When do babies start teething?
BingMag Explains when do babies start teething
That First Little Tooth: A Guide to Navigating Teething with Confidence
Introduction: The Late-Night Worry Session
It's 2 a.m. Your baby, who was sleeping so peacefully just last week, is fussy, crying, and chewing on their own little fist like it's the tastiest thing in the world. You're exhausted, worried, and you do what every modern parent does: you start searching online. Suddenly, you're hit with a tidal wave of conflicting information. One site says teething starts at three months, another says nine. You see lists of a dozen different "symptoms," some of which sound scary. It's so easy to feel lost and stressed, wondering if you're doing something wrong or missing an important clue. I'm here to tell you to take a deep breath. You're not alone in this, and I promise, we can sort through this puzzle together with some clear, simple, and reassuring answers.
So, When Does It Actually Start?
This is the big question, and the honest answer is: every baby is different. While the most common time for that first little tooth to appear is around 6 months of age, there is a huge range of what's considered normal. Some babies might show their first pearly white as early as 3 or 4 months, while others might celebrate their first birthday with a gummy smile. Both are perfectly fine! Your baby has their own unique schedule. Those teeth are already there, waiting under the gums, and they will pop through when they are ready.
A Quick Look Back: A History of Teething Fears
It might sound unbelievable now, but for centuries, people were genuinely terrified of teething. Long ago, before we understood germs and medicine, many babies sadly got sick and passed away during their first couple of years. Because this often happened around the same time they were getting teeth, people mistakenly blamed teething for fevers, diarrhea, and even death. This led to some truly strange and dangerous "remedies," like rubbing strange potions on a baby's gums or even trying to cut the gums open. Thankfully, we now know the truth: teething is a normal, natural process, not a disease. It can be uncomfortable for your baby, but it is not dangerous. It's a sign that your little one is growing and developing exactly as they should.
The Signs of Teething: What to Actually Look For
Your baby can't tell you what's wrong, so you become a detective, looking for clues. Teething signs can be broken down into a few simple categories. Your baby might have many of these, or just one or two.
| Type of Sign | Common Examples | What's Happening? |
|---|---|---|
| Mouth-Related Signs | Lots of drooling, swollen or red gums, chewing on hands/toys, a faint blueish bump under the gums. | This is ground zero. The tooth is pushing against the gums, causing pressure and irritation. The extra drool is nature's way of soothing the area. |
| Behavioral Signs | Increased fussiness or irritability, changes in sleep patterns (waking up more), refusing to eat or drink. | It's uncomfortable! Just like when we have a headache, the constant, dull ache can make anyone grumpy and tired. Sucking can sometimes make the pain worse, which is why they might refuse a bottle or breast. |
| Other Subtle Signs | Rubbing their cheek or pulling on their ear. | The nerves in the gums are connected to other areas of the face. Sometimes, pain from a molar coming in at the back can feel like it's coming from the ear or cheek. |
A note of caution: While some parents report a very mild "teething fever," a high temperature or diarrhea are not normal signs of teething. If your baby has these, it's a sign of a separate illness, and you should contact your pediatrician. For more information on what's normal, the American Academy of Pediatrics has excellent resources.
How to Help: Your Teething Toolkit
Seeing your baby in discomfort is hard, but the good news is you can do a lot to help. The goal is simple: provide gentle pressure and cold to soothe those sore gums.
- Pressure: Give them something safe to chew on. A firm rubber teething ring is perfect. You can also gently massage their gums with your clean finger. The counter-pressure feels wonderful.
- Cold: Cold numbs the pain. Put a wet washcloth in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for a little while and let them gnaw on it. You can also chill a teething ring. The coolness will help reduce the swelling.
- Comfort: Sometimes, the best remedy is just extra cuddles, patience, and love. Your calming presence is incredibly soothing for your baby.
- Wipe the Drool: Keep a soft cloth handy to gently wipe your baby's chin. This will prevent the drool from causing a mild rash on their delicate skin.
What to Avoid: It's just as important to know what not to do. Experts at organizations like the Mayo Clinic advise against things like over-the-counter numbing gels (which can be harmful if swallowed), homeopathic teething tablets (which are not regulated), and amber teething necklaces (which are a choking and strangulation hazard).
The Final Answer: Your 3-Step Plan for Teething Troubles
Feeling overwhelmed? Let's make it simple. When you suspect teething, here is your go-to plan.
- Observe the Signs: Look for the real clues. Are they drooling more? Are their gums puffy? Are they trying to chew everything? Trust what you see over any strict timeline you read online.
- Offer Safe Relief: Go to your simple toolkit. Offer something cold (a chilled washcloth or teether) and something to chew on (a firm teething ring or your clean finger). Don't reach for risky gels or tablets.
- Give Comfort and Be Patient: Cuddle them, rock them, and reassure them. Remember that this is a phase. It will pass. If your baby seems truly miserable or has other symptoms like a high fever, trust your gut and call your doctor.
Conclusion: You Are the Expert on Your Baby
Navigating your baby's first year is full of new challenges and questions. Teething is one of the first big ones, but it doesn't have to be a source of fear or stress. By understanding the real signs, knowing the safe ways to provide comfort, and trusting your own instincts, you can handle this milestone with confidence. You are learning your baby's cues every single day. This is just one more way you are becoming the amazing, tuned-in parent your child needs. You've got this.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Which teeth come in first?
- Typically, the first teeth to appear are the two bottom front teeth (the lower central incisors), followed by the four upper front teeth. But don't worry if your baby's teeth come in a different order!
- How long does the fussiness from teething last?
- For each tooth, the most intense discomfort usually lasts for a few days right before the tooth breaks through the gum. The overall teething process, however, continues on and off until they have their full set of baby teeth, usually around age 2 or 3.
- Can I give my baby pain medicine like Tylenol (acetaminophen)?
- If your baby is over 6 months old and seems to be in a lot of pain, you can ask your pediatrician about using a weight-appropriate dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, it's best to try non-medical options first and to use medicine only when necessary. Always consult your doctor before giving your baby any medication. The NHS has clear guidelines on this.
- My 9-month-old still has no teeth. Should I be worried?
- No, this is very likely normal. There is a wide window for the first tooth, and some babies don't get one until after their first birthday. If you are concerned, you can always mention it at your baby's next check-up for peace of mind, but it's rarely a sign of a problem.