Your baby’s first tooth will likely pop up sometime between 6 and 12 months old, though there’s a wide range of normal. Teething signs often begin earlier, as early as 3 months old. Before your baby’s first tooth erupts, you might notice fussiness, drool, facial rash, low-grade fever, swollen and sensitive gums, and disrupted sleep. A baby’s first teeth are usually the bottom two center teeth, followed by the top two center teeth, those on the sides, and the molars.
When do babies get a first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth when they’re between 6 and 12 months old. Teeth start developing while your baby is in the womb, as tooth buds form in the gums. But it usually takes several months after birth before a tooth pokes its way to the surface.
Some babies begin teething early – as soon as 3 months old. (Very rarely, a baby’s first tooth is already visible at birth, known as a natal tooth.) In other cases, you may have to wait until your child is a year or older to see those first pearly whites. If there’s still no tooth in sight when your baby reaches their first birthday, mention it to your doctor, who may refer you to a pediatric dentist.
Teeth can erupt one at a time, or several can come through at once. Whenever your baby’s first tooth makes its appearance, celebrate the milestone by taking pictures and noting the date in your child’s baby book.
What order do baby teeth come in?
In most children, teeth often appear in this order: the bottom two middle teeth first, then the top two middle ones, then those along the sides and back.
The last teeth to appear (the second molars, at the very back of the mouth on the top and bottom) usually come in around your baby’s second birthday or in the months shortly after.
By age 3, your child may have a full set of 20 baby teeth. They’ll start to fall out when the permanent teeth are ready to come in, usually starting when your child is around 6 years old.
Check out our baby teeth chart for more on when different baby teeth come in and fall out.
What should I expect when my baby gets a first tooth?
Some babies get through teething with no signs at all. By some estimates, only one in three babies experiences noticeable teething symptoms. Many parents, however, report that their babies do feel some discomfort. Common signs of teething include:
- Irritability or fussiness
- Drooling (which can cause a facial rash)
- Swollen, sensitive gums
- Gnawing or biting
- Low-grade fever (100.4 degrees F or less)
- Trouble sleeping
- Rubbing the face
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To ease your baby’s teething pain, offer them a teething ring or a washcloth that’s been chilled in the fridge. You can also offer your baby cold foods if they’ve started eating solid foods or finger foods.
If your little one is still uncomfortable, you may want to give them a pain reliever like acetaminophen with your doctor’s okay. Just be sure to avoid aspirin, topical teething creams and gels, and homeopathic teething products (especially those with belladonna, benzocaine, or lidocaine). These products can be hazardous for babies and kids.
Skip teething necklaces and bracelets, too – according to the U.S. Food & Drug AdministrationOpens a new window, these have caused choking, strangulation, and mouth injuries.
If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s teeth, reach out to their pediatrician or to a pediatric dentist.
