Most 10-month-olds have two to four teeth, though the range is wide. Some babies at this age have six teeth already visible, while others haven’t cut a single one yet. Both ends of that spectrum are normal.
Which Teeth Appear by 10 Months
The two bottom front teeth (central incisors) are almost always the first to arrive, typically breaking through between 6 and 10 months. The two upper front teeth follow, usually appearing between 8 and 12 months. So at 10 months, a baby with two to four teeth right in the center of their smile is right on track.
The next teeth in line are the upper lateral incisors, the ones flanking the two front teeth. These emerge between 9 and 13 months, meaning some 10-month-olds are already working on them. The lower lateral incisors come in between 10 and 16 months. A baby who seems to be teething constantly around this age is likely cycling through several of these eruptions back to back.
No Teeth at 10 Months Is Still Normal
If your 10-month-old has zero teeth, that alone isn’t a concern. Teething timelines vary significantly from baby to baby and are influenced by genetics more than nutrition or overall development. Late teething is generally defined as no teeth by 12 months, and even then it’s rarely a sign of a problem. A pediatric dentist visit is recommended if no teeth have appeared by 18 months.
How to Tell a Tooth Is Coming
Teething has a few reliable signs. The most obvious is a dramatic increase in drooling, because saliva production ramps up before a tooth breaks through the gum. Babies also chew and gnaw on anything they can get their hands on, since the pressure helps relieve gum discomfort. Mild fussiness is common in the days right before a tooth appears and typically improves within three to four days.
One important thing teething does not cause is a true fever. It can nudge body temperature slightly higher than usual, but it won’t reach 100.4°F (38°C). If your baby hits that number or above, something else is going on. Fever is a sign of infection, not teething, and shouldn’t be dismissed.
Safe Ways to Ease Teething Pain
A chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean, cold washcloth gives babies something safe to gnaw on and helps numb the gums naturally. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger also provides counter-pressure that many babies find soothing.
What you should avoid: the FDA warns against using any topical numbing gels or liquids containing benzocaine or lidocaine on infants’ gums. Benzocaine can trigger a rare but serious blood condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Lidocaine solutions can cause seizures, heart problems, and severe brain injury in young children. Homeopathic teething tablets have also drawn safety warnings. Amber teething necklaces and other teething jewelry pose strangulation and choking risks, and the FDA has received reports of infant deaths linked to them.
Caring for New Teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, it needs brushing. Use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Brush twice a day. You won’t increase to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste until your child is 3 to 6 years old.
Your baby’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. For a 10-month-old who already has a few teeth, that appointment is worth scheduling now. Early visits are brief and focused on making sure the teeth and gums are developing normally.