Your Baby's First Teeth: What to Expect and How to Care for Them

Quick answer: Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, with 3 to 12 months still normal, and all 20 primary teeth by around age 3. Expect dribbling, chewing and sore gums; soothe with chilled (not frozen) teething rings. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and register with an NHS dentist.

What parents need to know

That tiny white glimmer appearing at your baby's gum line is one of those moments that feels both exciting and slightly bittersweet. Your baby's first teeth are a major milestone — but they also come with questions about when to expect them, how to care for them, and what to do if your little one seems uncomfortable.

When do babies get their first teeth?

Most babies get their first tooth somewhere between 4 and 7 months, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is considered normal. A small number of babies are born with a tooth already present (called a natal tooth), while others may not see their first tooth until after their first birthday — both are variations of normal.

The typical order of appearance is:

• Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) — first, usually around 6 months
• Upper central incisors (top front teeth) — around 8– 10 months
• Upper and lower lateral incisors — around 9–13 months
• First molars — around 13–19 months
• Canines — around 16–22 months
• Second molars — around 25–33 months

Most children have all 20 primary teeth by around age 3.

Teething symptoms to expect

Teething can begin weeks before a tooth actually breaks through. Common signs include:

• Increased dribbling
• Wanting to chew on everything
• Red, swollen or bulging gums
• Irritability and unsettled behaviour
• Disrupted sleep
• Slightly flushed cheeks

A mild temperature (below 38°C) can sometimes accompany teething, but the NHS advises that a true fever is not caused by teething — if your baby has a temperature of 38°C or above, look for another cause and consult your GP if concerned.

How to soothe a teething baby

• Teething rings: Chilled (not frozen) teething rings can provide relief. Our Infatot teethers are made from baby-safe materials designed to be easy for little hands to grip.
• Gentle gum massage: Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby's gum in a circular motion.
• Chilled foods: For babies on solids, chilled cucumber sticks or yoghurt can soothe sore gums.
• Teething gels: The NHS no longer recommends teething gels containing lidocaine or choline salicylate for babies under 16 months. Sugar-free, lidocaine-free gels are available but evidence of their effectiveness is limited.

When to start cleaning baby teeth

Start as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride). Brush twice daily — last thing at night is the most important time.

The NHS recommends:

• Under 3 years: a smear of toothpaste
• 3–6 years: a pea-sized amount
• Spit, do not rinse — leaving a little fluoride on the teeth provides ongoing protection

When to see a dentist

Register your baby with an NHS dentist as soon as their first tooth appears — ideally taking them to your own appointments from birth to get them used to the environment. NHS dental care is free for children under 18 in England.

Frequently asked questions

Can teething cause a fever?

A mild temperature below 38°C can sometimes accompany teething, but the NHS advises a true fever is not caused by teething. If your baby's temperature is 38°C or above, look for another cause and consult your GP if concerned.

Are teething gels safe for babies?

The NHS no longer recommends teething gels containing lidocaine or choline salicylate for babies under 16 months. Sugar-free, lidocaine-free gels are available, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited.

How much toothpaste should I use for my baby?

Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste with at least 1,000ppm fluoride for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount from 3 to 6 years. Brush twice daily and spit rather than rinse.

In what order do baby teeth come through?

Lower central incisors usually come first around 6 months, then upper central incisors at 8–10 months, lateral incisors at 9–13 months, first molars at 13–19 months, canines at 16–22 months and second molars at 25–33 months.