Teething is a significant milestone in your baby's growth, but it can also be a challenging time for both little ones and their parents. It occurs when a baby's first teeth, also known as primary teeth, begin to break through the gums, usually starting around 6 months of age.
While every child is unique, teething can cause fussiness, drooling, swollen gums, and a strong urge to chew on anything within reach. Babies experiencing teething may have tender gums and mild discomfort. Although it's considered normal for teething to cause some irritability, it should not result in high fevers or severe illness. However, if you're ever unsure about your little one's symptoms, our office is here to provide reassurance and guidance.
Teething can be a tough time for both babies and parents, but there are simple ways you can help ease your little one's discomfort. Gently massaging your baby's gums with a clean finger, offering a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, or giving them a cool, damp washcloth to chew on can provide soothing relief. If your baby is old enough, firm rubber teething toys can also help massage tender gums. Be sure to avoid teething gels or remedies that contain numbing agents, as they are not safe for infants. Lots of extra cuddles, comfort, and patience go a long way too—your love and support can make this stage much easier for your baby.
While teeth begin to develop in utero, they don't start to come into place until a baby reaches around six months of age. The primary (baby) teeth, beginning with the lower central incisors, are the first to erupt. The upper central incisors, the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars follow these teeth, with most children having all 20 primary teeth by the age of 3. Because these early teeth play a critical role in chewing, speech, and holding space for the permanent teeth that will follow, it's essential to care for a baby's developing smile.
Sometime around the age of 6, you can expect your child's permanent teeth to start coming into place. This process typically begins with the first molars (often called "6-year molars") and lower central incisors. The permanent teeth generally follow the same pattern as primary teeth, with incisors, canines, premolars, and molars then erupting in sequence.
Remember, healthy smiles depend on good oral care and healthy dental routines established from an early age. As per the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, parents are encouraged schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist "by age one or within six months after the first tooth erupts."
Most babies begin teething around six months of age, though there is a wide range of normal development. Some infants show signs as early as three months, while others may not get their first tooth until closer to one year. The lower central incisors are usually the first to appear, followed by the upper central incisors and the rest of the primary teeth.
Tooth development actually starts before birth when the primary tooth buds form in utero, but eruption follows a predictable pattern during infancy and early childhood. By about three years of age, most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth. Monitoring this timeline helps pediatric dentists track growth and identify any delays that may need attention.
Common signs of teething include increased drooling, gum tenderness, a tendency to chew on objects, and general fussiness. You may notice red or swollen gums where a tooth is about to break through and short episodes of disturbed sleep. Mild decreases in appetite are not unusual but should not persist for long periods.
Teething is typically not associated with high fever, severe diarrhea, or severe illness; those symptoms suggest another cause and warrant evaluation. Keeping a brief symptom log can help you and your pediatric dentist determine whether behaviors are teething-related or if further assessment is needed.
There are several safe, nonmedicated ways to comfort a teething infant, such as gently massaging the gums with a clean finger or offering a chilled (not frozen) teething ring. A cool, damp washcloth or firm rubber teething toys provide pressure that can relieve gum soreness and are easy to sanitize between uses. Extra cuddling, soothing routines, and short changes to sleep routines can also reduce distress during difficult bouts.
Avoid topical numbing gels or remedies that contain benzocaine or other strong anesthetics, as these can be unsafe for infants. If your baby seems unusually uncomfortable or you are unsure which remedies are appropriate, contact the office of Lighthouse Kids Dental for guidance specific to your child.
Mild increases in temperature or brief changes in stooling can occasionally coincide with teething, but significant fever or prolonged diarrhea are not typical teething symptoms. If your child develops a high fever, persistent vomiting, or significant changes in behavior or hydration, these signs point to an underlying illness rather than teething. Prompt evaluation by a pediatrician is important in those situations.
When in doubt, contact your child’s healthcare provider to rule out infection or other causes of illness. Recording the onset, duration, and severity of symptoms will help clinicians determine whether teething is the likely cause or if further testing is needed.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Early visits emphasize prevention, parental education, and early detection of potential developmental issues, which helps establish a positive relationship with dental care. The first appointment is often brief and focused on oral health guidance, teething advice, and establishing a care plan.
Scheduling an early visit in Havre de Grace helps ensure your child receives age-appropriate guidance and monitoring as teeth erupt. If you have specific concerns about teething, eruption patterns, or oral habits, contacting Lighthouse Kids Dental to book an infant exam can provide reassurance and individualized recommendations.
Begin gently cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear using a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Wiping gums with a clean, damp cloth before teeth erupt also helps remove bacteria and establishes a routine. Avoid putting your baby to bed with bottles containing anything other than water to reduce the risk of early childhood caries.
As more teeth come in, transition to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervise brushing until your child can reliably manage the task independently. Regular preventive visits with a pediatric dentist will reinforce good habits and allow the dentist to place protective measures like fluoride varnish when appropriate.
Primary tooth eruption generally follows a consistent sequence: lower central incisors, upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. This process typically completes by age three, resulting in a full set of 20 primary teeth. Throughout this period, teeth not only support feeding but also play a key role in speech development and maintaining space for future permanent teeth.
Developmental milestones such as the timing and symmetry of eruption are monitored during pediatric dental exams to detect potential delays or anomalies. If teeth erupt out of sequence or there are concerns about spacing, the pediatric dentist can discuss monitoring strategies or early interceptive measures.
Permanent teeth typically begin to erupt around age six, starting with the first permanent molars and the lower central incisors. This mixed dentition phase, when primary and permanent teeth coexist, continues into early adolescence and involves a predictable pattern of exfoliation and replacement. Parents can expect changes in bite, spacing, and dental appearance as larger permanent teeth replace smaller primary teeth.
Regular dental visits during this transition are critical for tracking growth, monitoring for crowding or bite problems, and determining the right time for orthodontic evaluation if needed. Good habits established in early childhood, including consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental care, support healthy permanent teeth as they emerge.
Preventing early childhood caries begins with limiting sugary liquids and avoiding prolonged bottle or sippy cup use with anything other than water. Clean your infant’s teeth and gums regularly, introduce fluoride at the recommended age and concentration, and maintain routine pediatric dental visits for topical fluoride and anticipatory guidance. Examining feeding habits and oral hygiene routines with your dentist helps identify small changes that have a big preventive impact.
Also discourage sharing utensils or cleaning pacifiers by mouth, as this transfers cavity-causing bacteria from adult caregivers to infants. Early intervention and consistent preventive care reduce the risk of decay and support healthy tooth development throughout childhood.
Contact your pediatric dentist if teething symptoms seem unusually severe, if eruption is significantly delayed on one or both sides, or if you notice white spots, deep grooves, or areas of unusual discoloration on emerging teeth. You should also seek advice when a child experiences persistent fever, significant feeding changes, or signs of infection such as swelling that does not improve with home care. Early communication ensures timely assessment and minimizes potential complications.
If you have questions about teething patterns or want reassurance about your child’s oral development, the office staff and pediatric dental team are available to discuss concerns and recommend next steps. Scheduling a brief infant exam or consultation provides individualized guidance tailored to your child’s needs and developmental stage.
