Most babies get their first teeth around six months, with a wide range from roughly three to twelve months. Signs include drooling, wanting to bite, being irritable and sleeping restlessly. Comfort with something cool and firm to bite on and with extra closeness. If you are unsure or your baby seems unwell, check with your health visitor or doctor.
What to remember
- Teeth usually appear around six months, but earlier or later is also normal.
- Drooling, biting and irritability belong with it. A high fever does not.
- Something cool and firm to bite on often gives the most relief.
- Brush the first teeth as soon as they appear and keep sugary drinks limited.
Recognising the first signs
Around a tooth coming through you often see more drooling, a need to bite on everything, flushed cheeks and a more irritable mood. Some babies sleep a little more restlessly or eat slightly less.
These signals come and go around the moment a tooth breaks through the gum. They usually last a few days per tooth and are part of normal development.
When do teeth come through?
In many babies the first teeth appear around six months, usually the two bottom front teeth first. A range of roughly three to twelve months is within normal.
The order and pace differ from child to child. A baby who gets teeth later is not behind. If you are worried about development you can discuss it with your health visitor.
- Bottom front teeth: often first, around six to ten months.
- Top front teeth: usually shortly after.
- The canines and molars follow during the second year.
What can soothe your baby
Something cool and firm to bite on often gives relief, for example a chilled teething ring or a clean, cool flannel. The gentle pressure and the coolness ease the discomfort in the gum.
Extra closeness, calm cuddling and a familiar routine help just as much. Gently wipe away drool to prevent skin irritation around the mouth.
- Offer a clean, chilled teething ring or a cool flannel to bite on.
- Avoid teethers with liquid that can leak and very small loose parts.
- Do not use teething gels or necklaces without advice from a professional.
Caring for the first teeth right away
As soon as the first tooth appears you can brush twice a day with a soft brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. That way your baby gets used to the routine early.
Limit sugary drinks and do not send a bottle of sweet drink to bed. Water and milk feeds stay the base.
When it is better to check in
Teething causes discomfort, but it does not cause a high fever, ongoing diarrhoea or an unwell, listless baby. Such symptoms usually have another cause.
If you are unsure, or your baby is clearly unwell or inconsolable, check with your health visitor or doctor. They can take a look and think along with you.
Frequently asked questions
At what age do the first teeth appear?
In most babies around six months, with a normal range of roughly three to twelve months. The bottom front teeth usually come first.
Can my baby get a fever from teething?
Teething can bring a slightly raised temperature and discomfort, but not a true high fever. If your baby has a high fever or seems unwell, check with your doctor.
What is safe to bite on?
A clean, chilled teething ring or a cool flannel is a safe choice. Avoid very small loose parts and teethers with liquid that can leak.
Should I brush the very first tooth?
Yes. As soon as the first tooth appears, brush twice a day with a soft brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Sources and review
This guide follows the NHS information on teething and the development information from Stichting Opvoeden. It does not replace individual advice from your health visitor, doctor or dentist. Last content review: 16 July 2026.
