Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Welcoming a new baby into your life is a journey filled with delightful firsts.
One of the exciting milestones your baby will reach is the arrival of the first tooth. As a new parent, you might wonder, “When do babies get their first tooth?”
This blog will walk you through the teething process, what signs to look for, and how you can support your baby during this time.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
You can expect to see your baby’s first tooth erupt between 6 and 10 months of age, typically starting with the lower central incisors. By the time your child is about 3 years old, they will have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
Teething Timeline
Every baby is unique, but there is a general timeline for teething.
Most babies start teething between 6 and 10 months of age. However, some babies may start earlier or later.
Here is a general timeline you can expect for your baby’s teeth:
- 6–10 months: Central incisors (the first two lower teeth)
- 8–12 months: Central incisors (the first two upper teeth)
- 9–13 months: Lateral incisors (upper teeth next to the central incisors)
- 10–16 months: Lateral incisors (lower teeth next to the central incisors)
- 13–19 months: First molars (upper back teeth)
- 14–18 months: First molars (lower back teeth)
- 17–23 months: Canines (upper pointy teeth)
- 25–33 months: Canines (lower pointy teeth) and second molars (upper and lower back teeth)
| 💡 Did you know? Babies are born with all their primary teeth hidden in their gums! By the age of 3 they should have all 20 primary teeth. |
Common Teething Symptoms
Teething can cause a range of symptoms in your baby. These may include:
- Irritability and fussiness: Your baby may become cranky or clingy.
- Drooling: Increased saliva production can lead to excessive drooling.
- Chewing on objects: Your baby may chew on toys, fingers, or anything else they can get their hands on.
- Swollen and tender gums: The gums around the erupting tooth may appear red and swollen.
- Mild fever: A low-grade fever may accompany teething.
- Reduced appetite: Your baby may eat less than usual.
- Cough or runny nose: These symptoms can sometimes be associated with teething.
Why Teething Causes These Symptoms
Teething leads to various symptoms primarily due to the physiological changes occurring as teeth move through the gums.
- Swollen gums: As teeth emerge, they exert pressure against the gum tissue, causing localized inflammation. This response results in swelling, tenderness, and increased sensitivity in the gums.
- Increased drooling: The body produces excess saliva in response to the irritation caused by teeth pushing through the gums. This is a natural reaction meant to help soothe the inflamed tissue.
- Low-grade fever: The inflammatory process associated with teething can cause a slight elevation in body temperature. This occurs as the body reacts to the irritation and inflammation from the erupting teeth.
- Desire to chew: Babies instinctively seek relief through chewing, as the pressure from objects helps to alleviate discomfort in their gums. This behavior is a natural coping mechanism during the teething phase.
Tips for Soothing a Teething Baby
Here are some tips to help soothe your teething baby:
- Offer cold relief: Provide chilled teething rings or a cold washcloth to help numb the gums.
- Massage the gums: Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
- Offer soft foods: Introduce soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed fruits and vegetables.
- Consult your pediatrician: If your baby is experiencing severe discomfort or unusual symptoms, consult your pediatrician.
Taking Care of Your Baby’s Oral Health
Once your baby’s first tooth erupts, it’s important to start a good oral hygiene routine. Here are some tips to keep your baby’s teeth healthy:
- Clean the gums: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth before teeth erupt.
- Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush your baby’s teeth twice a day once they appear.
- Avoid sugary drinks: Limit sugary drinks and juice to prevent tooth decay.
- Schedule regular dental checkups: Take your baby to the dentist for their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth eruption.
The Importance of the First Dental Visit
If you baby has it’s first tooth, it’s time to schedule their first visit!
These early appointments are important for many reasons. It helps to familiarize both you and your child with the dental environment, making future visits more comfortable and less intimidating.
Early dental visits allow the dentist to identify any potential issues in their infancy, such as early signs of tooth decay or developmental anomalies.
The dentist can also provide valuable guidance on proper oral hygiene practices tailored to your child’s specific needs, ensuring their teeth and gums are given the best possible start.
Building Healthy Teeth: Visit Your Kids Dentist
Watching your baby grow and seeing their first teeth emerge is a natural process filled with excitement.
If you would like to learn more about dental care for your child, reach out to us.Call (303) 953-8801 for a consultation or visit our conveniently located dental offices in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, and Thornton. We accept Medicaid and are dedicated to ensuring your child has a positive experience at their dental visit.
