Teething has a reputation for being dramatic. Sometimes it is: drool, chewing everything, a fussy week. Other times a tooth pops through and you only notice when it clinks on the spoon. Both are normal.
The teething timeline, in plain terms
Every child runs on their own schedule, and late or early is usually just late or early. Use this as a rough map rather than a deadline.
| Approximate age | What you might see |
|---|---|
| 4–7 months | Bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) often arrive first |
| 8–12 months | Top front teeth, then the teeth on either side of them |
| 13–19 months | First molars, the wide chewing teeth toward the back |
| 16–23 months | Canines, the pointed teeth next to the front ones |
| 23–33 months | Second molars, the last baby teeth to appear |
Ranges vary. A baby with no teeth at 13 months is often just on the slower end, but bring it up at your visit so we can take a look.
How to tell it’s teething (and not something else)
Common, mild teething signs include:
- Extra drooling and a wet chin or chest
- Chewing on fingers, toys, and the edge of the crib
- Swollen, tender-looking gums
- Being fussier than usual, especially at night
- Slightly reduced interest in solid food
What teething does not typically cause is a high fever, vomiting, or severe diarrhea. If your baby has any of those, or seems very unwell, call your pediatrician instead of assuming it’s a tooth.
Safe ways to soothe a teething baby
Cold, not frozen
A chilled (refrigerator-cold) silicone teether or a clean, damp washcloth gives gums something firm and cool to press against. Fully frozen items can be too hard.
Gum massage
With a clean finger, gently rub the sore spot for a minute or two. Many babies visibly relax.
Extra cuddles
Teething is uncomfortable. Comfort, a quiet routine, and a little extra holding are legitimate treatments.
Wipe the drool
A soft cloth and a dab of barrier balm on the chin can prevent the rash that comes with constant drool.
If your baby is still very uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician about a dose-appropriate pain reliever. Never guess at dosing for infants.
What to avoid
- Benzocaine gels and tablets. The FDA has warned against using benzocaine products for teething in young children because of a rare but serious blood condition. Skip them.
- Amber teething necklaces. These are a choking and strangulation hazard, and there is no good evidence they work.
- Hard or fully frozen teethers. They can bruise tender gums.
- Liquid-filled teethers that could burst or crack.
- Rubbing alcohol or home remedies applied to the gums.
Caring for new teeth the day they arrive
The moment a tooth breaks through, it’s ready for care. Twice a day, brush with a soft, infant-size brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Before teeth appear, wiping the gums with a soft cloth after feeds is fine.
Once a tooth is visible, put a dental visit on the calendar. It’s the right moment for a first infant oral health check and for a talk about fluoride, feeding at night, and pacifiers. Our post on when your child should first see a dentist covers what that appointment looks like. When brushing time arrives, our toddler brushing guide is a good next read.
When to call the dentist or doctor
- A tooth hasn’t appeared by around 12–15 months
- Gums look very red, swollen with a bump, or you see pus
- A tooth looks darker than others or has spots
- Your baby refuses to eat or drink for a stretch, or has a fever over what your pediatrician has told you to watch for
- Your child has fallen and hit the mouth (see our pediatric emergency page)
Myths worth retiring
Teething doesn’t cause serious illness, and it doesn’t explain a high fever or a lingering cold. Rubbing whiskey or another alcohol on the gums is an old remedy to skip entirely. And while a tooth erupting can make a baby fussy, it doesn’t justify skipping sleep routines. Keep the routine steady, and lean on comfort.
A note for parents who are worn out
Teething coincides with some of the hardest parenting weeks: broken sleep, more laundry, less patience. You’re not doing it wrong if your baby is unhappy. Tooth eruption is uncomfortable for a few days per tooth, and then it passes. A simple routine helps: offer a cold teether before naps and bedtime, keep a couple in rotation so there’s always a clean one, and wipe the face after meals.
A quick teething-day checklist
- Chilled teether in the fridge (not the freezer)
- Clean washcloths for gum pressure and drool
- Barrier balm for the chin
- Your pediatrician’s advice on any pain reliever
- A calm, predictable bedtime, since babies cope better when the routine stays steady
Once teeth do arrive, the goal shifts from soothing to protecting. That’s where habits like brushing twice a day and watching what goes into bottles and cups pay off for years to come. If you live in Beaverton or nearby and would like a second pair of eyes on a new tooth, we’re glad to look. Bring a photo of anything that seems odd, such as a discolored tooth or an unusual bump, since the picture helps us see what you saw at home.
This article is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an exam. If your child has swelling, fever or serious pain, call us right away; in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.