Teething: the timeline, the real signs and safe relief
Teething gets blamed for a lot. Here is what the evidence says it causes, what it does not, and how to help your baby without the risky products.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, usually a lower front tooth, and have all 20 baby teeth by about 2 to 3 years. Real teething signs are sore gums, drooling, chewing and fussiness; fever, diarrhea and long crying are not teething signs. Soothe with a firm teething ring and gentle gum rubbing; the FDA warns against numbing gels, homeopathic tablets and teething necklaces.
When the teeth come in
Most babies start teething around 6 months, but the NHS notes that some start before 4 months and others after 12 months. The AAP gives 6 to 10 months for the first tooth. All 20 baby teeth are already in the jaw at birth.
The American Dental Association chart gives these usual windows:
| Tooth | Lower jaw | Upper jaw |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors (front) | 6 to 10 months | 8 to 12 months |
| Lateral incisors | 10 to 16 months | 9 to 13 months |
| First molars | 14 to 18 months | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines | 17 to 23 months | 16 to 22 months |
| Second molars | 23 to 31 months | 25 to 33 months |
Source: ADA, Primary Tooth Development. Lower teeth often appear before the matching upper teeth, and the NHS says most children have all their milk teeth by 2 to 3 years. A baby whose teeth arrive at the edges of these windows is common; mention it at a checkup if you are unsure. For the bigger picture of the first year, see our milestones by month.
Real teething signs, and the false ones
A meta-analysis of 16 studies (Massignan, Pediatrics 2016) found signs during tooth eruption in 70.5 percent of children aged 0 to 36 months. The most frequent:
| Sign | Share of children | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gum irritation | 86.8 percent | Massignan 2016 |
| Irritability | 68.2 percent | Massignan 2016 |
| Drooling | 55.7 percent | Massignan 2016 |
The NHS adds: a red, sore gum where the tooth comes through, one flushed cheek, a facial rash from dribbling, ear rubbing, gnawing on everything, and poorer sleep. Some teeth come through with no discomfort at all.
Not teething, according to the AAP:
- fever: the 2016 meta-analysis found a possible slight rise in temperature, not a fever; the NHS sets the teething limit below 38 °C;
- diarrhea: teething does not change how the gut works; call your pediatrician if it lasts more than a day;
- crying much more than usual: teething pain is generally not severe enough for that;
- diaper rash, or getting more colds.
If your baby has a fever, diarrhea, or cries far more than usual, look for another cause with your doctor rather than blaming the teeth. In a baby under 3 months, 38 °C (100.4 °F) or more always means calling the doctor.
Safe ways to soothe
- Rub the gums gently with a clean finger (FDA, NHS, AAP).
- A firm teether made of rubber, not liquid-filled (FDA). Some can be cooled in the fridge as the instructions say, never frozen (NHS, FDA).
- Something cold to drink: from 6 months, the AAP suggests water in a sippy cup with a soft spout.
- Chewable food for babies who have started solids: the NHS mentions raw fruit and vegetables or soft melon, always supervised because of choking risk. Cut sizes are in our first foods size chart.
- Comfort and distraction: cuddles, play, a bath before bed.
- Wipe the dribble often to prevent a rash on the face (NHS).
Never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck: it is a choking hazard (NHS). The NHS also suggests avoiding rusks and sugary foods, which can cause tooth decay.
If your baby seems in real pain, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist about pain relief suited to your baby's age and weight. This page gives no doses.
What the FDA and AAP warn against
| Product | The warning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Benzocaine gels and liquids | should not be used for teething pain in children; linked to methemoglobinemia, a serious condition affecting oxygen in the blood | FDA, AAP |
| Viscous lidocaine | can cause heart problems, severe brain injury and death | FDA, AAP |
| Homeopathic teething tablets and gels | little to no benefit, serious risks; the AAP names belladonna among concerning ingredients | FDA, AAP |
| Teething necklaces and bracelets (amber, wood, marble, silicone) | deaths and serious injuries reported, including strangulation and choking | FDA, AAP |
| Liquid-filled teething toys | can split, with sharp edges and possibly contaminated liquid | AAP |
| Alcohol rubbed on the gums | absorbed quickly into the blood, can cause seizures | AAP |
| Anything frozen solid | can hurt the gums | AAP, NHS |
In the UK, the NHS says there is a lack of evidence that teething gels work and that homeopathic products are not recommended for teething.
Caring for the first teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, the NHS advises brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and registering your baby with a dentist. It is a good moment to start a short, gentle routine at bedtime.
Questions parents ask
Does teething cause fever?
No. The AAP calls fever a false symptom of teething, and a 2016 meta-analysis found that eruption could slightly raise temperature but not to the level of a fever. The NHS puts the teething limit below 38 °C, so a fever needs a doctor's assessment.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. The FDA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries, including strangulation and choking, from teething jewelry such as amber necklaces. The AAP says necklaces of amber, wood, marble or silicone all carry these risks.
Can I put a teething ring in the freezer?
No. The FDA says to make sure a teething ring is not frozen, and the NHS warns that a frozen ring could damage the gums. Some rings can be cooled in the fridge, following the instructions.
When should my baby see a dentist?
The NHS advises registering your baby with a dentist once teeth start coming through, and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth. Ask your dentist or pediatrician how much toothpaste to use for your baby's age.
Sources
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy) — Primary Tooth Development chart checked October 13, 2026
- U.S. FDA — Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children checked October 13, 2026
- AAP HealthyChildren — Teething Pain, How to Help Your Baby checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Baby teething symptoms checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Tips for helping your teething baby checked October 13, 2026
- Massignan C et al. Signs and Symptoms of Primary Tooth Eruption, a meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2016 (PMID 26908659) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.