When do babies start teething?

Usually the lower central incisors come through first, and the age at which that happens varies widely by population: 6 months in North America and 13.5 months in Asia in a meta-analysis of 42 studies covering 42,109 children (PubMed 38128337). A first tooth arriving later than the often-quoted six months is therefore within normal variation for many children.

Does teething cause fever in babies?

The meta-analysis found that eruption could raise body temperature, but the rise was not characterised as fever (PubMed 26908659). This matters practically: a high fever during the teething months is a separate illness that needs its own assessment, and attributing it to teeth delays that assessment. Mild warmth alongside gum irritation and drooling is the typical picture.

How can I soothe my baby's gums during teething?

Counter-pressure and cold are the two mechanisms that help: a chilled teether, gentle massage of the gum with a clean finger, or a cooled pacifier. Gingival irritation was the most frequently reported sign at 86.81% (PubMed 26908659), which is why the measures that work are the ones aimed at the gum itself. Adult painkillers or gels are not used without medical advice.

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Cleaning starts as soon as the first tooth breaks through, with a clean cloth or a finger brush, and moves to a small soft toothbrush with toothpaste from around age one. Sleeping with a bottle is stopped at the same point, because pooled sweetened liquid around newly erupted teeth is the classic mechanism of early childhood decay.

When should a baby have their first dentist visit?

After the first tooth appears, and by the first birthday at the latest. The visit is not a treatment appointment: it establishes whether eruption and jaw development are on track, identifies feeding and cleaning habits that create risk, and gives parents a baseline. Early visits also make later appointments less stressful for the child.

What is the Healthy Teething Process in Babies?

// Quick answer

Teething is the eruption of the 20 primary teeth through the gum, normally starting with the lower central incisors and finishing around age three. Timing varies by population rather than being fixed: a meta-analysis of 42 studies covering 42,109 children found the mandibular central incisor erupting at 6 months in North America and at 13.5 months in Asia, and the second primary molar between 20.1 months in Europe and 29 months in South America (PubMed 38128337). Symptoms are common but local: across 16 studies, 70.5% of children aged 0 to 36 months showed signs during eruption (PubMed 26908659).

// Key takeaways

01A complete primary dentition is 20 teeth, normally in place by around age three, erupting in a broadly fixed order that starts with the lower central incisors.
02Eruption timing varies by region: the mandibular central incisor appeared at 6 months in North America and 13.5 months in Asia, and the second primary molar at 20.1 months in Europe against 29 months in South America (PubMed 38128337, 42 studies, 42,109 children).
03Signs occur in most but not all infants: overall prevalence during primary tooth eruption was 70.5% across 16 studies with 3,506 children (PubMed 26908659).
04The most frequent signs were gingival irritation at 86.81%, irritability at 68.19% and drooling at 55.72%, that is local discomfort rather than systemic illness (PubMed 26908659).
05Eruption could raise body temperature, but the rise was not characterised as fever in the meta-analysis, so a genuine high fever should be investigated as a separate illness rather than attributed to teething (PubMed 26908659).

The teething process in babies is an exciting but sometimes challenging period for parents. The teething process can vary from baby to baby, and while some babies go through this process without any problems, it can be unsettling for others. So, what should the healthy teething process be like in babies? In this article, we will discuss in detail the stages of the teething process, its symptoms, and what parents should do during this period.

/ The Teething Process in Babies

Babies' first teeth usually start to appear around the 6th month, but this process can start in the 3rd month in some babies, and can be delayed until the 12th month in some babies. The teething process in babies consists of the following stages:

The First Teeth Appearing (0-6 Months)

When babies are born, the foundations of the milk teeth are located under the gums.
Starting from the month, some babies may experience swelling in the gums and increased salivation.
Around the month, the lower front incisors begin to appear.

The Teething Process (6-12 Months)

First, the lower and upper incisors appear.
There may be itching and discomfort in the gums.
Babies try to scratch their gums by putting their hands in their mouths.

The Molars and Canines Appearing (12-24 Months)

After the month, the lateral incisors appear.
Canine teeth appear between the 16th and 20th months.
Between the 20th and 24th months, the first molars begin to appear.

Completion Process (24-36 Months)

Second molars begin to appear around the age of 2.
A total of 20 milk teeth are completed by the age of 3.

Late Teething

If teeth have not yet appeared after 12 months, a doctor should be consulted.
Genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies and health problems can cause delays.

/ Teething Symptoms in Babies

Each baby may show different symptoms during the teething process. However, common symptoms include:

Excessive drooling
Swollen and red gums
Restlessness and sleep problems
Loss of appetite
Constantly putting hands in mouth
Low fever and diarrhea (rarely)
Inclination to scratch gums
Ear pulling and cheek rubbing
Desire to suck more or refusal to suck

/ Things to Do for Healthy Teething in Babies

Some precautions can be taken to ensure that babies feel comfortable during the teething process and to protect their dental health.

Gum Soothing Methods

Using cold teethers.
Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger or a cold spoon.
Giving hard vegetable or fruit slices (certainly under parental supervision).
If using a pacifier, give a cooled pacifier.
Dental gels can be used with a doctor's recommendation.

Protecting Oral and Dental Health

After the first teeth appear, teeth should be cleaned with a clean cloth or finger brush.
Starting at the age of 1, children should get into the habit of brushing with toothpaste.
Sugary and sticky foods should be avoided.
The habit of sleeping with a bottle should be prevented.

Pay Attention to Nutrition

Milk and dairy products rich in calcium should be consumed.
Care should be taken to take vitamin D.
A balanced and healthy diet should be established.

Sleep Routine and Relaxing Measures

The gums can be massaged before sleep.
Soothing music and a warm bath can relax the baby.
A safe and comfortable sleeping environment should be provided for the baby.

/ Things Not to Do During the Teething Process

Using painkillers or dental gels used for adults without consulting a doctor.
Giving very cold or hot foods such as ice.
Giving teething rings to babies without cleaning them.
Trying to treat babies with unnecessary antibiotics.

/ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the teething process last in babies?

The time from when the tooth starts to come out of the gums until it is completely visible can usually vary from a few days to a few weeks.

Is a fever normal when teething?

A slight fever may be seen, but if there is a high fever, a doctor should be consulted.

My baby is extremely restless when teething, what can I do?

The baby can be relaxed with cold teething rings, gum massage and distracting activities.

What foods are recommended during the teething process?

Soft and cold foods such as yogurt, bananas, boiled vegetables are recommended.

When should babies have their first dentist check-up?

A dentist visit is recommended after the first tooth comes out or at the latest when they are 1 year old.

Is late teething a health problem?

It may be normal for a tooth not to come out until the 1st month. However, if a tooth does not come out by the 18th month, a dentist should be consulted.

The teething process in babies is a period that requires attention from parents. In order for this process to go through healthily, it is important to comfort the baby and pay attention to oral care. With proper care and nutrition, babies can have healthy teeth.

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// References

// Written by

Specialist Dentist Ebru İmren

Paediatric Dentistry

Medically reviewed by: Dr Ferit Kaval, PhD