If you’re wondering when do babies start teething, you’re not alone. As a parent, caregiver, or soon-to-be parent, teething often becomes a concern the moment your baby starts drooling more, chewing on everything, or waking up fussier than usual. I’ve seen many parents assume teething starts suddenly, but in real life, it’s usually a gradual process that begins well before the first tooth appears.

Teething is a normal developmental milestone, not a medical condition. However, the timing varies widely from baby to baby, which is why online advice often feels confusing or contradictory. Some babies cut their first tooth at four months, others closer to their first birthday—and both can be perfectly healthy.

This guide explains when babies usually start teething, what early signs actually mean, what’s normal versus concerning, and how pediatric dental experts view the process today. The information is reviewed and aligned with guidance from trusted medical authorities such as Mayo Clinic, the American Dental Association (ADA), and peer-reviewed pediatric research indexed in PubMed, while keeping the language practical and parent-friendly.

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What Is Teething?

Teething is the process where a baby’s primary (baby) teeth slowly move up through the gums and become visible in the mouth. Most children develop 20 primary teeth, which later fall out to make room for adult teeth.

From real-world experience, teething doesn’t happen all at once. It occurs in stages, with quiet periods followed by short windows of discomfort as each tooth erupts.

Key point: Teething is a developmental phase, not an illness—and it does not cause serious symptoms like high fever or prolonged sickness.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age, with 6 months being the average starting point.

That said, pediatric dentists consistently emphasize that timing alone does not indicate a problem.

Common Teething Age Ranges

Teething Timing	Age Range	Is It Normal?
Early teething	3–4 months	Yes
Average teething	5–7 months	Yes
Later teething	8–12 months	Yes
Very late teething	After 12 months	Usually yes, but worth mentioning to a pediatrician

From experience, parents often worry unnecessarily if their baby hasn’t started teething by 9 months. In most cases, delayed teething runs in families and resolves naturally.

“Teething timelines vary widely, and delayed tooth eruption is rarely linked to health problems.”

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Why Do Some Babies Teethe Earlier or Later?

There is no single cause that determines when teething starts. Multiple factors play a role.

Factors That Influence Teething Timing

• Genetics (often the biggest factor)
• Overall growth and development
• Birth weight and gestational age
• Individual differences in bone and gum development

Despite common myths, nutrition and feeding method (breastfed vs formula-fed) do not reliably predict when teething will begin.

Which Baby Teeth Come First?

Even though timing varies, the order of tooth eruption tends to follow a consistent pattern.

Typical Baby Teeth Eruption Order

1. Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) – 6 to 10 months
2. Upper central incisors – 8 to 12 months
3. Upper lateral incisors – 9 to 13 months
4. Lower lateral incisors – 10 to 16 months
5. First molars – 13 to 19 months
6. Canines – 16 to 23 months
7. Second molars – 23 to 33 months

By age three, most children have a full set of primary teeth.

Early Signs of Teething

One thing parents often notice is that teething symptoms can start weeks before a tooth actually appears. This is because the tooth is moving under the gum surface long before eruption.

Common Early Teething Signs

• Increased drooling
• Chewing on hands, toys, or fingers
• Swollen or sensitive gums
• Mild fussiness or clinginess
• Rubbing cheeks or jaw area
• Slight changes in sleep patterns

From hands-on experience, drooling combined with constant chewing is often the earliest and most reliable sign.

“If your baby suddenly wants to chew everything in reach, teething may already be underway—even if no tooth is visible yet.”

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What Teething Does Not Cause

One of the most important distinctions pediatric experts make is between true teething symptoms and unrelated health issues that often occur around the same age.

Symptoms Not Caused by Teething

• High fever (above 100.4°F / 38°C)
• Persistent diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Severe congestion
• Ongoing rash unrelated to drool

According to guidance aligned with Mayo Clinic and ADA recommendations, teething should never be blamed for significant illness. If these symptoms appear, they should be evaluated separately.

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How Long Does Teething Last?

Teething is not a single event—it’s a process that spans months to years.

Typical Teething Duration Per Tooth

• Pressure and gum irritation: 3–5 days before eruption
• Tooth breaking through the gum: 1–2 days
• Gradual relief afterward

In real-life parenting, discomfort tends to come in short waves, not continuous pain. Long periods of distress usually point to something other than teething.

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Is Teething Painful for Babies?

Teething can cause mild to moderate discomfort, but it should not be severely painful. Most babies remain alert, active, and consolable, even during uncomfortable days.

If a baby seems inconsolable, refuses feeds, or shows unusual lethargy, it’s important to consider other causes rather than assuming teething alone.

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Safe, Evidence-Based Ways to Soothe a Teething Baby

Parents often ask what actually works. Based on pediatric dental guidance and real-world effectiveness, simple methods are usually best.

Safe Teething Relief Options

• Gently massaging gums with a clean finger
• Offering a chilled (not frozen) teething ring
• Letting baby chew on a cool, clean washcloth
• Maintaining normal feeding routines

The American Dental Association advises against using numbing gels containing benzocaine for infants due to safety risks.

“Cold pressure and gentle gum massage are often more effective than medicated products.”

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Teething vs Illness: How to Tell the Difference

One of the most common concerns parents raise is whether their baby’s symptoms are due to teething or an unrelated illness. This confusion is understandable because teething often begins around the same age babies start encountering common viral infections.

Teething vs Illness Comparison Table

Symptom	Teething	Illness
Drooling	Very common	Sometimes
Chewing or biting	Very common	Rare
Swollen gums	Common	Rare
Mild irritability	Common	Common
Low-grade temperature	Sometimes	Common
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)	❌ No	✅ Yes
Diarrhea	❌ No	✅ Possible
Vomiting	❌ No	✅ Possible
Lethargy	❌ No	✅ Common

From real-world experience, teething-related discomfort usually comes and goes. Illness-related symptoms tend to persist or worsen over time.

“If symptoms last more than a few days or include fever or digestive issues, it’s unlikely teething alone is the cause.”

Does Teething Cause Fever or Diarrhea?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions parents encounter online.

Fever and Teething

Teething does not cause a true fever. A slight temperature increase may occur due to gum inflammation, but anything above 100.4°F (38°C) should be treated as illness-related.

Diarrhea and Teething

Teething does not cause diarrhea. Mild stool changes may happen if a baby swallows more saliva, but frequent or watery stools are not considered a teething symptom.

Medical guidance aligned with pediatric research and ADA recommendations clearly separates teething from systemic illness.

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Teething and Sleep: What’s Normal?

Many parents notice disrupted sleep around teething phases. From practical experience, this disruption is usually temporary and tied to nighttime discomfort when the baby is lying flat.

Why Teething Affects Sleep

• Increased gum pressure at night
• Reduced distractions compared to daytime
• Developmental sleep regressions overlapping with teething age

Helpful Sleep Tips During Teething

• Keep bedtime routines consistent
• Offer comfort without introducing new sleep habits
• Use soothing techniques already familiar to the baby

Prolonged sleep problems are rarely caused by teething alone.

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When Should You See a Pediatrician or Dentist?

Teething usually doesn’t require medical treatment. However, professional guidance is recommended in certain situations.

When to Contact a Pediatrician

• No teeth by 18 months
• Severe or worsening symptoms
• Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea present
• Baby appears unusually lethargic or inconsolable

First Dental Visit Timing

The American Dental Association recommends:

• A baby’s first dental visit by age one, or
• Within six months of the first tooth eruption

Early dental visits help establish healthy oral habits and detect issues early.

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Common Myths About Baby Teething

Myth 1: Teething causes serious illness

Fact: Teething does not cause high fever, infections, or digestive illness.

Myth 2: All babies suffer intense pain while teething

Fact: Most babies experience mild discomfort, not severe pain.

Myth 3: Teething gels are necessary

Fact: Simple physical methods work better and are safer than medicated gels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How Long Does the Teething Process Continue Overall?

Teething continues until all primary teeth erupt, usually by age 2½ to 3 years. However, discomfort is intermittent rather than constant.

Overall Teething Timeline

• First tooth: ~6 months (average)
• Multiple eruptions: 6–24 months
• Final primary molars: by age 3

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Key Takeaways

• Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months
• Early or late teething is usually normal
• Common signs include drooling, chewing, and mild fussiness
• Teething does not cause high fever or diarrhea
• Safe relief includes gum massage and chilled teething rings
• First dental visit should occur by age one

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Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For guidance specific to your dental condition or recovery, please consult your dentist, oral surgeon, or licensed healthcare provider.