Teething is a natural and expected phase in an infant’s development, marking the emergence of their first teeth through the gums. This common developmental milestone prepares babies for solid foods and speech development.
Understanding the Eruption Timeline
Tooth eruption typically begins when a baby is between 6 and 10 months old, though this can vary. The lower central incisors are usually the first to appear, followed by the upper central incisors around 8 to 12 months. The general sequence continues with lateral incisors (9-16 months), first molars (13-19 months), canines (16-23 months), and second molars (23-33 months), completing the set of 20 primary teeth by age three.
While the overall process of teething spans months or years, a single tooth “popping through” the gum, from initial swelling to full emergence, can take several days. This active phase can last approximately 8 days, including days before and after the tooth breaks the gum line. These timelines represent averages, and individual variations are common.
Signs of Emerging Teeth
As teeth prepare to emerge, infants often exhibit several common physical and behavioral indicators. Increased drooling is a frequent sign, as is a heightened desire to chew on objects. Gums may appear red, swollen, or tender in the area where a tooth is about to break through, and some infants might develop a mild facial rash due to excessive drooling.
Behavioral changes can also signal emerging teeth, with increased fussiness, irritability, and changes in sleep or feeding patterns. While a slight elevation in temperature (below 100.4°F or 38°C) or mild diarrhea may sometimes accompany teething, higher fevers or severe symptoms are generally not directly caused by tooth eruption. If a baby experiences a high fever, vomiting, or significant diarrhea, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out other underlying causes.
Variations and When to Seek Guidance
The timing of tooth eruption can vary significantly among infants. Factors such as genetics can influence when teeth appear; if parents teethed early or late, their child might follow a similar pattern. Premature birth or low birth weight can also contribute to delayed tooth emergence.
While slight delays are often no cause for concern, professional guidance is recommended if a baby has not developed any teeth by 12 months, or certainly by 18 months. Consulting a pediatric dentist or pediatrician is advisable for an evaluation. This also applies if there is significant pain or discomfort that cannot be managed, an unusual appearance of the gums, or if symptoms like fever are severe, prolonged, or accompanied by other concerning signs.