Most babies cut their first tooth between six and twelve months, though some arrive as early as four months and others wait until after the first birthday. Both ends of that range are normal. Teething can make for a few unsettled days, but it is a passing phase, and knowing the timeline and the safe ways to soothe a sore mouth takes a lot of the worry out of it for Sydney parents.
Key takeaways
- The first tooth usually appears between six and twelve months, most often the bottom front teeth.
- A full set of twenty baby teeth is usually in place by around age three.
- Teething symptoms tend to start a few days before a tooth breaks through and settle once it does.
- Chilled, not frozen, teething rings and gentle gum massage are safe first choices.
- A high fever, diarrhoea or a very unwell baby is not caused by teething and should be checked by a GP.
The teething timeline
Teeth tend to arrive in a fairly predictable order. The two bottom front teeth usually come first, followed by the top front teeth. The first molars arrive between about thirteen and nineteen months, then the canines, and the second molars complete the set. The table below gives the typical pattern.
| Teeth | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Bottom front teeth (central incisors) | 6 to 10 months |
| Top front teeth (central incisors) | 8 to 12 months |
| Side front teeth (lateral incisors) | 9 to 16 months |
| First molars | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines | 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars | 23 to 33 months |
Common teething symptoms
Symptoms usually begin three to five days before a tooth emerges and ease once it has broken through the gum. The most common signs are increased drooling, a wish to chew on everything, red or swollen gums, irritability, and disturbed sleep. Some babies go off their food for a day or two and may have a slightly raised temperature.
It is important to know what teething does not cause. A high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or a baby who seems genuinely unwell are not normal teething signs. These point to a separate illness and should be assessed by a GP rather than blamed on teeth.
Safe ways to ease teething
Most teething discomfort can be managed with simple comfort measures. The following are safe and effective.
- Gum massage. Rub your baby's gums gently with a clean finger. The light pressure can be soothing.
- Chilled teething toys. A teething ring or clean wet washcloth cooled in the fridge feels good on sore gums. Do not freeze it solid, as a hard frozen object can bruise the gums.
- Something to chew. A firm rubber teether gives safe relief. For babies on solids, chilled soft foods can help.
- Wipe the drool. Gently patting away dribble helps prevent a rash on the chin.
- Pain relief if needed. For a clearly uncomfortable baby, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen dosed for their age and weight can help. Check with your pharmacist or GP and follow the label.
Remedies to avoid
Some popular products do more harm than good. Teething gels that contain choline salicylate are not recommended for babies, and amber teething necklaces are a choking and strangulation risk with no proven benefit. Avoid rubbing alcohol, honey, or anything hard enough to chip a new tooth. If in doubt, stick to the simple measures above and ask your pharmacist.
Caring for those first teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, start cleaning it. Use a soft infant toothbrush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as pooled sugary liquid causes early decay. A first dental visit is recommended around the first birthday, which our guide to the first dental visit explains. For the related questions that come up while feeding, see our guide to breastfeeding and dental care.
Frequently asked questions
Can teething cause a high fever?
No. Teething may cause a slightly raised temperature, but a true fever points to a separate illness and should be checked by a GP.
My baby is one and has no teeth. Is that a problem?
Usually not. Some babies get their first tooth after twelve months and catch up normally. Mention it at the next health check if you are worried.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. They pose a choking and strangulation risk and have no proven benefit. Safer options include chilled teethers and gum massage.
When should I start brushing?
As soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Does teething stop my baby sleeping for weeks?
Teething disturbs sleep for a few days around each tooth, not for weeks at a time. Ongoing sleep problems usually have another cause.
The takeaway
Teething is a normal phase that comes and goes around each new tooth, usually starting between six and twelve months. Chilled teethers, gum massage and age appropriate pain relief are the safe choices, while amber necklaces and salicylate gels are best avoided. Once that first tooth is through, start gentle brushing and plan a first dental visit. The team at Lumi Dental is happy to help, and you can book through our current deals page.
