If your little one is dribbling, gnawing on everything and waking more than usual, teething might be the reason. It can be a tender few days, but the good news is that it passes — and there's plenty you can do to help that's gentle and safe.
When teeth usually arrive
Every baby is on their own timetable, and the timing varies widely. As a rough guide:
- The first tooth usually appears around 6–10 months, though anywhere from 4 to 12 months is normal.
- The bottom two front teeth (lower central incisors) tend to come first.
- Next are the top front teeth, then the ones either side, working outwards.
- Most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth by about 2.5–3 years.
A few babies are born with a tooth, and some have no teeth at their first birthday — both can be perfectly fine. If there's no sign of teeth by around 18 months, mention it to your dentist or child-health nurse.
Rough teething order
- ~6-10 monthsBottom two front teeth (lower incisors)
- ~8-12 monthsTop two front teeth (upper incisors)
- ~9-16 monthsTeeth either side of the front teeth
- ~13-19 monthsFirst molars (back teeth)
- ~16-23 monthsCanines (pointy teeth)
- ~2-3 yearsSecond molars complete the set of 20
Signs your baby is teething
Teething signs come and go over a few days as each tooth pushes through. Common ones include:
- Lots of drool — sometimes enough to cause a damp, red chin or rash
- Gum-rubbing, chewing and biting on hands, toys or your shoulder
- Red, swollen or tender gums where a tooth is coming
- Grizzliness and irritability, especially in the late afternoon
- More night-waking or unsettled sleep
- Going off food or feeds for a day or two
- A slightly raised temperature (a mild warmth, not a true fever)
What teething does NOT cause
This is the part worth bookmarking. Research and the major health bodies (Raising Children Network, the AAP and the NHS) agree that teething does not cause:
- A high fever (38°C / 100.4°F or above)
- Significant diarrhoea or vomiting
- A blocked or runny nose, cough, or a generally very unwell baby
Safe ways to relieve sore gums
The winning combination is cold + gentle pressure + comfort:
| Try this | How |
|---|---|
| Chilled teething ring | Cool a solid (not liquid-filled) silicone ring in the fridge — never the freezer, as frozen-hard rings can bruise gums |
| Gum massage | Rub the sore gum gently with a clean finger or a damp, cool washcloth |
| Something safe to chew | A clean, cool damp washcloth or a chilled solid-silicone teething ring — both give the cold and pressure babies crave, with no choking risk |
| Extra comfort | Cuddles, distraction and a calm routine go a long way on a grumpy day |
| Wipe the drool | Gently dab the chin and apply a plain barrier cream to prevent drool rash |
For pain that's clearly bothering your baby, paracetamol or ibuprofen can sometimes help — but only after checking the right product, age and dose with your pharmacist, GP or child-health nurse. Never guess a dose.
Caring for those new teeth
Once teeth appear, start gentle dental care:
- Wipe or brush twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush.
- Use a smear of toothpaste — but note the advice differs by region: Australian guidance suggests a smear of low-fluoride toothpaste from around 18 months, while US guidance (AAP/ADA) recommends a smear of fluoride toothpaste from the very first tooth. Follow your local dental guidance, and check with your dentist or nurse if unsure.
- Avoid sugary drinks and never put your baby to bed with a bottle.
- Remember: no honey before 12 months, including on dummies or to soothe gums.
When to talk to someone
Teething itself rarely needs medical help, but check in with your GP, child-health nurse or dentist if:
- Your baby has a fever, diarrhoea or seems genuinely unwell (don't assume it's teething)
- They're not feeding or are very distressed and you can't settle them
- There are no teeth by about 18 months
- You're worried — trusting your instinct is never the wrong call
You're doing a great job. A few cool cuddles and patience, and this phase will be behind you both before long.