A Parent's Guide to Baby Teeth Eruption and Teething
Watching your baby's first tooth appear is an exciting milestone, but the weeks leading up to it can be tiring for the whole family. Many parents in Gurugram and Malviya Nagar, Delhi ask us the same questions: when will teething start, what order do teeth come in, and how can we help our baby feel comfortable. This guide answers those questions in simple, practical terms.
The Typical Order and Age of Baby Teeth
Every baby develops at their own pace, so these ages are general guidelines rather than strict rules. Primary teeth, also called milk teeth or baby teeth, usually begin appearing around 6 months of age and continue until about 2.5 to 3 years.
| Tooth | Typical Age of Eruption |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6 to 10 months |
| Upper central incisors (top front) | 8 to 12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9 to 13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10 to 16 months |
| First molars (upper and lower) | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines (upper and lower) | 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars (upper and lower) | 23 to 33 months |
By around 3 years of age, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth. Girls sometimes get their first tooth a little earlier than boys, and there can be a family pattern, so if you or your partner teethed early or late, your baby might follow a similar timeline.
Common Teething Symptoms
Teething discomfort usually happens a few days before a tooth breaks through the gum and settles once it appears. Common signs include:
- Increased drooling
- Swollen, tender, or reddened gums
- Chewing or gnawing on fingers, toys, or clothes
- Mild irritability or fussiness
- Slightly disturbed sleep
- Rubbing the ear or cheek on the side of the erupting tooth
- Mild loss of appetite for solid foods
Symptoms That Are Not Usually Caused by Teething
It is a common myth that teething causes high fever, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or rashes all over the body. Research does not support this. If your baby has any of these symptoms, it is more likely due to an unrelated illness, and you should consult your pediatrician rather than assuming it is teething.
Safe Ways to Soothe Teething Discomfort
There are several gentle, low risk methods parents can try at home:
- Gum massage: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger for a minute or two.
- Chilled teething rings: Cooling (not frozen) silicone teething rings can numb sore gums safely.
- Cold, damp washcloth: Let your baby chew on a clean, cool cloth.
- Extra cuddles: Comfort and closeness can ease fussiness during flare ups.
- Cold foods for older infants: If your baby has started solids, chilled purees or yoghurt can feel soothing.
Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, amber necklaces, and hard frozen objects, as these carry safety risks for infants. Always check with your pediatrician before giving any medication, including paracetamol drops, and follow the correct weight based dosage.
Caring for the First Teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, start cleaning it gently twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush or a clean, damp cloth. Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, as this can contribute to early childhood cavities. A first dental visit is generally recommended around the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.
When to See a Dentist
Most teething is manageable at home, but it is worth booking a check up at Esthetica International Clinique in Sector 47, Gurugram if you notice unusual delays in tooth eruption, teeth coming in at odd angles, white or brown spots on new teeth, or if your baby seems to be in significant pain that home remedies are not helping. Regular dental visits from an early age help build good habits and catch any concerns early.
Have questions about your teeth?
Esthetica International Clinique · 95P, Sector 47, Gurugram
Frequently asked questions
At what age do babies usually get their first tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth, usually a lower front tooth, between 6 and 10 months of age. Some babies show a tooth as early as 4 months or as late as 12 months, and this is usually still considered normal.
Does teething cause fever in babies?
Teething can cause a very mild rise in temperature, but it does not usually cause a true fever above 38 degrees Celsius. If your baby has a high fever, diarrhoea, or seems unwell, it is likely caused by something other than teething and a doctor should check them.
Is it safe to use teething gels for my baby?
Many teething gels contain benzocaine or lidocaine, which are not recommended for infants due to safety concerns. It is best to check with your pediatrician before using any over the counter teething gel and to prefer safer options like chilled teething rings or gentle gum massage.
By what age should all 20 baby teeth appear?
Most children have all 20 primary teeth by around 3 years of age. If teeth are significantly delayed or missing, it is worth mentioning to your pediatric dentist at a routine check up.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Gurugram & Malviya Nagar, Delhi region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.