🦷 4-30 months
Baby Teething Guide: Symptoms, Order of Teeth, and How to Soothe Your Baby
When does the first tooth come in, what are the signs, and which tooth arrives at which month? Practical, safe tips to make teething easier for your baby.
When does the first tooth come in?
In most babies the first tooth appears between 6 and 10 months, but a baby who teethes at 3 months and one who celebrates their first birthday still toothless can both be perfectly healthy. The teething timeline is largely familial — your baby may get their teeth around the same age you did.
If there are still no teeth by 18 months, it's worth checking in once with your pediatrician (and a dentist if needed).
Which tooth usually comes in at which month?
The typical order (ranges are wide, and variations are normal):
- Lower front incisors: 6-10 months — usually the first to arrive
- Upper front incisors: 8-12 months
- Upper/lower lateral incisors: 9-16 months
- First molars: 13-19 months
- Canines: 16-23 months
- Second molars: 23-33 months — all 20 baby teeth are complete (~2.5-3 years)
Symptoms: which are from teething, and which aren't?
What can be linked to teething: heavy drooling, biting and gnawing on everything, swollen/tender gums, fussiness, mildly disrupted sleep, flushed cheeks, and a slight rise in temperature (below 38°C).
What should NOT be blamed on teething: a true fever of 38°C or higher, diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash. These may happen to coincide with the teething period, but teething isn't the cause — see your doctor if you notice these symptoms (you can also check our Fever Guide for details).
Safe ways to soothe your baby
- Gently massage the gums with a clean finger
- A teething ring chilled in the fridge (not frozen!) or a clean, cool cloth
- Cool foods like chilled yogurt or purée for babies who have started solids
- A soft bib and frequently patting the chin dry to guard against drool rash
- Always check with your doctor first before using teething gels or medications — some gels are not suitable for babies
Care begins with the first tooth
From the moment the first tooth appears, brush twice a day with a rice-grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft baby toothbrush. The recommended time for the first dental visit is within 6 months of the first tooth, or by around 1 year of age at the latest.
🐦 Easier with Maiyko
In Maiyko's teething module, you mark each new tooth on a visual chart and save it with its date in your logbook — so the answer to "when did the upper right one come in?" is always right at your fingertips.
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⚕️ Health note: This guide is for general information only; it is not a substitute for medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's sleep, feeding, and health, consult your pediatrician.