Your baby's first tooth is one of those little milestones that suddenly makes them look so much more grown up. But before that tiny white tooth appears, there can be weeks or even months of drooling, chewing and sore gums that leave you wondering: when will it actually happen?
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but there is a surprisingly wide range of what is considered normal. Some babies start teething as early as 4 months, while others may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday.
The timeline can also look different from baby to baby. Some will have several teeth appear close together, while others take their time. So rather than following a strict schedule, this baby teething timeline gives you a rough idea of what to expect, from those early signs to the arrival of your baby's full set of 20 primary teeth.
Before the First Tooth: Pre-Teething Signs
During this time, the tooth buds are just beginning to shift under the gums. You might notice more drooling, hand chewing and a sudden urge to put everything in their mouth, which makes many parents start to wonder if their baby is teething. While these can be signs of tooth eruption, they can also simply be part of normal development. At this stage, babies naturally produce more saliva and use their mouths and hands to explore the world.
Some babies do begin teething this early, so it can be difficult to know exactly what is causing the extra dribbling and chewing. Either way, it is a good time to introduce safe, soft teething toys, such as one made from silicone, and gently wipe away excess drool to help prevent skin irritation. You can also start getting into the habit of wiping your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feeds.
Before the First Tooth: Early Shifts
Tooth buds are now moving much closer to the surface. Your baby may start gnawing on their fingers or toys, while their gums might look slightly tender. As the nerves in the jaw are connected to the ears, some babies may also pull at their ears to relieve the pressure. You can help by gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or offering safe, textured chew toys.
The First Teeth: Lower Central Incisors
The lower central incisors, the two bottom front teeth, are usually the first to appear. You may notice a small white ridge or bump beneath the gum before the tooth breaks through, along with some redness or swelling. Some parents first spot the tooth when their baby smiles, while others notice it during a routine gum check. A flushed cheek can also be a common sign that a tooth is making its way through. A teether with multiple textures, like grooves and bumps, can be helpful at this stage to massage the gums and provide teething relief.
The arrival of that first tooth is an exciting milestone and marks the start of your baby's dental care routine. It is now time to start brushing, even if there is only one tooth. Use a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Building the Smile: Rapid Eruption
Once the first tooth breaks through, two to four more usually follow in quick succession. The upper front teeth and the lower lateral incisors are next in line. Because multiple teeth are erupting at once, your baby might be extra cranky, refuse foods they normally love, and experience sleep regressions. For older infants eating solids, chilled unsweetened applesauce or yoghurt can soothe sore mouths.
The Molar Stage: First Molars
First molars are often the teeth parents dread most, and for good reason. These are the first flat, broad teeth designed for grinding food, and their larger surface area means more gum tissue has to stretch as they come through. Many parents find that molar eruption causes more disruption than the front teeth.
Signs that molars are on their way include chewing on fingers or fists further back in the mouth, increased drooling after it may have settled following the arrival of the front teeth, and some crankiness or disrupted sleep. You may also be able to see or feel a raised bump on the gum behind the existing teeth.
Cold foods, such as chilled fruit or yoghurt, can be particularly soothing at this stage. A chilled teething ring or cold washcloth to chew on can also provide some teething relief by putting gentle pressure on the sore area.
Completing the Set
By their first birthday, most babies have around 6 to 8 teeth. Over the following year, the canines, the pointed teeth between the incisors and molars, typically appear between 16 and 23 months, followed by the second molars between 23 and 33 months. Once these come through, your toddler will have their full set of 20 primary teeth.
Teething can still cause some discomfort at this stage, but it is often less intense than during the earlier months. Your toddler can also communicate more clearly when something hurts, making it easier to understand what they need. Stick to your usual routines and offer plenty of comfort when they experience periods of soreness.
These 20 primary teeth will stay in place until the permanent teeth start to come through around age 6 or 7. Until then, brushing twice a day, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and keeping up with regular dental visits will help look after their teeth.
Navigating your baby’s teething timeline can feel like a rollercoaster. Remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Whether your little one is an early teether or taking their sweet time, those 20 primary teeth will eventually make their appearance. Keep offering safe chew toys, provide plenty of cuddles, and don't forget to start your brushing routine as soon as that very first tooth breaks through. You've got this!
FAQs
When will my baby’s first tooth appear?
There is a wide range of normal when it comes to teething. A first tooth can appear anywhere from around 4 to 15 months. A baby with two teeth at 12 months and a baby with eight teeth at 12 months can both be developing normally.
Is late teething a sign that something is wrong?
In most cases, late teething is simply down to genetics. If you or your partner were late teethers, your baby probably will be too. The teeth are already developing in the jaw and will come through in their own time. The average is 6 to 7 months, but many babies do not get their first tooth until 8, 10, or even 12 months.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething symptoms are usually mild. The most common signs are sore gums, drooling and a desire to chew. Teeth coming through may cause a slight rise in your baby's temperature, but it should not cause a fever. A fever is usually a sign of an infection rather than a tooth coming through. If your baby has a fever, speak to your doctor rather than assuming it is down to teeth emerging.
When should I take my baby to the dentist?
The NHS recommends taking your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear or before they are 12 months old.
What is the best teether for my baby?
The best teething toys are made from safe, non-toxic materials, are easy for tiny hands to grasp, and feature different textures to effectively massage sore gums. We highly recommend the Loulou Lollipop teethers. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, they come in fun, engaging designs and offer the perfect mix of smooth and bumpy textures to soothe your baby's gums at every stage of their teething journey.