Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months of age, with 6 months being the most common starting point. Some babies teethe earlier, some later, and a wide range is perfectly normal. By age 3, most children have all 20 of their primary teeth.
Why 3-Month-Old Babies Seem Like They’re Teething
Around 3 months, babies start exploring the world with their mouths. They drool more, chew on their hands, and gnaw on anything they can grab. Many parents assume teething has started, but this is a normal developmental stage, not a sign that teeth are on the way. The first tooth typically doesn’t break through the gum for another three months or so.
The Typical Order Teeth Come In
Babies are born with all 20 primary teeth already formed beneath the gums. These teeth erupt in a fairly predictable sequence, though the exact timing varies from child to child.
The two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) almost always come first, usually around 6 to 10 months. The two upper front teeth follow shortly after, typically between 8 and 12 months. From there, the teeth next to those front four fill in, followed by the first molars, canines, and finally the second molars. Most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth by age 3.
Early and Late Teething
Some babies are born with one or two teeth already visible. These are called natal teeth, and they occur in roughly 1 in every 289 newborns worldwide. They’re unusual but not necessarily a problem. A pediatric dentist can evaluate whether they need to be monitored or removed, depending on how firmly they’re attached.
On the other end of the spectrum, some babies don’t get their first tooth until well past their first birthday. This is often just a family trait. If one or both parents were late teethers, their baby is more likely to be one too. However, if your baby has no teeth by 18 months, it’s worth having a pediatric dentist take a look. They can rule out any underlying conditions affecting tooth development.
What Teething Actually Feels Like for Babies
Teething discomfort varies widely. Some babies barely seem to notice a new tooth coming in, while others become fussy and irritable for days. Common signs include swollen or tender gums, increased drooling, a desire to chew on hard objects, and mild irritability. Some babies temporarily lose interest in feeding because the sucking motion puts pressure on sore gums.
Teething does not cause high fevers, diarrhea, or rashes, despite what you may have heard. A very slight rise in temperature can happen, but anything over 100.4°F (38°C) is more likely a sign of illness that coincidentally showed up during a teething window.
Safe Ways to Ease Teething Pain
The simplest relief is often the most effective. A clean finger gently rubbed along your baby’s gums creates counter-pressure that can soothe the ache. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring works on the same principle, with the cool temperature helping to reduce swelling. Freezing a teething ring makes it too hard and can actually hurt your baby’s gums.
A damp washcloth that’s been cooled in the refrigerator is another option. Babies who have started solid foods sometimes find relief from chewing on chilled foods like a cold spoon or a refrigerated banana.
One important safety note: the FDA warns against using teething gels or liquids containing benzocaine or lidocaine on infants and young children. Benzocaine can cause a rare but serious condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Lidocaine solutions can lead to seizures, heart problems, and severe brain injury if too much is absorbed or swallowed. Homeopathic teething tablets have also drawn FDA warnings. These products offer little to no benefit for teething pain and carry real risks.
If your baby seems especially uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about an appropriate dose of infant pain reliever based on your baby’s weight and age.
When to Schedule a First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This initial visit is less about treatment and more about establishing a baseline, checking that teeth are developing normally, and getting guidance on cleaning those first tiny teeth as they come in.