Topic Overview

What is teething?

Your baby is teething when his or her first set of teeth, called primary teeth, break through the gums.

When does teething typically start?

Teething usually begins around 6 months of age. But it is normal for teething to start at any time between 3 months and 12 months of age. By the time your child is about 3 years old, he or she will have all 20 primary teeth.

The lower front teeth usually come in first. Upper front teeth usually come in 1 to 2 months after the lower front teeth. See a picture that shows when the primary teeth come in.

What are the symptoms?

Some babies are fussier than usual when they are teething. This may be because of soreness and swelling in the gums before a tooth comes through. These symptoms usually begin about 3 to 5 days before the tooth shows, and they disappear as soon as the tooth breaks the skin. Many babies don’t seem to be affected by teething.

Babies may bite on their fingers or toys to help relieve the pressure in their gums. They may also refuse to eat and drink because their mouths hurt.

Many babies drool during teething, which can cause a rash on the chin, face, or chest.

Mild symptoms that get better usually are nothing to worry about. Call your doctor if your baby’s symptoms are severe or don’t get better.

How can you help your baby be more comfortable while teething?

Here are some tips to help your baby feel better while teething:

• Use a clean finger (or cold teething ring) to gently rub your baby’s gum for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing, although they may protest at first.
• Provide safe objects for your baby to chew on, such as teething rings. Don’t use fluid-filled teething rings.
• If needed, give your baby an over-the-counter pain reliever that is labeled for his or her specific age. Read and follow all instructions. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.

Do not use teething gels for children younger than age 2. Ask your doctor before using mouth-numbing medicine for children older than age 2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some of these can be dangerous.

Do not use teething tablets. The FDA warns against using teething tablets. They may contain belladonna, a toxic substance that can harm your child.

What to Expect

Tooth development

Primary teeth are usually known as “baby teeth.” Usually, the first primary tooth comes in (erupts) at about 6 months of age, although it can be as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year of age. In rare cases, a baby gets a first tooth after his or her first birthday. By age 3, most children have all 20 of their primary teeth.

Primary teeth usually erupt in a certain order:

1. The two bottom front teeth (central incisors)
2. The four upper front teeth (central and lateral incisors)
3. The two lower lateral incisors
4. The first molars
5. The four canines (located on either side next to the upper and lower lateral incisors)
6. The remaining molars on either side of the existing line of teeth

Secondary, or permanent, teeth usually begin replacing primary teeth around 6 years of age. Permanent teeth erupt in roughly the same sequence as primary teeth. Usually, a permanent tooth pushes the primary tooth out as it erupts.

Symptoms of teething

Many times you might not know that your baby has a new tooth coming in until you see it or hear it click against an object, such as a spoon. Some babies may show signs of discomfort from sore and sensitive gums, be cranky, drool, and have other mild symptoms. These symptoms usually begin about 3 to 5 days before a tooth erupts and go away as soon as the tooth breaks through the gum.

Teething may cause a mild increase in your child’s temperature. But if the temperature is higher than 100.4°F (38°C), look for symptoms that may be related to an infection or illness. Severe or ongoing symptoms should be closely watched and discussed with your doctor.

Common concerns

Do not hesitate to call your doctor any time you have concerns about your child’s teething. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor if your child has unusual tooth development, such as late eruption of the first tooth. Tooth development issues usually resolve on their own or are easily treated.

Home Treatment

Controlling symptoms safely

If your baby has discomfort while teething, you can:

• Rub the affected gum. Use a clean finger (or cold teething ring) to gently rub the area of tooth eruption for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing, although they may protest at first.
• Provide safe objects for babies to chew on, such as teething rings. Don’t use fluid-filled teething rings. Babies who are teething like to gnaw on things to help relieve the pressure from an erupting tooth. Having safe objects to chew on can help prevent your baby from chewing on those that are dangerous, such as electrical cords or window sills that have lead paint.
• Give your baby an over-the-counter pain relief medicine that is labeled for his or her specific age. For example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve your baby’s discomfort. Follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked with Reye syndrome.

Do not use teething gels for children younger than age 2. Ask your doctor before using mouth-numbing medicine for children older than age 2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that some of these can be dangerous.

Promoting healthy teeth

You can give your child the best chance for healthy teeth and gums.

• Take measures to help prevent tooth decay in your child’s primary teeth. For example, as soon as your baby’s teeth come in, start cleaning them with a soft cloth or gauze pad. As more teeth erupt, clean teeth with a soft toothbrush, using only water for the first few months. Help to prevent baby bottle tooth decay by always taking a bottle out of your baby’s mouth as soon as he or she is finished. Clean your baby’s teeth after feeding, especially at night. When your baby starts eating solids, offer healthy foods that are low in sugar, and keep milk feedings during the night to a minimum.
• Schedule regular well-child visits with your child’s doctor. During these exams, the doctor will check your child’s dental health.
• Take your child to the dentist within 6 months of when your child’s first tooth comes in but no later than your child’s first birthday.^{footnote 1}

For more information on caring for your child’s teeth, see the topic Basic Dental Care or Tooth Decay.

When to Call a Doctor

Home treatment usually helps relieve minor teething symptoms such as discomfort, drooling, and irritability. But talk to your doctor if your child has other symptoms that become severe or last longer than a couple of days.

Also, talk to your doctor about any other teething concerns, such as if your child:

• Is age 18 months and has not had any teeth come in.
• Has visible signs of tooth decay.
• Has permanent teeth coming in before the primary teeth are lost, resulting in a double row of teeth.
• Has a small jaw or a birth defect of the mouth or jaw, such as cleft palate.
• Has any facial injury that has damaged a tooth or gums.

Your doctor may refer your child to a dentist who specializes in children’s teething problems, if this seems to be needed.

Routine Checkups

All children need early and regular dental care. During well-child visits the doctor will check your child’s dental health. A visit to a dentist is recommended within 6 months of when your child’s first tooth comes in but no later than your child’s first birthday.^{footnote 2}

Some parents dread their child’s first visit to the dentist’s office. You can make a trip to the dentist more positive for your child if you choose his or her dentist carefully. Talk to your child about what to expect. And if you want, use books that are meant to help a young child prepare for the first dental exam. If you have concerns about how your child will behave, talk to your dentist before scheduling the visit. Your dentist may allow your child to come in once or twice before being examined. These types of visits help prepare your child and often make him or her more comfortable with the dentist, other staff, and the office environment.

Regular dental visits are important to teach your child good dental care and to help prevent cavities and other problems. The exam also helps to identify and treat problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. For more information on routine checkups and tooth care, see the topics Basic Dental Care and Tooth Decay.