What is teething?
Teething refers to the phase when a baby’s teeth start to break through the gum surface. This typically begins between the ages of four and ten months. Tooth development actually begins while the baby is still in the womb, around the fifth week of pregnancy, small tooth buds start forming in the baby’s jaw. By birth, all 20 primary (or baby/milk) teeth are already present under the gums, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. However, it may take up to two to three years for all of these teeth to fully erupt.
Types of Teeth
Each type of tooth serves a specific purpose.
- Incisors, Located at the front, both upper and lower, these teeth help slice food.
- Canines (Cuspids), Found beside the incisors, canines are used for tearing food.
- First Molars, With flat surfaces, they are designed for crushing food.
- Second Molars, These larger teeth at the back of the mouth are used to grind food.
When Do Babies Get Their Teeth?
There’s no strict timeline for when a baby will start teething, it can vary widely. What’s more consistent is the order in which the teeth appear. A general guideline is as follows:
- Central Incisors, Lower: 6–10 months; Upper: 8–12 months
- Lateral Incisors, Lower: 10–16 months; Upper: 9–13 months
- Canines, Lower: 17–23 months; Upper: 16–22 months
- First Molars, Lower: 14–18 months; Upper: 13–19 months
- Second Molars, Lower: 23–31 months; Upper: 25–33 months
Signs Your Baby is Teething
While some infants breeze through teething, others may show signs of discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Gums that appear red and swollen
- Flushed cheeks
- Excess drooling or saliva
- Increased fussiness or crying
- Irritability or difficulty sleeping
- Tugging at the ears
- Reduced appetite
- Chewing on fingers, fists, or toys
- Mild rise in body temperature (not a fever)
- More frequent dirty nappies
How to Manage Teething Discomfort
Mild pain and irritability are often part of teething. Management strategies include:
- Massaging your baby’s gums gently
- Offering chilled (not frozen) teething rings, pacifiers, or spoons
- Letting baby chew on sugar-free teething rusks or raw fruits/veggies (with supervision)
- Wiping away drool to prevent skin irritation
- Feeding soft foods to minimize chewing effort
- Consulting a pharmacist for suitable over-the-counter pain relief
- Using teething gels only on professional advice
Avoid:
- Amber teething necklaces, pose choking and strangulation risks
- Homeopathic teething tablets, have been linked to adverse outcomes
Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth and Gums
Oral hygiene should begin around three months of age, even before the first tooth emerges. At this stage, use a clean, damp cloth or gauze to gently clean the gums twice a day. Once teeth start erupting, introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies under two. Toothpaste isn’t necessary until about 18 months old, unless otherwise recommended by a healthcare provider.
When to Visit a Doctor
Most teething symptoms don’t require medical attention. However, if your baby has a high temperature, is unusually irritable, or seems unwell, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out other conditions.