Are you unsure about the teething process? This guide provides insights into when babies start teething, symptoms, remedies, and how long teething typically lasts.
Teething can be a time of great frustration for caregivers.
“Each baby’s development may differ, from when teeth start coming in to how they react to the discomfort of teething,” says José C. Polido, DDS, MS, attending dentist in CHLA’s Division of Dentistry and Orthodontics.
“On average, infants start teething around 6 months old, but some babies might have teeth come in as early as 3 months, while others may not see a full set of 20 primary teeth until they are 3 years old.
“Here’s what to know about the most common symptoms, how they relate to teething, and how to help soothe your little one during this uncomfortable time.
When does teething begin for infants? (Timeline and tooth eruption stages) Generally, you may see your child’s lower front teeth begin to show around 4-8 months, and teeth will continue to appear until 30-36 months (3 years) of age with their last set of molars.
Baby teething chart Each new teething episode can last around 3-8 days. The chart below outlines the typical eruption order of baby teeth:
AGE RANGE TOOTH TYPE 3-10 Months Lower Central Incisors 8-12 months Top Central Incisors 9-13 Months Top Lateral Incisors 10-16 Months Lower Lateral Incisors 13-19 Months Top First Molar 14-18 Months Lower First Molar 16-22 Months Top Canine Teeth 17-23 Months Lower Canine Teeth 23-31 Months Lower Second Molar 25-33 Months Top Second Molar Teething symptoms and physical signs (What’s normal vs what’s not) Babies are born without teeth, but you can see a lighter area on the gums that indicates where teeth will break through. When your baby’s teeth are about to erupt, you will notice these parts of the gums become red and swollen.
During the teething period, other symptoms may include:
Appetite changes or refusing to eat Behavior changes or irritability Disrupted sleeping patterns Drooling/skin rashes around the mouth Occasional cough or gag Increased biting, chewing, and gnawing Elevated body temperature Cheek rubbing, gum rubbing, and ear pulling Swollen gums or other gum changes (Inflammation, bleeding, redness) So, what causes these symptoms, and why don’t all infants experience them?
Teething symptom causes and remedies (What helps and what’s safe) Irritability Caused by: Discomfort of the teeth erupting through the gums. Often, the first teeth and molars are the most uncomfortable. How to help: Cuddle, cuddle, cuddle! The extra time spent with your baby can help provide comfort and reassurance, helping to alleviate their pain. Drooling/Skin Rashes Caused by: Extra saliva. Excessive drying drool may cause a rash around the mouth, cheeks, chin, and neck area due to extra bacteria on the skin. How to help: Have extra bibs handy. Try to keep the area as clean and as dry as possible by periodically wiping the area. Applying a simple barrier cream can help with the dry, chapped, and sore skin. Biting and Gnawing Caused by: Feelings of pressure under the gums. Babies’ instincts are to bite and gnaw on things when they’re teething because the counter pressure from biting on practically anything can alleviate the discomfort they feel in their gums. How to help: Try safe teething toys made of natural rubber or BPA-free silicone. Avoid teething necklaces or bracelets, liquid or gel-filled rings, or any topical gels with numbing agents. Cheek Rubbing and Ear Pulling Caused by: Pain in the gums, which can travel to the cheek and ear, especially when the molars are erupting. Infants will rub those areas. Keep in mind that ear pulling or rubbing can also be a sign of an ear infection. Contact your infant’s pediatrician if this symptom continues or is accompanied by a high fever. How to help: Try rubbing and massaging the gums with a clean finger or damp washcloth for one to two minutes to help with the discomfort. Coughing or gagging Caused by: The extra saliva produced during teething. You might notice an occasional cough or gag. How to help: If your child’s cough is accompanied by nasal or chest congestion and is more persistent, teething is not the culprit and the cough is likely an indicator of another underlying illness. Contact their pediatrician for next steps. Frequently Asked Questions Why are teething symptoms often confused with cold symptoms? Teething often begins around 6 months of age. This is around the same time the temporary immunity babies receive from their mother, via the placenta, starts to diminish. While babies are building their own immune systems, they’re more vulnerable to minor infections. Because these two changes are taking place, the symptoms of teething can be confused with a minor illness or cold and vice versa.
How painful is teething at its worst, and how long does it last? Teething pain typically begins at 4 months of age and can last up to a week (a few days before and after the tooth erupts). Many children have a particularly painful experience between 25-33 months, when the large molars (the biggest baby teeth) emerge. By the time all of their primary teeth have erupted, teething pain is usually minimal.
Does teething cause fever? Teething may cause your child’s body temperature to sit slightly above normal—anywhere from 98-100.3 degrees Fahrenheit—which is below the threshold for a fever. This is not a cause for concern and can be monitored at home.
Does teething cause diarrhea? Teething alone doesn’t cause diarrhea. If your infant is having irregular stools while teething, it may be due to a recent change in diet, coming into contact with more bacteria due to putting more things in their mouths, or a slightly irritated stomach from swallowing extra drool.
How do I differentiate teething symptoms from illness and when should I call my pediatrician? Teething commonly leads to mild fussiness, drooling, and gum sensitivity. It does not cause high fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, persistent coughing, or cold-like symptoms. Rather, these may be indicative of a more serious infection. If your baby is particularly irritable or refusing to eat and symptoms persist beyond teething discomfort, contact a pediatrician as these could be signs of a medical issue.
My baby’s full set of teeth are in. What should I do next? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) encourages parents and other care providers to help every child connect to a pediatric dentist no later than 12 months of age. As your baby’s full set of teeth comes in, continue to consult a pediatric dentist to ensure proper oral health and prevent tooth decay. With a full set in place, might be time to also introduce flossing in between teeth with tight contacts.
