Teething is a normal developmental stage when a baby’s first set of teeth begin to emerge through the gums. The timing and degree of discomfort can differ significantly from one child to the next. This process is often accompanied by temporary fussiness and discomfort. Understanding the full duration and pattern of this emergence can help parents anticipate the different phases of their baby’s oral development.
The Full Teething Timeline
The overall process of teething spans a period of years, not just weeks or months, beginning when the first tooth appears and ending when the final set is fully in place. Most babies begin teething around six months of age, though the initial emergence can range from as early as four months to well past their first birthday. The process concludes when the last of the 20 primary teeth, the second molars, have erupted, which typically happens around the child’s second or third birthday, often between 23 and 33 months of age.
This entire timeline represents the continuous development of the primary dentition, though the active phase of discomfort is much shorter. The painful or irritable symptoms associated with any single tooth pushing through the gum line usually last only a few days or, at most, a couple of weeks. Because teeth tend to erupt in pairs or groups, parents may notice recurring periods of fussiness throughout this two-to-three-year span.
Sequence and Timing of Tooth Eruption
The 20 primary teeth follow a generally predictable sequence when they emerge. The first teeth to appear are almost always the lower central incisors, which typically emerge between six and ten months of age. These are soon followed by the upper central incisors, often coming in between eight and twelve months.
The lateral incisors, located on either side of the central incisors, appear next, with the upper ones erupting around nine to thirteen months and the lower ones between ten and sixteen months. Following the front teeth, the first molars emerge, generally between 13 and 19 months, providing the first set of back chewing surfaces.
The canines, or “eye teeth,” fill the gaps between the lateral incisors and the first molars, erupting between 16 and 23 months. The final teeth are the second molars, which are the largest and often cause the most discomfort. These typically appear between 23 and 33 months of age, finalizing the total count of 20 baby teeth. Although this order provides a common reference, individual variation is significant, and the exact timing can differ by several months from these averages.
Strategies for Symptom Management
Active discomfort can be managed using non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies focused on soothing inflamed gums. Applying gentle pressure provides relief, which can be accomplished by gently massaging the area with a clean finger or a piece of wet gauze. Providing objects for the baby to chew on helps to counteract the pressure from the emerging tooth.
Chilled items are particularly effective, as the cold temperature can mildly numb the sore gums. Parents can offer a clean wet washcloth or a firm rubber teething ring that has been chilled in the refrigerator. Items should not be frozen, as they can be too hard and potentially cause injury. Never dip these items in sugary liquids, as this can lead to early childhood tooth decay.
For babies experiencing significant pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used temporarily. Consult a healthcare provider for the correct infant-specific dosage based on the child’s weight and to avoid prolonged use. Parents should strictly avoid topical gels that contain benzocaine or lidocaine, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns these can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition.