If your little one has started drooling more than usual and chewing on everything in sight, you might be wondering if teething has begun. It's one of the questions we hear most often from parents in Eglinton, Alkimos and Butler. At Eglinton Dental Care we know it can feel like a big milestone, and also a bit of a worry when you're not sure what's normal. Here's a plain-English guide to when babies start teething, what signs to look out for, and how to help your baby feel more comfortable.
When do babies start teething?
There's no exact date when teething begins, because every baby is a little different. Teething starts between 4 and 10 months. Some babies get their first tooth earlier, and some later, and both are perfectly normal.
According to Raising Children Network, for most babies, teeth begin to appear between 6 and 10 months, but in some children teeth appear as early as 3 months, and in others they don't arrive until around 12 months. A very small number of children are born with 1-2 teeth. So if your baby's friend at playgroup already has a tooth and yours doesn't, there's no need to worry. It really does vary that much from one baby to the next.
If your baby hasn't shown any signs of teething by around their first birthday, it's worth mentioning at their next check-up. Most of the time it's simply their own pace of development, but a dentist can take a look and put your mind at ease.
What order do baby teeth usually arrive in?
Baby teeth tend to follow a fairly predictable pattern, even though the timing differs. Here's the general order you can expect to see, based on information from the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network:
- Lower front teeth (bottom central incisors) usually arrive first
- Upper front teeth (top central incisors) follow
- Upper and lower side teeth (lateral incisors) come through next
- First molars (the back chewing teeth) appear, often causing more discomfort
- Canines (the pointy teeth) fill in the gaps
- Second molars are usually the last baby teeth to arrive
Most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth by around their third birthday. Keep in mind this order is a general guide only, and plenty of babies do things in a slightly different sequence without any problem at all.
Teething symptoms to watch for
Teething symptoms can show up before you even see a tooth. Common early signs include:
- More drooling than usual
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Wanting to chew or bite on things
- Being more unsettled, clingy or grizzly than normal
- Slightly disturbed sleep or feeding patterns
- A small rise in temperature around the mouth and chin from drool
It's worth knowing what teething does not usually cause. Teething is not usually associated with illness. If your baby has symptoms such as coughing, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures, or a high fever of 38°C or more, see your doctor, as your child may need treatment. If you're ever unsure whether something is teething or an illness, it's always best to check with your GP or child health nurse rather than guess.
How long does teething last?
Teething isn't one single event. It happens in bursts, each time a new tooth is working its way through the gum. Your baby might seem quite unsettled for a few days before a tooth appears, then settle down again until the next one starts.
Because the full set of baby teeth takes a couple of years to come through, you can expect these ups and downs on and off until your child is close to three years old. The good news is that each individual episode is usually short-lived, even if the overall process feels like it goes on for a while.
Gentle ways to soothe sore gums
There are some simple, safe things you can try at home when your baby seems uncomfortable:
- Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger
- Offer a clean, cooled (not frozen) teething ring to chew on
- Try a cold, damp washcloth for them to gnaw on
- Give extra cuddles, since comfort and closeness genuinely help
- Wipe away drool often to help prevent a rash around the chin and mouth
If your child is in a lot of pain, you can give them paracetamol, following the dose instructions on the pack, or ask your pharmacist what's suitable for your baby's age. We don't recommend teething gels or amber necklaces. If you're ever unsure what's safe to use, your pharmacist, GP or dentist can guide you.
Seek urgent care at a hospital emergency department if your baby has spreading facial swelling, a high fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won't stop. These aren't signs of normal teething and need prompt attention.
Caring for your baby's first teeth
As soon as that first tooth appears, it's time to start a simple cleaning routine. A soft infant toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth wiped gently over the tooth and gum line is enough to begin with. This is also a good time to start thinking about your baby's first dental visit.
At Eglinton Dental Care we welcome babies and toddlers, and our team is happy to talk through what to expect at an early visit, show you how to clean those first teeth properly, and answer any questions about feeding, dummies or thumb-sucking. You can read more about our approach on our children's dentistry page, or get a sense of how we work with little ones who are new to the dentist's chair. We go at your child's pace, explain each step in a way that makes sense for their age, and there's never any pressure.
Once your child has a full set of baby teeth, regular visits for check-ups and cleaning help keep things on track and catch any small issues early. Eligible children can be bulk-billed for certain dental services under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule. You can check your child's eligibility on the Services Australia website, and our front desk team can talk you through how this works for your family.
If you have questions about teething, first visits, or anything else, our FAQ page covers many of the things new parents ask us. And if you have a health fund, simply bring your card along. Most private health-fund rebates are claimed on the spot through HICAPS, so you only pay the gap on the day.
Frequently asked questions
When do babies start teething on average?
Teething starts between 4 and 10 months for most babies, though some start earlier and some later. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so try not to compare too closely with other babies.
What are the first signs that a baby is teething?
The earliest signs are usually extra drooling, red or swollen gums, and a tendency to chew on fingers, toys or anything within reach. Some babies become a little more unsettled or have disturbed sleep in the days before a tooth appears.
Does teething cause fever in babies?
Teething can cause a very slight rise in temperature, but it shouldn't cause a high fever. Teething is not usually associated with illness, so if your baby has a high fever of 38°C or more, along with symptoms like coughing, rashes, diarrhoea or vomiting, it's best to see your doctor.
How long does the teething process last overall?
From the first tooth to the last of the baby teeth, the whole process generally plays out over the first two to three years of life. Each individual tooth tends to cause discomfort for only a few days at a time.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
It's a good idea to book a visit once the first tooth appears, or by their first birthday at the latest. This gives our team a chance to check things are developing well and show you how to care for those first little teeth.
Teething is a normal part of your baby's growth, and most families get through it with a bit of patience and a few comfort tricks up their sleeve. If you'd like some reassurance, have questions about your child's teeth, or it's time for their first check-up, the team at Eglinton Dental Care in Eglinton is here to help. Give us a call on 08 9564 1007 or book a time online that suits your family.
