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Teething is one of those early childhood development milestones that can feel both exciting and exhausting. One day your baby is their usual self, and the next they may be dribbling more, chewing everything in sight, waking more often or showing signs of discomfort around their gums.
Every child is different. Some babies cut their first milk tooth with barely any fuss, while others need a little more comfort, patience and care along the way. The good news is that teething is a normal part of growing up, and there are gentle ways to help your little one through it.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most common signs of teething, what can be mistaken for teething, the usual order of tooth eruption, and simple tips families can try at home.
Most babies start showing signs of teething around 6 months, though some begin before 4 months and others after 12 months. The NHS notes that teething can occur with no pain or discomfort at all, but some babies may show symptoms such as sore gums, increased dribbling, increased chewing, a mild temperature below 38°C, and disrupted sleep.
Teething is part of a much bigger journey of growth and learning. Just like rolling, crawling, babbling and walking, each new tooth is a small sign that your child is developing.
A typical baby tooth timeline might look like this:
| Age | What may happen |
|---|---|
| Around 5 to 7 months | Bottom front teeth, also called bottom incisors, may begin to appear |
| Around 6 to 8 months | Top front teeth may start to come through |
| Around 9 to 12 months | More incisors may appear |
| Around 12 to 16 months | First molars may start to emerge |
| Around 16 to 20 months | Canines may come through |
| Around 20 to 30 months | Second molars may appear |
These timings are only a guide. Some children get teeth earlier or later, and this is often nothing to worry about. If you ever feel unsure about your child’s development, your health visitor, GP or dentist can offer reassurance.
You can also read more about key childhood development milestones and what families might notice as children grow.
Teething does not usually happen in one neat week. A tooth may move under the gum for a while before you see the first white edge appear. During this time, your baby might be more unsettled for a few days, then seem fine again.
By the age of two or three, most children will have all their baby teeth. NCT also explains that most babies start teething at around six months, although there is a wide normal range.
The first teeth to appear are often the bottom incisors, which are the small front teeth on the lower gum. These are usually followed by the top incisors, then the side incisors, molars, canines and second molars.
Children usually grow 20 milk teeth in total. These little teeth play an important role in biting, chewing, speech development and holding space for adult teeth later on.
Teething symptoms can vary from child to child. Some babies show several signs, while others show only one or two.
One of the clearest signs of teething is a sore or red area on the gum where a tooth is coming through. Your baby may rub their gums with their fingers, press toys against their mouth or want to chew more than usual.
Dribbling can also increase during teething. If saliva sits on the skin around the mouth, chin or cheeks, it may cause a mild teething rash. Gently wiping the area with a soft cloth and using a baby-safe barrier cream can help protect delicate skin.
Many babies dribble more when they are teething. You may also notice them chewing on toys, fingers, muslins or anything they can safely reach. This pressure can feel soothing on sore gums.
A mild temperature can sometimes happen with teething, but a true fever should not be dismissed as “just teething”. If your child has a temperature of 38°C or above, seems very unwell, is not feeding, has diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash that does not fade, or you are worried, seek medical advice.
Teething can make some babies more fretful than usual. They may want extra cuddles, wake more often at night or find feeding uncomfortable for a short time.
This can be tiring for parents, especially when sleep has only just started to settle. Try to keep routines as calm and familiar as possible. A cuddle, a cool teething ring or a gentle gum rub with a clean finger may help your little one feel more comfortable.
It is easy to blame teething for every unsettled day, especially because it happens across such a long stage of babyhood. But not every symptom is caused by teeth.
A cold, ear infection, tummy bug or other illness can sometimes be mistaken for teething. Signs that something else may be going on include a high temperature, persistent crying, a cough, breathing changes, pulling at the ear with clear distress, vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced wet nappies or unusual drowsiness.
If your child seems very unwell, trust your instincts and contact your GP, NHS 111, or the emergency services if it's urgent.
You should seek medical advice if your baby is under three months and has a temperature, if your child’s temperature is 38°C or higher, or if they have symptoms that feel unusual for them.
Teething can be uncomfortable, but it should not cause serious illness. Parents know their children best, so it is always okay to ask for help if something does not feel right.
Tooth eruption is the process by which a tooth moves through the gum and becomes visible in the mouth.
A baby’s teeth begin developing long before they appear. The first stage happens during pregnancy, when the foundations for milk teeth are forming beneath the gums.
The five broad stages are:
There are several gentle ways to ease teething discomfort.
A clean, cool teething ring can provide your baby with a safe chew toy. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid freezing teething rings until they are solid, as this can be too hard for delicate gums.
If your baby is already eating solids, cool, soft foods such as yoghurt or chilled fruit purée may feel soothing. Stay close while your child is eating and avoid hard foods that could be a choking risk.
You can also try rubbing your baby’s gums gently with a clean finger.
Some families consider teething gels, but it is important to check what is suitable for your child’s age and follow the instructions carefully. If your baby seems very uncomfortable, speak to a pharmacist, GP or health visitor about safe pain relief options.
Avoid amber teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets, as they can be a choking or strangulation risk.
Sometimes the simplest things help most. Extra cuddles, a calm bedtime routine, gentle play and patience can make a big difference.
If your child attends nursery, let their educator know they are teething. They can offer comfort, keep an eye on symptoms and support your little one’s usual routine.
Once that first tooth appears, dental care begins.
The NHS recommends brushing baby teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. For children under three, use a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride, unless a dentist advises otherwise.
Use a small, soft-bristled baby toothbrush and make brushing part of your daily rhythm. It may feel tricky at first, but consistency helps children get used to it.
For more tips, read our guide on how to maintain your child’s oral health.
A balanced diet supports your child’s overall health and dental development. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks, and offer water or milk as the main drinks.
As your little one grows, regular meals, healthy snacks and toothbrushing routines all help protect those new milk teeth.
Teething can feel like a long phase, but it does pass. With gentle care, safe soothing methods and support when needed, you can help your child feel more comfortable as each new tooth appears.
At N Family Club, our educators support every stage of early development, from first friendships to first words and first teeth. Explore our nurseries in London to learn more about how we support children and families every day.
The earliest signs of teething can include sore or red gums, increased dribbling, increased chewing, flushed cheeks, a mild facial rash, increased fretfulness, and disrupted sleep. Some babies show very few signs before a tooth appears.
Colds, ear infections, tummy bugs and other illnesses can sometimes be mistaken for teething. A high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing changes, unusual drowsiness or signs of dehydration should not be put down to teething. Seek medical advice if you are worried.
The five broad stages are tooth development before birth, movement beneath the gums, first teeth breaking through, molars and canines emerging, and the full set of milk teeth appearing by around two to three years old.
The most difficult teething symptoms for families are often sore gums, crying, disrupted sleep, chewing, dribbling and general discomfort. However, severe symptoms such as a high fever, persistent crying, vomiting or diarrhoea should be checked by a medical professional.
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