When Do Babies Start Teething?

child touching their teeth

Parents are always on the lookout for special milestones in their new baby’s life. Even if they have had children before, there is something unique about each milestone a child reaches. One common question new parents ask is, “When do babies start teething?” They joyfully anticipate this milestone while also worrying about sleepless nights and teething pain, especially after finally getting their little one to snooze through the night.

Understanding the Teething Timeline

The simple answer to when babies start teething is that they begin when their bodies signal it is time. Not all children cut their canine teeth at the same time, and there is no accurate predictor to confirm that a child’s fussiness is due to teething.

Most children gain their first tooth between six and nine months of age. In some cases, the first pearly white may not break through until ten or eleven months, but the majority start cutting an incisor around six months. Some children may even start as early as four months, although this is rare.

The first tooth a child usually shows is one of the top two middle teeth, though a few unique children might sprout a bottom middle tooth first. Once the process begins, it is almost certain that the first two middle front teeth and the first two bottom middle teeth will emerge before any others. Occasionally, a child may sprout teeth without following this typical pattern, but this is quite rare. By the time a baby reaches seven to ten months, they generally have four new front teeth.

Next in line for most children are the first set of molars. These are the front molars; the second set requires more space, which the child needs to grow into before they can accommodate two sets of molars. The first molars typically appear between ten and fourteen months, although there can be a variation of a couple of months. The second set of molars usually starts to emerge around the second or third year. The third set, or wisdom teeth, typically appears between ages thirteen and eighteen, and in some cases, even into adulthood.

By the time most babies are a year and a half old, they will begin cutting their canine teeth. Many children have a full set of teeth that can be examined by a dentist by the time they reach eighteen months. If your child’s teeth are developing in an unusual order or seem to be coming in crooked, most cases will resolve as the child grows. It is not uncommon for children to have a full set of teeth crammed into a tiny mouth, leading parents to worry about future orthodontic bills. However, many children outgrow any initial tooth discomfort. By the age of two, a child should have most of their teeth, and there should be some evidence of alignment; otherwise, a visit to the dentist is advisable.

A dental visit should occur between eighteen months and two and a half years, especially for babies who were bottle-fed or who fell asleep with a bottle or breast after their first few months. An early dental appointment can help rule out potential problems or catch issues while they are still manageable.

When babies are teething, they often experience some discomfort. Anyone who has had a wisdom tooth grow in can relate to this feeling. Most babies become a bit fussy, may have diarrhea (although not all physicians attribute this to teething), run a low-grade fever, and have trouble sleeping through the night. They may chew, mouth, and even pull at their faces in an attempt to relieve discomfort. The first four teeth are typically the most uncomfortable and the most noticeable.

Comforting teething babies is all about meeting their needs as best you can. While topical medications and children’s Tylenol can alleviate symptoms temporarily, they should not be used repeatedly. Teething rings, frozen waffles, and other safe chewing items can help ease discomfort and assist the stubborn tooth in breaking through the gum line.

You should consult a physician if diarrhea lasts for more than two or three bowel movements, if the baby develops a mid to high-grade fever, or if fussiness becomes excessive. It can be natural to assume that a baby is teething when they show signs of mild illness around the appropriate age. Rubbing your finger along their gums can often help determine if a baby is teething.

Some babies sail through teething without much fuss, while others may cry every ten minutes. Just as adults have varying sensitivities to mouth pain, children also have their own unique tolerances.

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