3_6_months
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9_12_months
health
development
Teething: Symptoms and Relief
editorial Reviewed
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
Teething typically starts around 6 months but varies widely. Common symptoms include drooling, irritability, and chewing on objects.
When to Expect Teeth
**Typical timeline:**
- First teeth: 6-10 months (usually bottom front)
- By age 1: 6-8 teeth
- By age 2: 16 teeth
- By age 3: All 20 baby teeth
Some babies get teeth as early as 3 months or as late as 12+ months. Both are normal!
Teething Symptoms
**Common symptoms:**
- Increased drooling
- Chewing on objects
- Irritability and fussiness
- Swollen, tender gums
- Mild sleep disruption
**NOT caused by teething:**
- High fever (over 101°F/38.3°C)
- Diarrhea
- Severe rash
These symptoms warrant a call to your pediatrician.
Teething Relief
**Safe relief options:**
- Cold teething rings (not frozen)
- Clean, wet washcloth to chew
- Gum massage with clean finger
- Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies 6+ months)
**Avoid:**
- Teething tablets/gels with benzocaine
- Amber teething necklaces (choking/strangulation hazard)
- Frozen teething rings (too hard)
What Parents Report
Based on 201 parent contributions
- Chilled spoons worked great
- Symptoms often worse before tooth actually appears
- Every baby handles teething differently
When to Seek Medical Care
Normal Variations
- Teeth coming in different order
- Teeth appearing late (up to 12+ months)
Signs to Watch For
- No teeth by 18 months
- High fever attributed to teething
- Excessive bleeding from gums
Important: Consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if concerned.
Discussion
Share your experience or ask questions about this topic.