WATCHING YOUR BABY grow is full of milestones, and one of the most anticipated (and sometimes dreaded) is the arrival of their first tooth. Teething is a natural part of development, but it can bring plenty of questions for new parents. Here's what you need to know about when to expect those little teeth and how to help your child through the process.
When Do Baby Teeth Typically Arrive?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months old, though some may start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. There's a wide range of "normal," so try not to worry if your baby's timeline looks different from a friend's or sibling's. Typically, the lower front teeth (central incisors) come in first, followed by the upper front teeth. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Here's a general guide:- 6 to 10 months: Lower and upper central incisors
- 9 to 13 months: Lateral incisors
- 13 to 19 months: First molars
- 16 to 22 months: Canines
- 23 to 33 months: Second molars
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Teething symptoms vary from child to child, but common signs include:- Increased drooling
- Swollen or tender gums
- Irritability or fussiness
- Chewing on objects or fingers
- Mild disruption to sleep or feeding
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
- There are several safe ways to ease your child's discomfort:
- Chilled teething rings. Cold (not frozen) teething rings can numb sore gums and provide relief.
- Gentle gum massage. Use a clean finger to rub your baby's gums gently.
- Cold washcloth. A damp, chilled washcloth is a simple, effective teething tool.
- Pain relief, if needed. For particularly fussy days, ask your pediatrician about appropriate doses of infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.