These teething baby tips start with the reassuring part: teething is uncomfortable, but it is a normal stage, and simple, safe measures usually get babies through it. The tricky part is knowing which fussy days are teething and which are something else. Below is the usual timeline, the signs that fit teething, the signs that do not, and the remedies dentists and pediatricians advise against.
Every baby has their own schedule, and a few months early or late is common. Many babies get the first tooth around six months, some as early as three or four months and some not until after their first birthday. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about age three. This is the rough order:
| Teeth | Roughly when | What parents often notice |
|---|---|---|
| Lower front teeth | Around 6 to 10 months | Drooling and chewing on everything |
| Upper front teeth | Around 8 to 12 months | Gum swelling you can see above the lip line |
| Side front teeth | Around 9 to 16 months | Usually milder |
| First molars | Around 13 to 19 months | Often the fussiest stretch, with broken sleep |
| Canines (eye teeth) | Around 16 to 23 months | Pointy teeth that can take a while to break through |
| Second molars | Around 2 to 3 years | Older toddlers may tell you their mouth hurts |
If no teeth have appeared by around 18 months, mention it at your child's next pediatric or dental visit. It is usually just a late schedule, but it is worth checking.
It is easy to blame every bad day on teeth, but babies also pick up ear infections and viruses at the same age. When in doubt, call the pediatrician rather than treating it as teething.
In a Miami summer, a drooling baby can also get dehydrated faster. Keep feeds going and wipe the chin often to protect the skin.
Some popular remedies carry real risks. Family advice is offered with love, but these are worth politely declining:
Before teeth appear, wipe the gums after feeds with a soft, damp cloth. Once the first tooth arrives, brush twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Our post on fluoride for kids explains why that small amount matters.
The first dental visit should happen by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. It is short and mostly a conversation: your child sits on your lap, Dr. Aakash Rana, DDS checks how teeth are coming in, and you get answers on teething, brushing, bottles and pacifiers. Read more about your child's first dental visit and our family dentist for kids page. Dr. Rana is a general family dentist, and if your child needs care that a pediatric dentist is better placed to give, we refer you. For why early care pays off, see why baby-tooth cavities matter.
Dr. Aakash Rana, DDS is a general dentist trained at NYU College of Dentistry, with more than $100,000 in continuing education. He plans and treats each case at Prana Dental himself, works with our in-house lab, and refers to a specialist when a case needs one.
Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it is not considered a cause of a true fever. If your baby has a fever, call your pediatrician, because an infection may be the real reason. For young infants, call promptly.
For many babies the fussiest period is a few days around the time a tooth breaks through the gum. Molars often take longer and can feel worse. If discomfort lasts much longer or seems severe, check with your pediatrician.
The FDA advises against benzocaine teething gels and liquids for children under 2, and warns about homeopathic teething tablets. Gum massage and a chilled, solid teething ring are safer first choices. Ask your pediatrician before using any medicine.
Teething is not considered a cause of diarrhea. Babies put many things in their mouths at this age and can pick up stomach bugs, so diarrhea, vomiting or signs of dehydration are reasons to call your pediatrician.
By the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth, whichever comes first. The visit is short and gentle and focuses on how the teeth are coming in and how to care for them at home.
Call or text (786) 579-0521 to set up a first visit. We're open, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.