Teething is an exciting yet often challenging milestone for both babies and parents. It signals the start of your child’s dental journey, as their first tooth makes its debut. While every baby is different, understanding common baby first tooth symptoms can help you recognise when teething begins and how to provide relief during this phase.
In this guide, we’ll explore the teething process in detail, including signs to look for, when most babies start teething, and how to soothe sore gums safely. You’ll also find tips on dental care to help your baby develop healthy teeth for life.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age, but some may show signs earlier or later. Genetics, nutrition, and developmental pace can all influence the timeline. For some babies, the first tooth may appear as early as 3 months, while others may not get their first teeth until after 12 months of age.
By the age of three, most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth, which are commonly known as baby teeth.
What Are the Baby’s First Tooth Symptoms?
Recognising a baby’s first tooth symptoms can help you prepare and respond with appropriate care. The signs vary, but here are the most common ones to look out for:
1. Sore or Red Swollen Gums
As the erupting tooth pushes through the baby’s gums, the area may become inflamed. You might notice your baby trying to bite or chew on objects to ease the pressure.
2. Increased Drooling
A teething baby often drools excessively. While this is a normal part of the teething process, keep their face dry to avoid skin irritation.
3. Sucking Fingers or Toys
Babies may instinctively suck their fingers or toys as a way to soothe sore gums. If you notice your baby doing this more often, it could be a sign that a tooth is on the way.
4. Irritability or Fussiness
Teething can be uncomfortable, leading to crankiness, especially in the evening or at night when discomfort may worsen.
5. Slight Fever and Pulling Ears
Teething symptoms may include a low-grade fever. Some babies also pull at their ears due to shared nerve pathways between the jaw and ear.
Teething Timeline: Which Teeth Come First?
The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth), followed by the /u pper central incisors. The full sequence generally unfolds as follows:
6–10 months: Lower central incisors
8–12 months: Upper central incisors
9–13 months: Upper lateral incisors
10–16 months: Lower lateral incisors
13–19 months: First molars
16–22 months: Canines
23–33 months: Second molars
These first teeth are critical for chewing, speech, and jaw development.
Use a clean finger or a wet washcloth to massage your baby’s gums. Gently rubbing the gums can provide pressure and relief.
Cold Teething Rings or a Cold Spoon
Chilling a teething ring or metal spoon (not frozen) can numb the area slightly and soothe sore gums. Always ensure these are not too cold to avoid damaging the gum tissue.
Teething Gels
Some over-the-counter teething gels may provide relief, but these should be used sparingly and only if recommended by your dentist.
Soothing Sore Gums with Soft Foods
If your baby has started eating solids, cold purees or yoghurts may help relieve teething discomfort.
Teething Necklaces
Teething necklaces are marketed for pain relief, but health authorities warn against their use due to choking hazards and strangulation risk. They are not recommended by paediatric dentistry associations.
When to Expect a Few Teeth
By 12 months of age, many babies have a few teeth, usually four to six. This number varies widely, and some babies may still have none. As long as your child’s growth and development are on track, the timing of teething is usually not a concern.
Signs Teething Might Not Be the Cause
While teething symptoms are common, not all discomfort is tooth-related. Always rule out other causes of fever, diarrhoea, or rash. If symptoms persist or you’re unsure, speak to your dentist for guidance.
Teething and Oral Hygiene: Caring for Baby’s Teeth
It’s never too early to begin healthy dental habits. Once your baby’s first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day using:
A soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for infants
A small pea-sized amount of low-strength fluoride toothpaste (under supervision)
Clean water or wipe-downs for babies under 6 months of age
As more teeth appear, continue with daily care and introduce dental floss between teeth that touch.
Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle, as this increases the risk of tooth decay, even in early baby teeth.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Babies
Tooth decay can affect both baby teeth and adult teeth. Early decay may result in pain, difficulty eating, and problems with permanent teeth. Here’s how to protect your baby’s smile:
Avoid sugary drinks and sweet snacks
Don’t dip pacifiers in honey or syrup
Use a clean finger or soft cloth to clean your baby’s mouth before teeth appear
Switch to a soft toothbrush when the first tooth erupts
Choose age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste
Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by 12 months of age
How Teething Affects Eating and Sleeping
Teething babies may temporarily eat less or have disrupted sleep due to gum discomfort. Offer lukewarm food, breastmilk or formula, and stick to soothing routines.
Avoid over-relying on pain relief medications. If necessary, seek professional advice to ensure the correct dosage and timing for infants.
FAQs About Baby Teething: What Parents Commonly Ask
Is it normal for a baby to show teething symptoms at 3 months?
Yes, babies start teething at different times. While most babies begin around 6 months of age, showing baby first tooth symptoms earlier is not unusual. Some may show teething symptoms at 3 or 4 months.
Can teething cause a runny nose or diarrhoea?
While teething babies may experience slight fever, pulling at ears, or increased drooling, symptoms like diarrhoea or congestion may be unrelated. Always check for other symptoms and consult your dentist.
Do baby teeth need care if they’ll eventually fall out?
Absolutely. Baby teeth guide the growth of permanent teeth and help with speech and eating. Poor care can lead to tooth decay, which may affect child’s teeth development. Use a soft bristled toothbrush with low strength fluoride toothpaste twice a day as soon as the first tooth erupts.
What if my baby has only a few teeth at 12 months?
That’s still within the normal range. Baby’s teeth come in at different rates. As long as your child’s gums look healthy and there are no signs of concern like persistent red, swollen gums or failure of teeth to break through the surface, there’s usually no need to worry.
Can teething cause bad breath in babies?
Sometimes, if food or milk residue sits in the baby’s mouth near an erupting tooth, it may cause mild odour. Gently rub gums and clean daily to prevent it.
Potential Choking Hazards During Teething
Be cautious when selecting teething toys or foods. Items should be:
Too large to fit entirely in the mouth
BPA-free and made of safe, chewable material
Free of small detachable parts
Avoid unsupervised teething necklaces, hard biscuits, and toys not designed for infants.
Teething Fever and Other Symptoms: What’s Normal?
Teething fever is typically mild (under 38°C). If your baby develops a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, it may not be related to teething and should be addressed promptly. Symptoms such as slight fever, pulling ears, and disrupted sleep are common, but persistent or severe discomfort may need a check-up.
Tips for Parents: How to Support a Teething Baby
Caring for a teething baby can be tiring. Here’s how to make it easier:
Rotate teething aids like cold spoons, wet washcloths, and teething rings
Maintain routines to help with sleep
Offer extra cuddles and soothing sounds
Don’t compare your baby’s teething progress with other babies
Be patient. This is a normal part of development
Dental Milestones and the Importance of Early Care
Baby’s first teeth pave the way for permanent teeth. The care you provide now affects their long-term dental health. Visiting a dentist by the time two teeth have erupted, or by their first birthday, is the best way to ensure your child’s teeth are on the right track.
Ask your dentist about:
Standard-strength fluoride toothpaste for toddlers
The Australian Dental Association recommends a dental visit by age one or when the first tooth appears.
Final Thoughts
Teething can be a demanding time, but it’s also the start of an exciting chapter in your baby’s development. With the right knowledge, you can manage the signs of teething, soothe sore gums, and establish lifelong habits that support healthy teeth.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s first tooth symptoms or want guidance on caring for your baby’s teeth from the very beginning, book a consultation with us at MyHM Dentist or call (02) 9158 6379. Our team is here to support your baby’s teething journey with expert care and gentle advice, because healthy teeth start with confident parents.
Resources
Mitchell, K., & Vroomen Durning, M. (2024). ‘Teething – What You Should Know’. WebMD, 10 May. New York, NY: WebMD LLC. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/teething-symptoms-remedies
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). ‘Cavities and Tooth Decay’. Mayo Clinic, 30 November. Rochester, MN: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
Frank, C. (2019). ‘Everything You Need to Know About Dental and Oral Health’. Healthline, 8 March. San Francisco, CA: Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health
Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2024). ‘How To Properly Floss Your Teeth’. Cleveland Clinic, 13 November. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-floss-your-teeth
