When Do Babies Start Teething? A Month-by-Month Timeline

Quick answer: Most babies start teething at around 6 months, but some get their first tooth before 4 months and others after 12 months — a few are even born with a tooth. The bottom front teeth usually come through before the matching top ones, and most children have all their milk teeth by 2 to 3 years old.

What parents need to know

Teething follows a rough pattern rather than a fixed schedule. Here is the usual order teeth appear, the signs worth knowing, and what genuinely helps.

When do babies start teething?

Most babies start teething at around 6 months. Some start before they are 4 months old, and some not until after 12 months — all of these are normal.

A small number of babies are even born with their first teeth. Whichever end of the range your baby sits at, they will probably get their first tooth some time during their first year.

What is the month-by-month teething timeline?

This is a rough guide to how teeth usually emerge, not a schedule to measure your baby against. Every baby is different.

• Around 6 months — Central incisors — the front teeth — are usually the first to come through.
• Around 8 months — Lateral incisors, the teeth either side of the front teeth, appear.
• Around 12 months — First molars, the back teeth, come through.
• Around 18 months — Canines — the pointed teeth between the lateral incisors and first molars — arrive.
• Around 24 months — Second molars come through, completing the set.
• By 2 to 3 years — Most children will have all of their milk teeth.

Which teeth come through first?

The central incisors at the front are usually first, at around 6 months.

Bottom teeth often emerge before the matching upper teeth — so the bottom front teeth will usually start to come through before the top front teeth.

What are the signs of teething?

Baby teeth sometimes emerge with no pain or discomfort at all, or with only mild symptoms that last a few days. At other times you may notice a cluster of the signs below.

Some people think teething causes symptoms such as diarrhoea, but there is no evidence to support this.

• Sore gums — The gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through.
• Slightly raised temperature — A temperature that is slightly raised but less than 38C.
• One flushed cheek — One cheek may be flushed, and your baby may have a rash on their face.
• Ear rubbing — Your baby may be rubbing their ear.
• More dribbling — Dribbling more than usual, which can lead to a rash if the skin stays damp.
• Gnawing and chewing — Chewing on fingers, toys and anything else within reach.
• Unsettled days and nights — More fretful than usual and not sleeping very well.

How can you soothe a teething baby?

Every baby is different, and you may have to try a few things before you find what works.

1. Offer a teething ring — Teething rings give your baby something safe to chew, which may ease discomfort and distract from pain. Some can be cooled in the fridge — follow the instructions for how long to chill it. Never put one in the freezer, as a frozen ring could damage your baby's gums, and never tie one around your baby's neck, as it is a choking hazard.
2. Give safe things to chew — If your baby is 6 months or older and is weaning or has been weaned, healthy things to chew such as raw fruit and vegetables can help; soft fruit like melon can soothe gums. Always watch your baby while they eat in case they choke. Avoid rusks, as nearly all brands contain some sugar, and avoid high-sugar foods, which cause tooth decay even with only a few teeth.
3. Comfort and distract — Comforting or playing with your baby can take their mind off sore gums. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger may also help.
4. Consider pain relief if needed — If your baby is in pain, a sugar-free painkilling medicine may help. Paracetamol can be given from 2 months old and ibuprofen from 3 months. Children under 16 should not have aspirin. Always follow the instructions with the medicine, and speak to a GP or pharmacist if you are unsure.
5. Wipe dribble gently — If teething is making your baby dribble more than usual, gently wiping their face may help prevent a rash.

Do teething gels and powders work?

There is a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective. Teething rings or simple sugar-free painkilling medicines are recommended first.

If you do use a gel, choose one specially designed for young children — general oral pain relief gels are not suitable. Teething gels contain a mild local anaesthetic and are only available from pharmacies, so ask a pharmacist for advice.

Homeopathic products are not recommended for teething. If you use one, make sure it is licensed for use in the UK; some unlicensed products advertised online have been linked to serious side effects.

Helpful tip

How do you care for those first teeth?

Register your baby with a dentist when their teeth start coming through, and start brushing as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through, using a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Brush at least twice a day, just before bed and at one other time that suits your routine. Sitting your baby on your knee with their head resting against your chest is the easiest position, brushing in small circles over all the surfaces.

Do not worry if you do not manage much at first — the aim is simply to make brushing part of the daily routine.

Frequently asked questions

Which teeth come through first when a baby is teething?

The central incisors at the front usually come first, at around 6 months. Bottom teeth often emerge before the matching upper teeth, so the bottom front teeth usually appear before the top front teeth.

Can teething cause a fever or diarrhoea?

A teething temperature is slightly raised but less than 38C. There is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea. If any symptoms are causing you concern, call NHS 111 or contact your GP.

Do teething gels work?

There is a lack of evidence that teething gels are effective. Teething rings or simple sugar-free painkilling medicines are recommended first. If you do use a gel, choose one designed for young children and ask a pharmacist for advice.

When should you start brushing your baby's teeth?

Start brushing as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through, using a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, at least twice a day. Register your baby with a dentist when their teeth start coming through.