When Does Teething Begin?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though some start at 3 months and others after their first birthday. Both are normal. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.
🗓️ Tooth Eruption Timeline
🤒 Common Teething Symptoms
Often starts weeks before the first tooth
Pressure of the tooth pushing through causes discomfort
You may see a bluish lump where the tooth is erupting
Counter-pressure helps relieve gum pain
Night pain may cause temporary regressions
Sore gums make eating uncomfortable
⚠️ Not teething: High fever (over 100.4°F), diarrhea, vomiting, and rashes are NOT teething symptoms. Contact your pediatrician if these occur.
💊 Safe Teething Remedies
✅ Recommended
- • Chilled teething rings — refrigerate (don't freeze)
- • Clean, wet washcloth — chill and let baby chew on it
- • Gum massage — gently rub gums with a clean finger
- • Infant acetaminophen/ibuprofen — for babies 6+ months, as directed by pediatrician
❌ Avoid
- • Benzocaine gels (Orajel) — FDA warns against use under age 2
- • Teething necklaces — choking and strangulation risk
- • Frozen teething toys — too hard, can hurt gums
- • Homeopathic tablets — FDA found potentially harmful ingredients
🪥 First Tooth Care
Start cleaning gums with a soft, damp washcloth before teeth appear. Once teeth emerge, brush twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Schedule the first dental visit by age 1.