When teething starts
Most babies cut their first tooth around 6 months — usually a bottom front tooth — though anywhere from about 4 to 15 months is common. Teeth tend to arrive in pairs, working from the front of the mouth toward the back over the first three years. (Our baby teeth timeline guide maps the whole journey.)
Normal teething symptoms
Around the time a tooth breaks through, many babies have a few fussy days:
- Drooling — sometimes a lot
- Chewing on hands, toys, everything
- Swollen or tender gums where the tooth is coming
- Mild irritability and lighter sleep
- A slightly elevated temperature
What teething does NOT cause
High fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or a baby who seems truly sick isn't "just teething." If your baby has a high fever or seems unwell, contact your pediatrician — don't wait it out as a teething symptom.
Safe ways to soothe sore gums
- A clean finger gently massaging the gums
- A solid rubber teething ring, chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen solid)
- A cold, clean washcloth to chew on
- Extra cuddles — comfort genuinely helps
What to skip
The FDA advises against benzocaine teething gels and homeopathic teething tablets for infants, and warns that frozen-solid teethers and fluid-filled rings that can break pose risks. Amber teething necklaces are a strangulation and choking hazard. When in doubt, cold pressure and patience beat products.
Teething and the first dental visit
That first tooth is also your reminder: the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by your baby's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. It's a gentle visit — and the perfect time to ask every teething question you have.
This guide is general educational information, not dental or medical advice. For guidance about your child, call (941) 529-0331 or request an appointment.