When Do Babies Start Teething? A Parent’s Guide to Baby Teeth

As a parent, watching your baby grow and reach new milestones is exciting, but one phase that often comes with both joy and challenges is teething. That first tiny tooth breaking through the gums is a big step, but it can also bring discomfort, sleepless nights and endless drooling. Understanding when your baby is starting to teeth, how to ease their discomfort and how to care for their oral health from the start can help set the stage for a lifetime of good habits.

Understanding the Teething Timeline

Most babies begin teething around six months old, but some may start as early as three months, while others won’t get their first tooth until after their first birthday. Every baby is different, and genetics often play a role in when teething begins. Typically, the first teeth to emerge are the lower central incisors, followed by the upper front teeth a few months later. By the time a child is three years old, they will likely have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Signs of Teething in Infants

The signs and symptoms of teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. While some babies seem unfazed, others experience discomfort and irritability. Common signs of teething include:

• Increased drooling
• Chewing on hands, toys, or household objects
• Irritability or fussiness
• Swollen or tender gums
• Disturbed sleep
• Mild fever (though not all fevers are teething-related)

If your baby has a high fever (over 100.4°F), vomiting, diarrhea or other unusual symptoms, consult your pediatrician—these are not typical teething symptoms and may indicate an illness.

How to Help a Teething Baby

How to Help a Teething Baby
Teething can be painful and uncomfortable for babies, but there are several ways to provide relief. Many parents find that offering a cold teething ring or a chilled (not frozen) washcloth for their baby to chew on helps ease the discomfort. Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger may also provide relief. For babies who have started eating solids, chilled fruits like bananas or cucumbers in a mesh feeder can be a soothing and safe option.

If discomfort persists, over-the-counter infant pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies older than six months) may be helpful. But remember to always consult a pediatrician before giving any medication to your infant. It’s important to avoid teething gels that contain benzocaine, as they can be unsafe for young children.

How to Care for Baby Teeth

Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, they play an important role in a child’s development. They’re there to help with chewing, speech development and guiding permanent teeth into place. That’s why dental care should begin even before the first tooth appears. Wiping a baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after feeding can help keep their mouth clean. Once the first tooth erupts, a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small dab of fluoride toothpaste should be used to brush twice a day.

Flossing should begin as soon as two teeth touch, helping to prevent plaque buildup between them. While this may seem early, establishing these habits now can make it easier for children to maintain good oral hygiene as they grow.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits allow dentists to check for any potential issues and provide guidance on proper oral care. Regular checkups help ensure that baby teeth stay healthy and cavity-free.

Early Cavity Prevention for Babies and Toddlers

Many parents are surprised to learn that baby teeth can get cavities just like adult teeth. Tooth decay in young children, often called early childhood caries (ECC) or baby bottle tooth decay, can lead to pain, infection and even early tooth loss. The early establishment of a dental home, including ECC prevention and management, is the ideal approach to infant oral health care.

4 Tips to Keep Baby Teeth Healthy:

1. Avoid Sugary Drinks Before Bed: Putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or formula can cause tooth decay. Sugary liquids pool in the mouth, feeding bacteria that produce harmful acids. If your baby needs a bedtime bottle, offer water instead.
2. Limit Juice and Sugary Snacks: Juice shouldn’t be given to babies under 12 months. For toddlers, limit juice intake to 4 ounces per day and opt for water or milk instead. Avoid sticky, sugary snacks like fruit gummies and candy as a go-to snack.
3. Model Good Oral Hygiene: Children learn by example. Brush and floss together as a family, making it a fun and positive experience.
4. Ask About Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Many pediatric dentists offer fluoride varnish treatments to protect baby teeth. Ask your dentist if fluoride supplements are needed at your child’s next appointment.

The Transition from Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth

Around age six, children begin to lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth start to come in. The lower front teeth are usually the first to fall out, followed by the molars and canines over the next few years. By the time they reach 12 or 13, most children have a full set of 28 adult teeth, with wisdom teeth typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties.

As baby teeth start falling out, it’s important to continue reinforcing good oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly all contribute to a lifetime of healthy teeth. Parents can help by making dental care a fun and routine, using flavored toothpaste, colorful toothbrushes or a reward system to encourage good habits.

Teething Takeaways

Teething and early dental care are significant milestones in a child’s development. While teething can be a challenging time, understanding the process and using safe, effective soothing techniques can help make it more manageable. Establishing good oral hygiene habits from the start, scheduling early dental visits and preventing cavities through proper care all contribute to a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.

By prioritizing dental care from infancy, you can help your children develop strong, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.