When Do Babies Start Teething?

Is your baby suddenly drooling more, acting fussier at mealtime or taking longer to settle at night? These are all classic signs of teething, a major step forward in your child's oral development.

“Teething usually kicks off between 4 and 7 months,” explains Dr. Akash Sinha, a pediatrician at Mahogany Medical Clinic in Abbotsford, B.C.. This marks the start of the phase when babies can begin preparing to explore a variety of solid foods.

Sure, teething is a developmental triumph, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. “Babies become extra fussy, drool a lot more and sometimes lose interest in feeding—all normal but tough changes for first-time parents," Sinha says.

Not sure how to survive the teething chapter—or unsure if it's starting? Don’t sweat it. Up ahead, you'll find an expert-approved teething toolkit, including a guide to recognizing when it starts and what really helps, as well as some myth-busting insights on topics ranging from pain relief to the perfect toothpaste amount.

What is teething, and why does it happen?

Curious about what's actually happening in your baby's mouth when teething begins? According to MedlinePlus, an online health information resource provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "teething is the milestone when a baby's teeth finally start pushing through the gums."

This milestone typically begins somewhere between four and eight months of age, though some babies may start a little earlier or later. Dr. Sinha notes that while teething is a normal part of growth, it can still be uncomfortable for your baby.

"Teething can cause mild pain and discomfort as the new teeth push through the gums," he says. "This can make babies appear irritable or unsettled, often leading to more frequent crying, clinginess and disrupted sleep."

Every baby's teething story is a little different, however. "Family history, ethnic background and inherited jaw characteristics can influence whether teething happens earlier or later for a baby," explains Irvine-based pediatric dentist Gary Liu. “Environmental factors such as nutrition, birth weight and whether the baby was born full-term or premature also play a part. This unique combination of influences means that every baby has their own teething timeline and experience.”

When do babies typically start teething?

Dr. Sinha explains that there’s a pretty wide range when it comes to what’s considered a ‘normal’ teething timeline. “The majority of babies begin teething around 4 to 10 months old, but for some, that process might kick off sooner or take its time,” he says.

Naturally, it’s easy for parents to get worried if their child’s teeth haven’t made a debut yet. Sinha stresses that there’s usually no need to panic—late bloomers often turn out just fine, especially if everything else about their development is on track.

What are the common signs and symptoms of teething?

According to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, teething symptoms can easily be mistaken for the signs of a common cold, but there are other things to look for. Some symptoms that might suggest your baby is teething include:

• Irritability
• Drooling
• Skin rashes
• Coughing
• Biting and gnawing
• Low-grade fever
• Cheek rubbing and ear pulling
• Diarrhea

In what order do baby teeth usually appear?

California-based pediatrician Carey Chronis explains that the process of developing primary teeth usually begins with the two lower central incisors, which typically appear around six and a half months. "These are the ones that help babies start to cut into food," he says.

He adds that teeth generally emerge in pairs and tend to follow a common order: Central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines and finally second molars. "The second molars, which complete the set of 20 baby teeth, usually come in as late as 30 months," he explains.

But if your little one's smile doesn’t stick to this exact schedule, don’t sweat it. "Every baby’s mouth develops on its own timeline," Chronis says. "It's not uncommon for teeth to erupt early, late or with unusual spacing between pairs—there’s plenty of room for variability."

How to safely soothe a teething baby

Teething can be tough, but there are plenty of ways to help your baby feel better, according to dietitian and nutrition support clinician Lena Bakovic. Bakovic suggests starting simply by softly massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger or a piece of wet gauze to soothe teething pain.

"Doing this with light pressure helps to ease a baby's discomfort," Bakovic explains. "Other helpful strategies include giving a baby a cold teething ring to help numb the gums, letting the baby chew on a cold or damp washcloth, offering breastfed infants frozen breast milk popsicles or providing a soft food-grade silicone toy designed for chewing."

If your child is still struggling with teething pain, Dr. Liu recommends considering children's Tylenol. However, he strongly emphasizes the importance of checking with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist first to ensure it’s the right choice for your baby.

Teething remedies to avoid

Not every teething remedy on the market is safe for your child. Some popular options have raised red flags due to potential choking hazards, strangulation and other serious risks that parents shouldn't ignore.

According to Dr. Maria Lavaia, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health System in New Jersey, topical teething gels are a major no-go. "The FDA has strongly warned against using Lidocaine, because even in small amounts it can be dangerously toxic to babies if swallowed or accidentally overused," she explains.

Similarly, homeopathic teething tablets may seem harmless, but they’ve also raised considerable safety concerns, especially for infants and toddlers. “Because they’re not regulated by the FDA and often have inconsistent or undisclosed ingredients, they just aren’t worth the risk,” Lavaia explains. "Natural doesn’t always mean safe—especially when it comes to little ones.”

Jewelry marketed for teething—such as necklaces, bracelets or anklets—can also pose hazards. "These items pose risks for choking, aspiration and strangulation even if worn under supervision," Lavaia notes. "They can also harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly or regularly."

Lastly, parents considering frozen teething rings as a solution still need to be cautious. "Direct contact with frozen items can cause painful irritation, freezer burn or even mild frostbite," warns Lavaia. "Opt for chilled (not frozen) teething rings or washcloths instead."

Real advice from real moms

When it comes to navigating teething, a little real-life advice goes a long way—and Toronto dietitian Melissa Koch has some thoughtful suggestions.

As an RD and mom, Koch watched her now four-year-old daughter start teething just shy of four months. While her little one didn’t run a fever, there was still plenty of discomfort along the way—something many parents can relate to. To help, Koch turned to a simple, comforting solution: frozen blueberries.

“I would give my daughter some chilled fruit during snack and meal times,” Koch explains. “It seemed to ease her teething pain and gave her something nourishing.”

By her first birthday, Koch’s daughter had nearly all her teeth, though the days sometimes felt long. Her gentle reminder for parents going through it? “It’s only a moment in time, and it will pass.” Sometimes, the best comfort is knowing you’re not alone.

When to consult a healthcare professional

Teething may cause mild symptoms like drooling or fussiness, but Dr. Elaine Gan-Yong, a pediatrician in Irvine, says that there are more serious symptoms that parents should never ignore.

"These include a high fever over 101 degrees, persistent diarrhea and vomiting, or widespread rash are not typical and should be evaluated by a doctor," she explains. "Parents should also call a doctor if their baby is inconsolable, unusually sleepy, not eating or drinking or shows signs of dehydration.

Additionally, if your baby’s gums are very swollen, bleeding or appear infected, Gan-Yong warns that these could indicate an infection. "These are not typical teething symptoms and should be evaluated by a doctor or pediatrician immediately," she suggests.

Caring for your baby's new teeth

Setting the stage for dental care is important even before your baby starts teething. “Dental care should start even before your baby has teeth,” explains Dr. Scott Moore, a pediatrician and Medical Director for Zarminali Pediatrics. “This helps establish good hygiene early and gets your baby used to oral care.”

Once your child's tooth emerges, Moore suggests it's time to begin brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) using a soft-bristle toothbrush. "This early brushing routine helps protect new teeth and reinforces healthy habits," he says.

It’s also important to schedule your child’s initial dental visit around their first birthday. "This early visit isn’t just about checking for cavities—it sets the foundation for lifelong oral health. It also gives parents a chance to learn how to clean baby teeth properly, what to watch for and what to avoid," he says.

Experts

Dr. Akash Sinha, MD, is a pediatrician at Mahogany Medical, a specialty medical clinic located in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Gary Liu, DMD, is a pediatric dentist and co-founder of KIND SMILES, a pediatric dentistry and orthodontics clinic located in Irvine, California.

Dr. Sarah Winward, ND, IBCLC, is a naturopathic doctor and internationally board-certified lactation consultant.

Dr. Carey Chronis, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician based in California.

Dr. Maria Lavaia, MD, is a pediatrician at Atlantic Health System, a non-profit health care network in New Jersey.

Melissa Koch, RD, is a registered dietitian and mom.

Dr. Scott Moore, MD, is a pediatrician and Medical Director for Zarminali Pediatrics, a national, technology-driven pediatric group.

Dr. Elaine Gan-Yong, MD, is a pediatrician with Hoag, a healthcare system in Southern California.