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Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline, and What Actually Helps
Tiny Years Team··3 min read
The drool. The fussiness. The 3am wake-ups from a baby who was just sleeping through. Teething is one of those parenting experiences that can feel endless — but understanding what's happening helps.
When do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is completely normal. A small number of babies are born with teeth (natal teeth), and some don't cut their first until after their first birthday.
Typical order of tooth arrival:
- Lower central incisors (bottom front) — 6–10 months
- Upper central incisors (top front) — 8–12 months
- Upper lateral incisors — 9–13 months
- Lower lateral incisors — 10–16 months
- First molars — 13–19 months
- Canines — 16–22 months
- Second molars — 25–33 months
Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age 3.
Signs your baby is teething
Classic signs:
- Excessive drooling (often starting before the tooth arrives)
- Chewing on hands, toys, and anything else they can reach
- Red, swollen, or bulging gums
- Irritability and fussiness — particularly in the evenings
- Disrupted sleep
- Rubbing their face, jaw, or ears
A note on symptoms people attribute to teething: Teething does not cause fever (over 38°C), diarrhoea, or significant illness. If your baby has these alongside teething symptoms, there may be a separate cause worth checking out with your GP.
What actually helps
Teething rings and toys
Chilled (not frozen) teething rings give counter-pressure on the gum and temperature relief. Keep one in the fridge so it's ready when needed.
Gum massage
Clean your finger thoroughly and gently rub the gum where the tooth is coming through. The counter-pressure provides real relief.
Cold food
For babies who have started solids, chilled cucumber sticks, cold fruit purée, or yoghurt can help. Always supervise.
Distraction
Often the most underrated remedy. A bath, a walk, a new toy — redirecting attention genuinely eases discomfort.
Pain relief
Paracetamol (e.g. Calpol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen for Children) can be used from 2 months (paracetamol) or 3 months (ibuprofen, and baby must weigh over 5kg). Follow the dosing instructions carefully.
What not to use
- Teething gels containing lidocaine (e.g. Bonjela original) — not suitable for under 2 years
- Amber teething necklaces — not recommended by NHS or health professionals due to choking and strangulation risk
Looking after those first teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, start brushing twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (1000ppm+). Book a dentist visit — most practices register babies for free NHS dental care.
Log it in TinyYears
When that first tooth appears, you'll want to remember the exact date. Log it as a milestone in TinyYears — along with the photo of that very first toothy grin.
Capture your baby's milestones
Use the TinyYears app to journal every precious moment — photos, voice notes, videos and more.
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