When Do Babies Start Teething?

Is there one right age for the first tooth?

Around six months is a useful reference point, not a deadline. Teeth may appear earlier or closer to—and sometimes after—the first birthday. The NHS notes that some babies teethe before four months or after twelve.

Not seeing teeth in your five-month-old is not, by itself, a problem. First-tooth timing is not a competition or a measure of feeding success.

A developing tooth is not the same as a visible tooth

Teeth develop beneath the gums before you can see an edge emerge. The AAP describes first teeth often appearing around six to ten months, but early drooling does not predict exactly when one will break through.

A baby can mouth every toy for days without a visible gum change. You cannot reliably predict the first tooth from chewing alone.

Which tooth usually appears first?

The two lower front teeth often appear first. A tiny white edge gradually becomes easier to see, although the precise sequence varies.

Noticing an upper tooth first or seeing teeth at different times does not automatically signal illness. Begin oral hygiene when the first tooth appears.

What do drooling, hands in the mouth and chewing mean?

Sore gums, extra drooling, chewing and brief fussiness can accompany teething. But the CDC also lists bringing hands to the mouth as normal four-month development.

A wet bib and a baby sucking their fingers may occur with or without teething. Tender gums or a visible tooth edge are more direct clues than saliva alone.

Does every teething baby get fussy?

Some teeth appear with hardly any symptoms. Other babies have temporary gum sensitivity, more chewing or small disruptions to sleep; the same baby's teeth can emerge differently.

One night of extra waking may coincide with a tooth, but persistent crying, feeding refusal and frequent waking should not automatically be explained away as teething.

Are fever and diarrhea teething symptoms?

Teething may be accompanied by slight temperature changes, but the AAP warns that a true fever is not caused by teething. NHS guidance does not support blaming diarrhea on teething.

If your baby has a measured fever of 38°C (38°C) or more, repeated watery stools, vomiting or marked lethargy, seek medical advice. Age, how the temperature was measured and your baby's general condition matter.

What can you try today?

With clean hands, you can gently massage a sensitive gum using a clean finger. A sturdy, age-appropriate teether may help when used with supervision; avoid hard, frozen objects against the gums.

Check chewable items for loose pieces. Do not use benzocaine numbing gels, homeopathic teething tablets or amber necklaces. Ask a health professional before choosing medicines; never guess a dose.

As soon as the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm fluoride, as the NHS advises for children under three. Ask your dentist if you need individual advice.

When should you seek medical assessment?

If your baby is otherwise comfortable, feeds normally and only drools more, you can observe. Speak with a GP or health visitor about reduced feeds, fewer wet nappies, fever or distress that persists.

Breathing difficulty, trouble waking or very reduced responsiveness require urgent help. Rapidly worsening mouth swelling or inability to take fluids should not be viewed as routine teething.