Teething Symptoms, Timeline, and Safe Remedies
Teething typically begins between 4–7 months, with most babies getting their first tooth around 6 months. By age 3, children usually have all 20 primary (baby) teeth. Teething can cause genuine discomfort, but many symptoms attributed to teething are actually myths.
Key Takeaways
- Most babies get their first tooth between 4–7 months (usually a lower central incisor around 6 months); teething before 3 months or after 12 months is within normal range.
- Research-confirmed teething symptoms: drooling, irritability, gum swelling, biting/chewing, and slightly elevated temperature (up to 38°C/100.4°F) — not high fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- The FDA has issued warnings against benzocaine teething gels (risk of methemoglobinemia) and homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna (linked to seizures and deaths).
- Amber teething necklaces carry a choking and strangulation risk and are not recommended by the FDA, NHS, or AAP.
- The AAP and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a baby's first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth, or by age 1 — whichever comes first.
Complete Baby Teeth Timeline
| Teeth | Typical Age of Eruption |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6–10 months |
| Upper central incisors | 8–12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines | 16–22 months |
| Second molars | 25–33 months |
| Full set (20 teeth) | ~2.5–3 years |
Wide variation is normal — teething before 3 months or after 12 months (first tooth) is worth mentioning to your dentist but is usually not a problem.
Real Teething Symptoms (Evidence-Based)
A 2016 systematic review of 19 studies confirmed these symptoms are associated with teething:
Confirmed by research:
- 💧 Drooling (increased saliva production)
- 😠 Irritability and fussiness
- 😴 Disturbed sleep (mild)
- 👄 Gum swelling and redness at eruption site
- 😬 Biting and chewing on objects
- 🌡️ Slightly elevated temperature — up to 38°C / 100.4°F at most
Teething Myths: Symptoms NOT Caused by Teething
High fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are NOT teething symptoms.
| Symptom | Teething? | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature >38°C/100.4°F | ❌ Not teething | See doctor, likely illness |
| Diarrhea | ❌ Not teething | See doctor |
| Vomiting | ❌ Not teething | See doctor |
| Rash (beyond mouth) | ❌ Not teething | See doctor |
| Loss of appetite | ⚠️ Mild only | Monitor |
| Runny nose | ❌ Not teething | Likely viral infection |
Safe Teething Remedies
✅ Evidence-Supported
- Chilled teething ring, refrigerated (not frozen), cold soothes gum inflammation
- Clean finger massage, gentle pressure on sore gums
- Cold spoon, refrigerated, let baby chew on
- Chilled solid foods, for babies on solids: cold cucumber sticks, chilled fruit purée
- Extra cuddles, sometimes comfort is the best remedy
❌ Products to Avoid (With Reasons)
| Product | Risk | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Benzocaine gels (Orajel, Anbesol) | Methemoglobinemia, serious blood condition | FDA warning 2018 |
| Homeopathic teething tablets | Contain belladonna, seizures, deaths reported | FDA recall 2016 |
| Amber teething necklaces | Choking, strangulation risk | FDA/NHS warning |
| Frozen teething rings | Too hard, can damage fragile gums | Pediatrician guidance |
| Aspirin | Reye's syndrome risk in children | Never use under 16 |
First Dental Visit
AAP and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: First dental visit within 6 months of first tooth, or by age 1, whichever comes first.
Early dental visits establish:
- Baseline dental health
- Parent guidance on oral hygiene
- Fluoride needs assessment
- Prevention of early childhood caries
🔗 See our Teething Tracker to log which teeth have come in and when.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Teething and Dental Development; NHS UK. Teething; FDA. Warning on Benzocaine Teething Products 2018; Pediatric Dentistry, "Teething Symptoms: Systematic Review 2016"
Frequently Asked Questions
When do babies start teething?
Most babies begin teething between 4–7 months, with the first tooth (typically a lower central incisor) appearing around 6 months. Teething can start as early as 3 months or as late as 12–15 months — both ends of this range are normal. Some babies are even born with teeth (natal teeth). By age 2.5–3, most children have all 20 primary teeth.
Does teething cause fever?
Teething can cause a slight temperature increase — up to 38°C (100.4°F) — but does not cause a true fever. A temperature above 38°C during the teething period is likely caused by an illness, not the tooth itself. A 2016 systematic review of 19 studies confirmed that high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash are not teething symptoms. See your doctor if these occur.
What teething remedies are safe?
Evidence-supported safe remedies include: chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, a refrigerated spoon, and chilled solid foods for babies on solids. Avoid benzocaine gels (FDA warning 2018), homeopathic teething tablets with belladonna (FDA recall 2016), amber necklaces (choking/strangulation risk), and frozen teething rings (too hard for fragile gums).
When should my baby see a dentist for the first time?
The AAP and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth appearing, or by the baby's first birthday — whichever comes first. Early visits establish baseline dental health and allow the dentist to guide parents on oral hygiene and fluoride needs.
Sources
- AAP — Developmental milestones for children
- CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. — milestone tracking
- WHO — Child health and development
🔧 Helpful Tools
- Baby Milestones Tracker — Track your baby's developmental milestones
- Development Leaps — Understand your baby's developmental leaps
- All Baby Tools — Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care
