Teething ·Jul 02, 2026

When Do Babies Start Teething? A Complete Guide for Parents

When do babies start teething?

This is probably the most searched query for new parents looking for reassurance and a solution to help sooth their baby's teething pain.

Teething is a significant developmental milestone for babies, typically beginning between 6 and 12 months of age. Baby teeth play an important role in how children learn to chew, smile, and talk.

You might be wondering, "can a 4-month-old teethe?". Well, the answer is yes! Some babies may be born with their first tooth, while others start as early as 3 months or as late as 18 months. Remember, all babies are different!

So, what are the first signs of baby teething?

Teething can cause a range of symptoms. Sometimes a baby's tooth can emerge without any discomfort, while other times you may notice some common signs such as: excessive drooling, a rash on your baby's face and chin, constant chewing, fussiness and irritability, ear pulling and cheek rubbing, disturbed sleep, and red, sore gums.

Why are they called milk teeth?

Baby teeth are often called milk teeth (or primary teeth) primarily because they typically emerge during the developmental stage when a baby's diet is composed entirely or mostly of milk. Additionally, the name relates to their distinctly soft, white color.

Why is my baby drooling so much?

A sudden increase in 'baby drool' or saliva is commonly related to the onset of teething. As a new tooth starts to move under the gum, it becomes irritated. Saliva acts as a natural lubricant to soothe sore gums and fight off germs as the new tooth erupts. It is also triggered by mouth exploration, so if your baby is trying to soothe their gums with their hands or toys, it will stimulate saliva production.

How to treat a baby teething rash?

With the extra saliva, you might notice a drool rash around your baby's chin and neck. Don't worry! There are plenty of things you can do to help manage it:

Use a super absorbent bib or neckerchief which can be easily changed when needed.
Gently wipe their face and neck regularly with a soft, clean baby cloth or muslin.
Use a fragrance-free baby barrier cream on their chin and neck to protect their skin.
If their clothes become wet with saliva, promptly change the item of clothing.

Why is my baby more fussy?

Teething can cause your baby to become fussier; the discomfort makes them irritable. You might notice your baby has one flushed cheek, their gums look red and sore, or they are rubbing/pulling at their ear. In turn, this can also make you question, 'why is my baby not sleeping well?'.

How long does teething pain last for one tooth?

Although it does seem like forever with all the sleepless nights and an unsettled baby, the pain usually lasts 3-8 days, peaking a day or two before the baby tooth erupts (breaks through the gum).

Does teething cause a fever?

A fever is not a direct symptom of teething. Teething may cause a slight increase in their temperature, but not above 100.4°F (38°C). If you are concerned, it is recommended that you call your pediatrician or healthcare provider.

Does teething cause diarrhea?

There is no evidence to support that teething causes diarrhea. Again, if you are concerned, it is recommended that you contact your pediatrician.

How many baby teeth will my baby have?

Your baby will get 20 teeth over 2 to 3 years, so remember the teething phases come and go. You can track symptoms with a journal or app. This might help you to identify patterns and confirm teething as the cause as your baby's future teeth emerge.

So, what order do baby's teeth appear in?

Here is a rough guide:

5 to 7 months: Bottom incisors (bottom front teeth)
6 to 8 months: Top incisors (top front teeth)
9 to 11 months: Top lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth)
10 to 12 months: Bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth)
12 to 16 months: First molars (back teeth)
16 to 20 months: Canines (between the lateral incisors and the first molars)
20 to 30 months: Second molars (back teeth)

By age 3, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Why is my baby chewing on everything?

Although teething is a possible cause of your baby chewing on things more, it also happens during a brain development stage around 3-4 months. This can be confusing and will generally happen before teething occurs for most babies.

Chewing due to the Mouthing Stage (developmental stage): Around 3 to 4 months of age, babies undergo a massive neurological leap. Their vision is improving, and they are finally gaining control of their hands. Because a baby's mouth has more nerve endings per square millimeter than any other part of their body, they use it to "see" and learn about the world. When they place a toy in their mouth, they are actually gathering data about its texture, temperature, and shape. At this stage, it is also incredibly important to make sure their fingernails are kept short so they don't accidentally scratch their faces.
Chewing for Teething Relief: When a tooth does start moving up through the jawbone, it creates a deep, throbbing pressure under the gums. Chewing on objects provides direct counter-pressure, which temporarily relieves the aching sensation. It just feels good!

As your baby will want to chew on EVERYTHING - whether for pain relief or just exploring their surroundings - you don't want to stop it. However, you do need to be in control of what they are chewing on!

How can I help my teething baby?

There are many effective ways to help relieve your baby's teething troubles.

Teething toys: Choose toys that are specifically designed for teething so you feel reassured that they are safe to chew on. Always supervise babies during teething activities and ensure all items are clean and safe.
A gentle gum massage: You can use your finger (clean your hands beforehand) to gently rub their gums.
If your baby is over 6 months old and eating solids, you can give them healthy foods to chew on, like raw fruit and vegetables. Soft melon is a great way to soothe gums. Always monitor your baby while eating in case they choke.
Distract your baby through play: Go for a walk or maybe give them a bath to shift their focus from the discomfort.
Give them a cuddle: Maybe a nap in your arms, if they aren't sleeping well, will give them a bit more rest.

Can I give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for teething?

Yes, if your baby is in pain and other physical pain relief hasn't worked, you can give them an over-the-counter, sugar-free infant pain relief such as Infants' Tylenol or Infants' Motrin. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can typically be given to babies from 2 months of age, and ibuprofen (Motrin) can be given from 6 months of age. Always read the label on the medication for the correct dosing instructions before you give the medicine to your baby. If you're unsure, speak to a pharmacist or your pediatrician.

What are the best teething gels?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the FDA strongly recommend against using teething gels or creams that contain local anesthetics like benzocaine or lidocaine for infants. These can pose serious health risks. Instead, pediatricians recommend trying physical teething items, or safe infant pain relief medication first.

How to help a teething baby sleep?

During the day, a teething baby is easily distracted by toys, noises, and activities. But at night, when the house is quiet and there are no distractions, it can be more difficult to settle them to sleep.

Let them chew on their favorite teether before bed to offer some relief.
If you're using infant pain relief medication, consider the timing of your doses. Try giving it 30 minutes before you plan to settle them to sleep, making it more comfortable for them to drift off. Remember to never give more doses than recommended in a 24-hour time period.
When babies are in pain, their natural reflex is to rub their cheeks, ears, and mouth. If their nails are even slightly sharp, they can easily scratch their face in the middle of the night, which might aggravate their teething rash as they try to self-soothe. Keep nails short. Keep nails short. A gentle manicure using a baby nail file before bed works best.

Keep them dry from drool. Prevent clothing from becoming excessively wet and cold. Pat dry their face before they sleep and use a barrier cream to protect their skin from becoming sore. Never let your baby sleep in a bib or neckerchief, as this poses a severe safety hazard.

Are teething rings safe for babies?

Teething toys give babies something safe to chew on. When purchasing a teething toy, always check that it has been tested to the required toy safety standards and never leave your baby unsupervised. Never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck, as it can become a choking hazard.

What are the best teething toys for a 6-month-old?

Teething toys are primarily made from safe, non-toxic materials designed to soothe sore gums. These range from natural rubber, to food-grade silicone, to hardwoods like beech. It is recommended to avoid traditional plastics, PVC, and gel-filled teethers, as these can contain harmful chemicals (such as phthalates) or pose bacterial and choking risks. Also, avoid teethers containing fabric elements, which—although soft—can soon become soaked in drool and harbor bacteria.

What are the benefits of natural rubber teething toys?

Natural rubber teethers, made from the sap of Hevea rubber trees, offer several advantages for teething babies:

Non-Toxic: Free from BPA, phthalates, PVC, and other harmful chemicals. Natural rubber is 100% natural and non-toxic, so they are perfectly safe for your baby to chew on.
Soft and Flexible: The material’s texture gently massages gums, providing relief without being too firm.
Durable: Natural rubber withstands repeated use, making it suitable for multiple teething phases.
Easy to clean: Natural rubber can be easily cleaned with soap and water. It cannot be sterilized. Most teething toys can be attached to a toy strap so they are accessible and hygienic. The toy strap securely attaches the teether to strollers, car seats, or highchairs, preventing the teething toy from falling on the floor.
Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and sustainably sourced, it’s an environmentally conscious choice.
Cooling Effect: Can be refrigerated to provide additional soothing relief for inflamed gums.

What about silicone teething aids for babies?

Silicone chewing toys are considered safe for babies. While silicone passes all standard safety tests, parents should always choose teethers made from food-grade silicone.

Non-Toxic: Food-grade silicone is made from silica, a natural substance derived from sand. It is free from harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, or phthalates. For extra peace of mind, choose a silicone teething toy made from LFGB silicone.
Good texture: Food-grade silicone teething toys come in various textures. It is flexible and gentle on sensitive gums.
Hygienic & Easy to clean: Food-grade silicone is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. It can be sterilized, too. With a non-porous surface, bacteria and mold won’t accumulate.
Cooling effect: Food-grade silicone can be chilled in the refrigerator to provide extra relief to your baby's sore gums.

What is LFGB silicone?

LFGB silicone is a premium, platinum-cured food-grade silicone that has passed the rigorous testing standards of the German Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch (LFGB). It is one of the strictest food-contact safety regulations globally.

How to brush baby's teeth?

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases; therefore, you should start brushing your baby's teeth with a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth breaks through. Add teeth brushing to their daily routine, twice a day! Brushing should be done by a parent or caregiver until at least 24 months, and you should continue to assist your child with brushing until around 7 years of age.

When do I register my baby with a dentist?

It is recommended that you schedule your baby's first pediatric dental visit when their first tooth comes through, or by their first birthday. Getting a baby familiar with the dentist from an early age is important; taking them to your own dental appointments can also help them get used to the idea.

Remember, teething - although it may not feel like it at the time - is a temporary phase that can be challenging for both babies and parents. By understanding the symptoms and using safe, effective relief methods, you can help your baby navigate this milestone comfortably.