When Do Babies Start Teething?
Typically, a baby’s first teeth start coming in between 6–12 months, but there’s no hard rule. Some babies might begin teething as early as 3 or 4 months, while others won’t see their first tooth until after their first birthday.
In rare cases, a baby might not get teeth until 18 months — in which case, it’s best to check with a specialist. On the flip side, there are rare instances of babies being born with a tooth! This happens because teeth actually start forming as early as the 6th week of pregnancy.
The Order of Teething
Teething doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a process that takes several months. Usually, teeth come in one by one, but sometimes multiple teeth can pop up at once.
The typical teething order is:
- The two lower front teeth (central incisors) come in first.
- Followed by the two upper front teeth.
- Gradually, other teeth start appearing, with the molars (back teeth) being the last to emerge, around age 2.
By age 3, most kids will have a full set of 20 baby teeth, which will gradually be replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 6 or 7.
Common Teething Symptoms
The most discomfort usually happens with the first two teeth and the molars, as they’re larger and cause more gum pressure. Common teething symptoms include:
- Swollen gums: It’s normal for gums to be red and puffy during teething.
- Excessive drooling: While babies drool from birth, it often increases during teething as a natural way to protect irritated gums.
- Chewing on everything: Babies often gnaw on toys or fingers to relieve gum pressure.
- Irritability and fussiness: The pain can make babies cranky, clingy, and hard to soothe.
- Sleep troubles: Teething discomfort and drooling can make it hard for babies to settle or stay asleep.
- Refusing to eat: Sore gums might make eating uncomfortable, though it’s important to ensure they’re still getting enough nutrients.
- Mild fever: A slight rise in temperature (under 100.4°F or 38°C) may occur but should be monitored for other causes if it gets higher.
- Diarrhea or rashes: These are debated symptoms, but some believe they occur because babies chew on everything, introducing germs into their system.
Not all babies experience these symptoms, and some may sail through teething with little fuss. Studies show that only about one-third of babies show signs like excessive drooling, irritability, or sleeplessness.
Remedies for Teething Discomfort
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help soothe your baby’s sore gums:
- Teething gels: These can provide instant relief, but avoid gels with strong anesthetics as they can be harmful to babies.
- Teething rings: Look for soft silicone options, especially those shaped like rings for easy gripping. Keep them chilled in the fridge (not the freezer!) for added relief. Always supervise your baby when using these toys.
- Silicone finger brushes: Moms can use these to gently massage their baby’s gums. While soothing, the relief is usually temporary.
If teething symptoms persist or seem severe (e.g., fever above 100.4°F, refusal to eat for more than three days, or lethargy), consult your pediatrician to rule out other health issues.
With a little patience and the right tools, you can make teething more manageable for your baby — and yourself!
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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