Seeing teeth through a baby’s gums is a common observation, signaling a natural stage of development. This phenomenon, known as teething, is a normal part of an infant’s growth as their first set of teeth begins to emerge. While it can sometimes be accompanied by discomfort, the visibility of developing teeth beneath the gum line is a sign that your child is progressing as expected.
Normal Tooth Development
Tooth development begins long before birth, with teeth forming in the fetus between 4 and 6 weeks of age, followed by mineralization around three months into pregnancy. Your child will develop 20 primary teeth, also known as baby or deciduous teeth. These teeth erupt, starting around 6 to 8 months of age and continuing until a child is approximately three years old.
The first teeth to emerge are the lower central incisors, appearing between 6 to 10 months, followed by the upper central incisors around 8 to 12 months. Lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars then erupt in pairs. While there’s a typical sequence, variations in timing are normal; some babies might get their first tooth as early as 3 or 4 months, or as late as their first birthday. When teeth are about to emerge, parents might observe red, swollen, and tender gums, or a faint whiteness at the gum line where the tooth is pushing through.
When to Seek Dental Advice
While seeing teeth through gums is a normal part of development, certain signs indicate a need for professional dental evaluation. If your baby has a high fever (over 101°F / 38.3°C) or experiences severe diarrhea, these symptoms are not caused by teething and warrant a consultation with a pediatrician or dentist. Persistent, intense pain, significant or unusual swelling, or any signs of pus or discharge around the gums also require professional assessment.
A child who is unusually irritable, lethargic, or has a rash beyond what might be caused by excessive drooling should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional. If no teeth have erupted by 12 to 18 months of age, or if you have concerns about the sequence or development of your child’s teeth, consult a pediatric dentist. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing.
Comforting Teething Symptoms
Parents can employ several safe and effective methods to help alleviate their baby’s discomfort during teething. Offering a firm rubber teething ring that has been chilled in the refrigerator, but not frozen, can provide soothing pressure and a cooling sensation to the gums. Gentle gum massage using a clean finger can also relieve pain.
A cool, wet washcloth, chilled in the refrigerator, offers another effective way for babies to soothe their tender gums. For babies who have started solid foods, chilled, soft snacks like applesauce or pureed fruits can provide comfort. If your baby seems particularly distressed, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as infant acetaminophen, can be used, but always consult with a pediatrician for dosage guidelines before administering medication. Avoid using teething gels containing benzocaine or homeopathic teething tablets, as these are not recommended and can pose health risks.