Most babies get their first tooth between six and ten months, although anywhere from three months to just after the first birthday is normal. The process can make some babies irritable for a few days at a time.
Common signs of teething
- Extra drooling and a rash around the mouth or chin
- Chewing on fingers, toys and anything within reach
- Red, swollen gums where a tooth is coming through
- Fussiness and disturbed sleep
Teething myths
Teething does not usually cause high fever, diarrhoea or a severe rash on the body. If your baby has these symptoms, see your doctor, because they are more likely to have another cause.
Safe ways to soothe sore gums
- Gently rub the gums with a clean finger.
- Offer a firm, chilled (not frozen) teething ring.
- Wipe away drool often to protect the skin.
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor before giving pain medication.
Avoid teething necklaces, which are a choking and strangling risk, and gels containing benzocaine for young babies.
Start cleaning from the first tooth
As soon as a tooth appears, brush it twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as this pools around the teeth and causes decay.
When to see the dentist
Plan the first dental visit by your child’s first birthday. See us sooner if a tooth looks discoloured or chipped, or if teeth are very late to appear. Read our guide to your child’s first visit.