When Does Teething Start?
The first teeth to erupt are almost always the lower front incisors (the two bottom front teeth), followed by the upper front incisors.
Order of the Primary Teeth
| Order | Tooth | Eruption Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower central incisors (2 teeth) | 6–10 months |
| 2 | Upper central incisors (2 teeth) | 8–12 months |
| 3 | Upper lateral incisors (2 teeth) | 9–13 months |
| 4 | Lower lateral incisors (2 teeth) | 10–16 months |
| 5 | First molars (4 teeth) | 13–19 months |
| 6 | Canines (4 teeth) | 16–23 months |
| 7 | Second molars (4 teeth) | 23–33 months |
💡 Total: The full set of 20 primary (milk) teeth is usually complete by 2.5–3 years of age. Every child's timing is different — a few months either way is normal.
Signs and Symptoms of Teething
Normal Signs
- Swollen, red gums — the most common sign
- Excessive drooling — a wet chin and chest
- Fussiness and crying — particularly at night
- Chewing on things — putting everything in the mouth
- Reduced appetite — refusing to feed
- Disturbed sleep — waking in the night
- Pulling at the ear — referred gum pain
- Red cheek — on the side the tooth is coming through
Teething Temperature
Teething can cause a mild rise in temperature (37.5–38 °C). However:
- A temperature above 38 °C cannot be blamed on teething
- A high temperature usually points to a concurrent infection
- A temperature above 38 °C lasting more than 24 hours needs review by your GP
Does Teething Cause Diarrhoea?
Despite the popular belief, teething does not directly cause diarrhoea. However:
- Swallowing extra saliva can produce looser stools
- Babies mouth a lot of objects and can pick up germs
- See your GP if there is severe diarrhoea or blood in the stools
What Helps a Teething Baby?
Safe Ways to Soothe
- Chilled teething ring: Cooled in the fridge (never frozen) — a silicone ring is ideal
- Cool damp cloth: A clean piece of muslin dampened with cool water, gently pressed on the gum
- Finger massage: Apply light pressure to the gum with a clean finger
- Chilled fruit (6 months+): Cold banana or cucumber, offered in a mesh feeder for safety
- Paracetamol syrup: From 3 months, on GP or dental advice, at the age-appropriate dose
- Ibuprofen syrup: From 6 months, on GP or dental advice
What Not to Do
- Do not use an amber teething necklace — strangulation and choking risk, no evidence of benefit
- Use teething gels with caution — the FDA and MHRA advise against benzocaine-containing gels in young children
- Do not give anything frozen — it can burn the gum
- Never give aspirin — risk of Reye's syndrome
- Do not apply honey — botulism risk under 1 year
Looking After Primary Teeth
From the First Tooth (6–12 Months)
- Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
- A smear of fluoride toothpaste (rice-grain size)
- A soft baby toothbrush
- Twice a day (morning and bedtime)
1–3 Years
- A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Parents should brush the teeth (children cannot do it properly on their own)
- Prevent bottle decay (no bottle at bedtime)
3–6 Years
- Supervised brushing
- Start flossing if the teeth touch
- First dental visit no later than this stage
💡 First dental visit: Bring your baby to a paediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or by 1 year of age at the latest. Early check-ups are the most effective way to prevent decay.
Teeth Erupting Through the Palate
Occasionally, permanent teeth (particularly the upper canines) erupt through the palate — this is known as ectopic eruption:
- The permanent tooth comes through before the primary tooth has fallen out
- There is not enough room in the jaw
- An orthodontic assessment may be needed
- Early intervention (extraction of the primary tooth) can correct it
When Do the Canines Fall Out?
The order in which primary teeth are shed:
| Primary Tooth | Age When Shed |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6–7 years |
| Upper central incisors | 7–8 years |
| Lateral incisors | 7–8 years |
| First molars | 9–11 years |
| Canines | 9–12 years |
| Second molars | 10–12 years |
Primary canines generally fall out between 9 and 12 years. A radiograph is recommended if they are significantly delayed.
References
- McIntyre GT, McIntyre GM. Teething troubles? Br Dent J. 2002;192(5):251–255. PubMed
- Massignan C, Cardoso M, Porporatti AL, et al. Signs and symptoms of primary tooth eruption: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2016;137(3):e20153501. PubMed
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on infant oral health care. Pediatr Dent. 2018;40(6):213–225. aapd.org
For your baby's dental health book a paediatric check-up at Maltepe Derya Dental Clinic.
📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.
