When do babies start teething?
Most babies start teething around 6 months, but some begin before 4 months or after their first birthday. Learn the signs, how to soothe sore gums and when to get help.
A first tooth often arrives during the first year, usually at the front of the mouth. The lower front teeth commonly appear before the upper ones. More teeth then follow over the next couple of years, with most children having their full set of milk teeth by age 2 to 3.
Some teeth appear without any fuss. Others bring a few days of sore gums, extra chewing and unsettled sleep. If your baby is otherwise well, simple comfort such as a gentle gum rub or a suitable cool teething ring may help.
What if teething starts early or late?
Around 6 months is the usual starting point, with a wide range either side. The NHS describes babies starting before 4 months or after 12 months. A few babies already have a tooth at birth. Comparing your baby's smile with another baby's is therefore a poor way to judge whether something is wrong.
A baby who still has no teeth at their first birthday can be within that range. If you are worried about the timing, or about something you can see in their mouth, raise it with a dentist. You can also ask your health visitor for help finding the right advice. If an early tooth is affecting feeding, seek advice now rather than waiting for the usual teething age.
When a tooth breaks through
Start a brushing routine as soon as the first tooth appears:
- Use a baby toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush twice a day, including last thing at night and another time that fits your routine.
- Sit your baby on your knee with their head resting against your chest, and gently brush all the tooth surfaces.
At first, getting used to the toothbrush may take patience. Keep trying gently and let your baby see you brush your own teeth. NHS tooth-care guidance explains the routine in more detail. Arrange a dental appointment when the first teeth appear so you can ask about their development and care.
Which signs can come with teething?
A sore or red patch of gum where a tooth is emerging is a common sign. You may also notice:
- More dribble and a stronger urge to bite or chew.
- A flushed cheek or some irritation around the face.
- Extra fretfulness, ear rubbing or less settled sleep.
- A small temperature rise that stays below 38°C.
These signs can occur together, but chewing or dribbling alone is not enough to explain a baby who is unwell. Mild symptoms may last a few days around a tooth coming through. If distress continues or your baby is difficult to comfort, ask for advice instead of assuming every unsettled day is part of teething.
Dribble, rashes and nappies
Saliva can leave the skin around the mouth, chin and neck sore. Gently wipe away dribble, change wet bibs and clothing, and ask a pharmacist about a suitable simple barrier cream if the skin is irritated. A rash elsewhere, a worsening rash or a rash with fever needs medical advice.
There is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea. If your baby has loose, watery stools, watch for reduced feeding and fewer wet nappies, and get advice if you are worried. The care section below explains when to seek urgent help.
How can you soothe sore gums safely?
Start with comfort and something safe to chew
You can gently massage the sore gum with a clean finger. Cuddling, singing, playing or reading together may also help your baby settle. Try another simple option if the first does not appeal to them.
A hand-held teething ring gives your baby a surface to chew. Follow its instructions for age suitability, cleaning and cooling, and stay with your baby while they use it. If the ring can be chilled, use the fridge for the time specified. Never freeze it: a frozen ring can damage gums.
Keep the ring free of neck cords. Avoid amber teething necklaces and other teething jewellery because of choking and strangulation risks.
If simple measures are not enough
Speak to a pharmacist about suitable relief for your baby's age and circumstances. Tell them if your baby is feeding poorly or seems ill, as that changes the advice they need.
Evidence for teething gels is limited. The MHRA advises trying non-medicine measures first; lidocaine teething products should only be considered with a pharmacist's guidance when those measures have not helped enough. Do not use adult mouth-ulcer or oral pain gels on your baby's gums. Homeopathic teething products are not recommended by the NHS.
When should you get medical help?
The most useful distinction is between a baby with mild gum discomfort and a baby whose feeding, alertness or general health has changed. A visible tooth does not remove the need to act on those changes.
Ask for prompt or urgent advice
Contact a GP or your local urgent advice service if your baby stops feeding normally, seems unwell, has vomiting or diarrhoea, develops a concerning rash, or remains distressed despite comfort. You can ask for help whenever you are worried about a change in your baby.
Fewer wet nappies, few or no tears, or unusual drowsiness need urgent advice. These can be signs of dehydration. Do not wait for the teething discomfort to pass before seeking help.
For urgent advice, call 111 in England and Wales, or NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, contact your GP or GP out-of-hours service. For a baby, use the telephone service rather than NHS 111 online.
Fever in a young baby
Check a suspected fever with a digital thermometer in the armpit. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or above, or aged 3 to 6 months with 39°C or above, needs medical assessment straight away. The NHS urgent-help guidance for England advises calling 999 or going to A&E at these thresholds. Elsewhere in the UK, seek urgent assessment through your local service. For other fever situations, follow the NHS fever guidance and seek advice if you are worried.
