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

Quick answer: Most babies start teething at around 6 months (some before 4 months, some after 12 months), and most have all their milk teeth by 2 to 3 years old. 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 baby seems uncomfortable.

When do babies get their first teeth?

Most babies start teething at around 6 months, but some start before they are 4 months old and some after 12 months. 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:

• Central incisors (front teeth): usually first, at around 6 months. The bottom front teeth usually come through before the top ones.
• Lateral incisors (either side of the front teeth): around 8 months
• First molars (back teeth): around 12 months
• Canines (pointed teeth between the lateral incisors and first molars): around 18 months
• Second molars: around 24 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 come with teething, but a temperature of 38°C or more should not be put down to teething. See When to get help for when to call NHS 111 or 999.

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 aged 6 months or older who have started solids, chilled cucumber sticks or yoghurt can soothe sore gums. Always watch your baby while they eat in case they choke.
• Teething gels: There is a lack of evidence that teething gels work, so the NHS recommends trying teething rings or sugar-free painkillers first. If you do use a gel, choose one specially designed for young children. These contain a mild local anaesthetic and are only available from pharmacies, so ask a pharmacist for advice.

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, don't 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 come with teething, but a temperature of 38°C or more should not be put down to teething. Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher, or 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39°C or higher, or has any of the emergency signs listed above. For anything else that worries you, call NHS 111 or contact a GP.

Are teething gels safe for babies?

There is a lack of evidence that teething gels work, so the NHS recommends trying teething rings or sugar-free painkillers first. If you do use a gel, choose one specially designed for young children, from a pharmacy, and ask a pharmacist for advice. General oral pain relief gels are not suitable for children.

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?

The central incisors (front teeth) usually come first, at around 6 months, with the bottom ones usually before the top ones. Then come the lateral incisors at around 8 months, first molars at around 12 months, canines at around 18 months and second molars at around 24 months.