That first little tooth is a milestone — and the lead-up can bring some grizzly days. Knowing the rough timeline helps you tell ordinary teething from something that needs a closer look.
When teeth usually arrive
Most babies cut their first tooth between 4 and 12 months, with around 6 months being typical. There's huge normal variation: a few babies are born with a tooth, and a few reach their first birthday gummy and grinning. Either way is usually fine.
| Age | Awake between sleeps |
|---|---|
| ~6–10 months | Bottom two front teeth |
| ~8–12 months | Top two front teeth |
| ~9–16 months | Teeth either side of the front |
| ~13–19 months | First molars |
| ~16–23 months | Canines |
| ~2–3 years | Second molars (full set of 20) |
What's normal during teething
In the days around a tooth, you might notice:
- Lots of drooling and a need to chew on everything
- Sore, red gums and a flushed cheek
- Being fussier than usual, with some broken sleep
- A slightly raised temperature (but not a true fever)
Safe ways to soothe sore gums
What actually helps
- Offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring — cold soothes, frozen can hurt
- Rub the gums gently with a clean finger or a cool, damp washcloth
- Let them chew on a safe, solid teether you're supervising
- Wipe drool often to prevent a chin rash, and offer extra cuddles
- Ask your pharmacist before using any teething gel or pain relief
What to avoid
Skip amber teething necklaces (a strangulation and choking risk with no proven benefit), frozen-solid teethers, and any gel containing harmful ingredients. When in doubt, your pharmacist or child health nurse can point you to age-appropriate options.
Caring for those new teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft baby brush, and book a first dental check around the first birthday. Avoid sugary drinks and bottles in bed, which can harm new teeth.
Teething comes in waves — a rough few days, then your smiling baby returns. Comfort, patience and a chilled teether will carry you both through most of it.
This is general information, not medical or dental advice. If your baby seems unwell or you're worried, contact your doctor, dentist or child health nurse.