Baby teething: when it starts, signs and safe relief
When babies start teething, a tooth-by-tooth timeline, signs, safe relief, what the FDA warns against, brushing first teeth and the first dentist visit.
Educational content only, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or health visitor about your child.
In this article
- When do babies start teething?
- In what order do baby teeth come through?
- What are the signs of teething?
- Does teething cause fever or diarrhoea?
- How can I soothe a teething baby safely?
- What should I avoid for teething?
- When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
- When should my baby first see a dentist?
- How can I track teething?
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but anywhere from before 4 months to after 12 months can be normal. The two bottom front teeth usually come first, and most children have all their baby teeth by 2 to 3 years old. Teething can cause sore gums, dribbling, chewing and grumpiness, but it does not cause a high fever or diarrhoea. Safe relief includes a chilled (not frozen) teething ring and gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger.
This guide follows the NHS, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is educational, not medical advice. If you are unsure about your own baby, talk to your doctor, health visitor, pharmacist, dentist or paediatrician.
When do babies start teething?
The NHS says most babies start teething at around 6 months. The AAP gives a typical range of about 4 to 7 months. Some babies get a tooth before 4 months, some not until after their first birthday, and a few are even born with a tooth. Late teeth are rarely a concern on their own and often run in families.
In what order do baby teeth come through?
Bottom teeth usually appear before the matching top teeth. These are the approximate ages from the NHS. Every baby is different, and a few months either way is normal.
| Tooth group | Where they are | Approximate age |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | The front teeth, bottom then top | Around 6 months |
| Lateral incisors | Either side of the front teeth | Around 8 months |
| First molars | Back teeth for chewing | Around 12 months |
| Canines | The pointed teeth next to the incisors | Around 18 months |
| Second molars | The very back teeth | Around 24 months |
The NHS says most children have all their milk teeth by 2 to 3 years old. The AAP puts it at age 3 for most children.
What are the signs of teething?
Some babies cut teeth with no fuss at all. Others have a few grumpy days for each tooth. Common signs include:
- Sore, red or swollen gums where a tooth is coming through
- More dribbling (drooling) than usual
- Chewing or gnawing on hands, toys and anything else in reach
- One flushed cheek, or a rash on the face from dribble
- Rubbing their ear on the same side as the tooth
- Being more fussy or clingy than usual
- Sleeping less well than usual
- A slightly raised temperature, below 38°C (100.4°F)
Dribble bandana bibs
Absorbent bibs for the drool weeks. You will need a stack.
Does teething cause fever or diarrhoea?
No. This is one of the most common teething myths. The AAP says a true fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is not linked to teething and may be a sign of illness or infection. The NHS says there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea.
If your baby has a fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash that does not look like dribble rash, or simply seems unwell, look for another cause and get medical advice. Do not put it down to teeth. Our guide to baby fever and when to call the doctor explains what to do by age. If your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, get medical help straight away.
How can I soothe a teething baby safely?
Teething rings
A firm, solid rubber teething ring gives your baby something safe to chew. Some can be chilled in the fridge, following the packaging. Do not put them in the freezer. The NHS and the FDA both warn that something frozen hard can hurt your baby's gums. Choose a solid teether rather than a liquid-filled one, and always stay with your baby while they use it.
Silicone teething ring
Easy for little hands to hold, goes in the fridge for extra relief.
Teething mitten
Stays on the hand, so it cannot be dropped on the floor every 10 seconds.
Gum massage
Wash your hands and gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger. A cold, wet, clean washcloth to chew on is another simple option the AAP mentions.
Cool foods to chew
If your baby has already started solids, the NHS suggests raw fruit and vegetables to chew on, such as soft melon. Always stay with your baby while they eat, as pieces can break off. Our starting solids guide covers safe textures and choking risks.
Comfort and distraction
Cuddles, play, a walk outside or a change of scene all help more than you might expect.
Pain relief medicine
On a rough night, a baby pain reliever can help. Check the age rules first, because UK and US advice differ. The NHS says paracetamol can be given from 2 months and ibuprofen from 3 months. The AAP mentions acetaminophen (paracetamol), or ibuprofen after 6 months. Always use the right product for your baby's age and weight, follow the dose on the pack, choose sugar-free, and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure. Never give aspirin to children under 16.
What should I avoid for teething?
The FDA, the AAP and the NHS all warn against some popular teething products:
- Benzocaine gels and liquids. The FDA says these should not be used for teething pain in children, because they can cause methaemoglobinaemia, a serious and sometimes fatal condition that reduces oxygen in the blood.
- Lidocaine. The FDA says prescription oral viscous lidocaine should not be used for teething in infants or young children. It can cause seizures, severe brain injury and heart problems.
- Homeopathic teething tablets. The FDA and the AAP warn they offer little or no benefit and may carry risks. The NHS does not recommend them.
- Teething necklaces and bracelets, including amber beads. The FDA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries from strangulation and choking. They have not been shown to relieve teething pain.
- Anything tied around the neck. Never tie a teething ring or dummy to a cord around your baby's neck.
- Frozen teethers or very hard objects. These can damage the gums.
In the UK, some teething gels designed for young children are sold in pharmacies. The NHS says there is little evidence they work and suggests trying non-medical options first. If you do use one, ask a pharmacist and choose a product made for babies, not a general mouth pain gel.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
Start as soon as the first tooth appears. Both the NHS and the AAP agree on this.
- How much toothpaste: under 3, use just a smear of fluoride toothpaste. The AAP describes it as the size of a grain of rice. From age 3, move to a pea-sized amount.
- Which toothpaste: the NHS recommends a children's fluoride toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm fluoride (check the box).
- How often: twice a day for about 2 minutes, including last thing at night.
- Who brushes: you do. Use a soft baby toothbrush and do not let your child lick toothpaste from the tube.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
The AAP and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first dental visit after the first tooth appears and by the first birthday. The NHS suggests taking your child when their first milk teeth appear, or before 12 months, so they get used to the dentist early. In the UK, NHS dental care is free for children.
The AAP also recommends fluoride varnish once your child has teeth. If there is no dentist yet, your paediatrician may be able to apply it. Our baby checkup schedule shows where dental checks fit alongside other routine visits.
How can I track teething?
Teething fits in with all the other changes of the first years. A note of when each tooth arrives makes a lovely record, and tracking sleep and feeds on grumpy days can help you spot patterns.
Baby Growth Tracker Pro logs feeds, sleep and nappies (diapers) in one tap and keeps track of growth and milestones, all offline. See how teeth fit with other development in our guide to baby milestones in the first year, or browse more guides in our baby care hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can teething make my baby sick?
Teething can make your baby grumpy, dribbly and unsettled, and their temperature may rise slightly. It does not cause a high fever, diarrhoea or vomiting. If your baby has any of these or seems unwell, get medical advice.
How long does teething pain last?
The NHS says some babies have no discomfort at all, and others have mild symptoms for a few days around each tooth. If your baby seems to be in pain for much longer, or is unwell, talk to your doctor or health visitor.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. The FDA warns against teething necklaces and bracelets, including amber, because of reports of strangulation and choking, including deaths. The AAP says they do not relieve pain.
Can I put a teething ring in the freezer?
No. Chill it in the fridge if the packaging says you can, but do not freeze it. Frozen teethers can get too hard and hurt your baby's gums.
How much toothpaste should I use for a baby?
Under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, twice a day. The NHS recommends a toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm fluoride. From age 3, use a pea-sized amount.
Some links on this page go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes the price you pay.
