Teething 101: A Parent’s Guide to What to Expect and How to Help
The first tooth pushing through your baby’s gums is a big milestone, and for many families, it comes with more questions than answers. Is my baby in pain? Should I give them medicine? When should I start brushing?
At Kidztopia Dental & Braces in Los Angeles, we help parents through this stage every day. The good news is that with the right approach, teething doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for you or your little one.
When Does Teething Start?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age, though some babies teethe as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. Both extremes are usually normal.
The first teeth to arrive are typically the bottom two front teeth, known as the central incisors, followed by the top two front teeth a month or two later. By age 3, most children have all 20 of their primary teeth.
Common Signs of Teething
Every baby is different, but most teething babies show some combination of:
Increased drooling
Chewing or gnawing on hands, toys, or anything they can reach
Swollen, tender gums
Fussiness or irritability, especially in the afternoon and evening
Trouble sleeping or waking more often at night
Refusing food or eating less than usual
Mild rash on the chin or chest from drool
What Teething Is NOT
It’s a common myth that teething causes high fevers, diarrhea, or vomiting. It doesn’t.
If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F, persistent diarrhea, or is clearly very ill, something else may be going on and you should call your pediatrician. Teething can cause mild fussiness and a slight rise in temperature, but not true illness.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Simple, low-tech comfort works best:
Cold, not frozen: A chilled, not frozen, teething ring or cold washcloth can provide soothing pressure and cold relief. Frozen items can be too hard and may cause bruising.
Gentle gum massage: Wash your hands and gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for 1 to 2 minutes.
Distract with play: Sometimes a favorite activity can help babies forget the discomfort.
Talk to your pediatrician about medication: For babies over 6 months, your pediatrician may recommend infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen for particularly tough nights. Do not use benzocaine gels on children under 2 without medical guidance.
Start Cleaning Teeth Right Away
The moment that first tooth appears, oral care begins. Use a soft baby toothbrush with just a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, and brush gently twice a day.
Even before teeth come in, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and help them get used to the routine.
Our infant care team at Kidztopia walks families through this every day.
When Should Baby See a Dentist for the First Time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in.
Early visits let our team make sure teeth are developing normally, catch any early issues, and help your child become comfortable in the dental office.
Call Kidztopia Dental & Braces at 323-410-4401 to schedule your baby’s first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individual teeth typically cause discomfort for a few days before they break through the gum, and the fussiness usually eases once the tooth is visible. The whole teething process (all 20 primary teeth) takes about 2 to 3 years, but babies aren’t uncomfortable that entire time. Most babies only feel discomfort when a new tooth is actively erupting.
Teething can cause a very slight rise in body temperature (under 100.4°F), but it does not cause true fever. If your baby has a fever, diarrhea, or seems ill, call your pediatrician. Something other than teething is likely the cause.
No. The American Academy of Pediatrics and pediatric dentists strongly discourage amber teething necklaces and bracelets. They pose a serious strangulation and choking hazard, and there’s no scientific evidence that they relieve teething pain. Safer alternatives include chilled teething rings and gentle gum massage.
The FDA warns against using benzocaine-containing teething gels in children under 2 due to the risk of a rare but serious blood condition. For children over 2, benzocaine should only be used sparingly and under medical guidance. Talk to your pediatrician or our team at Kidztopia before using any medicated teething product.