Before birth
All 20 teeth are already waiting
Babies are born with all 20 baby teeth hiding under the gums. You cannot see them yet, but they are there.
Pediatric dentist-backed guidance
Teething: what parents can expect
Sore gums can make babies fussy, but teething is a normal step in growing up. Here is when teeth usually arrive, what teething can look like, and safe ways to help your baby feel better.
Every child is different. Some babies get their first tooth early, and some are almost a year old. Both are normal. If teething seems very painful or something worries you, ask your child’s dentist or doctor.
When teeth arrive
The teething timeline
Around 6 months
The first tooth breaks through
The first tooth usually breaks through the gums between 6 and 12 months, often a bottom front tooth. Drooling and chewing on things may start before you see any tooth.
By age 3
The full set of 20 baby teeth
Most children have all 20 baby teeth by age 3. Keep brushing twice a day with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste as each new tooth arrives.
Signs of teething
Teething can look different in every baby. Some barely notice it, and others get grumpy for days.
Normal teething signs
- Fussiness
- Drooling more than usual
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Less interest in food
Call the doctor if you see
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- A rash
Fever, diarrhea, and a rash are not normal teething signs. They can mean your baby is sick, so it is time to call your pediatrician.
Safe ways to soothe sore gums
- Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger.
- Try a small, cool spoon or a moist gauze pad on the sore spot.
- Offer a clean teether made of solid rubber to chew on.
- Stay close and watch your child while they use a teether.
Skip these
Teething necklaces and bracelets
Beaded jewelry can choke or strangle a baby. The FDA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries from teething jewelry. Keep all necklaces and bracelets off during teething.
Numbing gels with benzocaine or lidocaine
The FDA warns that these pain gels can be dangerous for children and offer little to no help for teething. Skip them for babies.
Liquid-filled teething rings
These can break or leak. Choose a teether made of solid rubber instead.
Tracking when teeth arrive?
Our baby teeth chart shows the usual ages for all 20 teeth, from the first tooth to the last.
Pediatric dentist-backed sources
This page follows teething advice from the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is for learning, not for finding or treating a health problem. Your child’s dentist and doctor know your child best.