosing and frequency, and do not give it routinely as a first response to teething fussiness.
The number varies considerably. Some babies may have no teeth by their first birthday, while others may have several. The full set of 20 primary teeth is usually complete by around age 3.
