Baby Teething Order and Timeline
Content reviewed against published AAP, ADA, NIH guidelines
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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby teething order and timeline, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Baby teeth typically begin appearing around 6 months, though the range is 4-12 months. The usual order is: lower central incisors first, then upper central incisors, followed by lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age 3. Late teething (no teeth by 12-13 months) is usually normal and often runs in families, but should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
Key takeaways
- Baby teeth typically begin appearing around 6 months, though the range is 4-12 months. The usual order is: lower central incisors first, then upper central incisors, followed by lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age 3. Late teething (no teeth by 12-13 months) is usually normal and often runs in families, but should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
- Usually normal when: Your baby gets their first tooth anytime between 4-13 months.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has teeth present at birth (natal teeth) that are very loose and pose a choking risk.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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By Age
What to expect by age
4-8 months
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth), typically around 6 months, though some babies get their first tooth as early as 4 months or as late as 12+ months. Signs of teething include increased drooling, chewing on objects, mild irritability, and swollen gums. Some babies get teeth with virtually no symptoms. The upper central incisors (top front teeth) usually follow within a month or two. Teething does not cause high fever (over 101F), diarrhea, or rash, despite common beliefs.
8-14 months
The lateral incisors (teeth on either side of the front teeth) typically come in between 9-13 months, starting with the top pair. By 12 months, most babies have 4-8 teeth, though some perfectly healthy babies may still have none. If your baby has no teeth by 13 months, mention it to your pediatrician, though delayed teething is rarely a concern and often runs in families. Begin gentle tooth brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
14-36 months
The first molars (large back teeth) appear around 13-19 months, and these can cause more discomfort than front teeth due to their larger size. Canines (pointed teeth) come in around 16-23 months. The second molars (very back teeth) are the last to arrive, typically between 23-33 months. Molar teething may cause more drooling and chewing, and your toddler may be crankier than usual. By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. These teeth will serve your child until permanent teeth begin replacing them around age 6.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby gets their first tooth anytime between 4-13 months.
- Teeth come in a slightly different order than the "typical" chart - variations are common and normal.
- Your baby is fussy and drooling more around the time teeth are erupting.
- Your baby has no teeth by 13 months.
- Teeth are coming in with unusual discoloration, spots, or abnormal shape.
- Your baby seems to be in significant pain with teething that interferes with eating and sleeping.
- Your baby has teeth present at birth (natal teeth) that are very loose and pose a choking risk.
- Your baby has high fever (over 101F) that you are attributing to teething - teething does not cause high fever.
- There is a large, dark blister on the gum (eruption cyst) that seems infected or is very painful.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Teething Order and Timeline.
Things to mention
- Your baby has no teeth by 13 months.
- Teeth are coming in with unusual discoloration, spots, or abnormal shape.
- Your baby seems to be in significant pain with teething that interferes with eating and sleeping.
Observations to share
- Your baby has no teeth by 13 months.
- Teeth are coming in with unusual discoloration, spots, or abnormal shape.
- Your baby seems to be in significant pain with teething that interferes with eating and sleeping.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has teeth present at birth (natal teeth) that are very loose and pose a choking risk.
- Your baby has high fever (over 101F) that you are attributing to teething - teething does not cause high fever.
- There is a large, dark blister on the gum (eruption cyst) that seems infected or is very painful.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Conditions
Safe Teething Remedies for Babies
The safest teething remedies include chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and cold washcloths to chew on. For significant pain, infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6 months+) can be used as directed. The FDA warns against benzocaine gels (Orajel), homeopathic teething tablets, and amber teething necklaces due to serious safety risks including choking, strangulation, and methemoglobinemia.
My Baby Grinds Their Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is surprisingly common in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 30% of young children. Most children grind their teeth as they explore their new teeth or self-soothe, and the vast majority outgrow it completely by age 6 with no lasting damage to their teeth.
Baby Refusing Solid Foods
It is common for babies to refuse solid foods when first introduced around 4-6 months. Babies may need 10-15 exposures to a new food before accepting it. The tongue-thrust reflex, which causes babies to push food out of their mouths, is normal and fades with practice. As long as your baby is getting adequate nutrition from breast milk or formula, there is no rush. Continue offering a variety of foods without pressure.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby teething order and timeline normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby teething order and timeline?
When is baby teething order and timeline normal?
What causes baby teething order and timeline?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby teething order and timeline?
Is baby teething order and timeline normal at 4-8 months?
Is baby teething order and timeline normal at 8-14 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby teething order and timeline?
Does baby teething order and timeline go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby teething order and timeline are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has teeth present at birth (natal teeth) that are very loose and pose a choking risk.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
Safe Teething Remedies for Babies
The safest teething remedies include chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gentle gum massage with a clean finger, and cold washcloths to chew on. For significant pain, infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6 months+) can be used as directed. The FDA warns against benzocaine gels (Orajel), homeopathic teething tablets, and amber teething necklaces due to serious safety risks including choking, strangulation, and methemoglobinemia.
My Baby Grinds Their Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is surprisingly common in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 30% of young children. Most children grind their teeth as they explore their new teeth or self-soothe, and the vast majority outgrow it completely by age 6 with no lasting damage to their teeth.
Baby Refusing Solid Foods
It is common for babies to refuse solid foods when first introduced around 4-6 months. Babies may need 10-15 exposures to a new food before accepting it. The tongue-thrust reflex, which causes babies to push food out of their mouths, is normal and fades with practice. As long as your baby is getting adequate nutrition from breast milk or formula, there is no rush. Continue offering a variety of foods without pressure.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.