A baby's first tooth usually comes through between 6 and 10 months, and it is almost always a lower central incisor. The rest follow from there, until all 20 baby teeth are in place at around 2½ to 3 years. Every baby has their own pace: some get a tooth at 4 months and others reach their first birthday without any, and both are usually normal.
When Does the First Tooth Come Through
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 10 months. It's common for it to appear a little earlier, at around 4 months, or a little later, close to their first birthday. Genetics play a big part: if the parents got their teeth late, the baby probably will too.
A delay of a few months doesn't usually indicate a problem. If no teeth have come through by 15-18 months, mention it to your paediatrician or paediatric dentist.
Order in Which Baby Teeth Come Through
Baby teeth usually come through in a similar order. This table shows the approximate ages used by the American Dental Association:
| Tooth | Lower arch | Upper arch |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | 6-10 months | 8-12 months |
| Lateral incisors | 10-16 months | 9-13 months |
| First molars | 14-18 months | 13-19 months |
| Canines | 17-23 months | 16-22 months |
| Second molars | 23-31 months | 25-33 months |
It's also normal for the order to vary slightly (for example, an upper incisor coming through before a lower one).
At wiloo, we specialise in children's dental health. Find out how we work in paediatric dentistry and prevention.
Normal Teething Symptoms (and Which Ones Aren't)
When a tooth is about to come through, it's common to notice:
- More drooling than usual.
- An urge to bite and put everything in their mouth.
- Swollen or red gums where the tooth is coming through.
- Irritability and poorer sleep for a few days.
- A slightly reduced appetite.
What should not be put down to teething is a high fever, heavy diarrhoea, vomiting or marked lethargy. If these appear, see your paediatrician: there may be another cause that needs checking.
How to Ease the Discomfort
- Chilled teethers: chill them in the fridge, never the freezer, so they don't damage the gum.
- Gum massage: with a clean finger or a damp gauze, using gentle pressure.
- Extra cuddles and patience: the discomfort usually lasts only a few days per tooth.
- Pain relief: only if your paediatrician recommends it, and at the dose for their weight.
Avoid amber or teething necklaces because of the choking risk, and numbing gels unless a doctor recommends them.
When to Start Brushing Their Teeth
Oral hygiene starts with the first tooth. Use a children's toothbrush with a small head and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, twice a day. We explain this in detail in children's toothpaste: fluoride and amount by age.
It's also a good time for the first check-up: paediatric dentists recommend going when the first tooth comes through and, at the latest, around their first birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for no teeth to have come through by 12 months?
Yes, it can be normal. Some babies get their first tooth after their first birthday. If none have come through by 15-18 months, it's a good idea to see a paediatric dentist.
Does teething cause a fever?
Their temperature may rise slightly, but teething does not cause a high fever. If your baby's temperature is above 38 °C, see your paediatrician to rule out another cause.
What if the teeth come through in a different order?
Small changes in the order are common and usually nothing to worry about. We'll keep an eye on it at regular check-ups.
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