Teething: Symptoms, Timeline and Safe Relief
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: Teething usually starts around 6 months, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal. Signs include drooling, chewing, sore gums and fussiness. A clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or gentle gum rubbing helps. Avoid benzocaine or lidocaine gels, homeopathic tablets and amber necklaces. Teething doesn't cause a high fever.
TL;DR
- First tooth often around 6 months.
- Chilled teething rings and gum massage help.
- Avoid numbing gels, teething tablets and necklaces.
Teething gets blamed for everything from rashes to bad nights. Here's what's real and what helps.
Teething timeline
| Teeth | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Lower front (central incisors) | 6-10 months |
| Upper front | 8-12 months |
| Side incisors | 9-16 months |
| First molars | 13-19 months |
| Canines | 16-23 months |
| Second molars | 23-33 months |
Ages vary widely; some babies are born with a tooth, others have none at their first birthday.
Symptoms
- Drooling and chewing on things
- Sore, swollen gums
- Fussiness and irritability
- Slightly raised temperature (not a high fever)
The Mayo Clinic notes teething doesn't cause high fever or diarrhoea. If your baby has a fever, see baby fever: when to call.
What helps
- Rubbing gums with a clean finger
- A firm rubber teething ring, chilled in the fridge (not frozen)
- Cold, hard foods for babies already eating solids, with supervision
- Ask your pediatrician about pain relief; see how to give baby medicine
What to avoid
The Mayo Clinic and AAP warn against benzocaine or lidocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets, and teething necklaces or bracelets (amber, wood, silicone), because of choking, strangulation and other risks.
Brush from the first tooth
Brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, as the AAP advises.
Log rough nights
If sleep dips, logging it in Tot helps you see whether it lines up with teething or something else.
Related: 6-month-old development · how to track baby sleep · vaccine and medicine log · 8-month-old sleep schedule
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic: Teething, tips for soothing sore gums: www.mayoclinic.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Teething Pain: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: Baby teething symptoms: www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
When do babies start teething?
Often around 6 months, but 3-12 months is normal.
Does teething cause fever?
It may cause a slight rise in temperature, but not a true fever. Treat fever as illness.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. The AAP and Mayo Clinic advise against them because of choking and strangulation risk.
Can teething disrupt sleep?
It can for a few nights. Keep routines steady.
Which teeth come first?
Usually the two bottom front teeth.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
