Teething Timeline & Relief Guide

Everything you need to know about your baby's teething journey — when to expect each tooth, what symptoms are normal, safe ways to help, and what to avoid. Based on AAP, ADA, and FDA guidelines.

AAPADAFDA

Eruption Timeline

Babies have 20 primary teeth (10 upper, 10 lower). Each entry below represents a pair (left and right). Teeth typically erupt in the order shown, but every baby is different — a few months early or late is perfectly normal.

Upper Jaw

2

Central incisor

Upper jaw · 8–12 months

4

Lateral incisor

Upper jaw · 9–13 months

6

First molar

Upper jaw · 13–19 months

7

Canine (cuspid)

Upper jaw · 16–22 months

10

Second molar

Upper jaw · 25–33 months

Lower Jaw

1

Central incisor

Lower jaw · 6–10 months

3

Lateral incisor

Lower jaw · 10–16 months

5

First molar

Lower jaw · 14–18 months

8

Canine (cuspid)

Lower jaw · 17–23 months

9

Second molar

Lower jaw · 23–31 months

Note:Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, but the normal range is 3–14 months. All 20 primary teeth are usually in by age 3. If your baby has no teeth by 18 months, mention it to your pediatrician or dentist.

Common Teething Symptoms

Teething discomfort is real but usually mild. These are the symptoms that research and pediatricians associate with teething.

Excessive drooling

Common

Saliva production increases significantly as teeth push toward the gum surface. You may notice a drool rash on the chin, cheeks, or neck.

Typical duration: Days to weeks around each tooth eruption

Gum swelling and tenderness

Common

The gums directly over the erupting tooth may appear red, swollen, or bulging. A small bluish blister (eruption cyst) may form, which is harmless and usually resolves on its own.

Typical duration: A few days before and after the tooth breaks through

Increased biting and chewing

Common

Babies instinctively chew on fingers, toys, and anything within reach. Counter-pressure on the gums provides relief from the discomfort of eruption.

Typical duration: Throughout active teething periods

Fussiness and irritability

Common

Mild discomfort from gum inflammation can make your baby crankier than usual, especially in the days right before a tooth erupts. Nighttime fussiness is common because there are fewer distractions.

Typical duration: A few days per tooth, typically worst right before eruption

Disrupted sleep

Common

Some babies wake more frequently at night or have trouble settling due to gum discomfort. This is usually short-lived and resolves once the tooth breaks through.

Typical duration: A few nights per tooth eruption

Decreased appetite

Common

Sore gums can make sucking or chewing uncomfortable. Your baby may refuse the breast, bottle, or solid foods temporarily. Cold foods may be more accepted.

Typical duration: A few days; appetite returns once the tooth erupts

Ear pulling or cheek rubbing

Common

Babies may tug at their ears or rub their cheeks and jaw. Gum pain can radiate along the jaw to the ear area. Note: persistent ear pulling with fever may indicate an ear infection -- see your pediatrician.

Typical duration: Intermittent during active eruption

Mild temperature elevation

A very slight rise in temperature (below 100.4 F / 38 C) can occur due to gum inflammation. This is NOT a true fever. Temperatures at or above 100.4 F are not caused by teething and should be evaluated by your pediatrician.

Typical duration: 1-2 days around eruption

Drool rash

Common

Constant moisture from drool can irritate the skin around the mouth, chin, and neck, causing a red, bumpy rash. Keeping the area dry and applying a barrier cream (like petroleum jelly) helps.

Typical duration: Comes and goes during heavy drooling periods

Safe Remedies

These methods are recommended or considered safe by the AAP and pediatric dentists. Always supervise your baby with any teething object.

Chilled teething ring or washcloth

Chill (do not freeze) a solid teething ring or clean damp washcloth in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. The cool temperature soothes inflamed gums and the pressure from chewing provides relief. Avoid liquid-filled teethers that could leak.

Suitable from 3 months and older

Gum massage

With clean hands, gently rub or press on your baby's gums with a finger or a moistened gauze pad. Firm, gentle pressure on the sore area provides counter-pressure that relieves discomfort.

Cold spoon

Chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator (not the freezer) and let your baby gnaw on the rounded back. The cold metal provides soothing relief. Always supervise closely.

Suitable from 4 months and older

Chilled foods (for babies eating solids)

Cold fruit in a mesh feeder, chilled cucumber sticks, or cold applesauce can soothe gums while also providing nutrition. Only offer age-appropriate foods your baby has already been introduced to.

Suitable from 6 months and older

Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)

For babies 3 months and older, infant acetaminophen can be given occasionally for significant discomfort. Always use weight-based dosing as directed by your pediatrician. Do not give more frequently than every 4-6 hours.

Suitable from 3 months and older

Infant ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)

For babies 6 months and older, infant ibuprofen may help with gum inflammation and pain. Use weight-based dosing as directed by your pediatrician. Do not give more frequently than every 6-8 hours.

Suitable from 6 months and older

Distraction and extra comfort

Extra cuddles, gentle rocking, a new toy, or a change of scenery can help distract your baby from teething discomfort. Sometimes attention and comfort are the most effective remedies.

Dry the drool

Keep a soft cloth handy to gently wipe drool from your baby's face. Apply petroleum jelly or a gentle barrier cream to the chin and neck area to prevent drool rash. Use a bib to keep clothing dry.

What to AVOID

These products and practices are unsafe for babies. The FDA, AAP, and CPSC have issued warnings against all of them.

Benzocaine gels or sprays (Orajel, Anbesol)

The FDA warns against using benzocaine products in children under 2 years old. Benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal condition that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. These products are also easily swallowed and can numb the throat, increasing choking risk.

Lidocaine (viscous lidocaine)

Prescription-strength lidocaine is dangerous for infants. The FDA has issued warnings that it can cause seizures, severe brain injury, and heart problems in young children. Even small amounts can be toxic if swallowed.

Amber teething necklaces and bracelets

Despite marketing claims, there is no scientific evidence that amber releases succinic acid through the skin to relieve pain. These necklaces pose serious strangulation and choking hazards. The FDA, AAP, and CPSC all recommend against them.

Homeopathic teething tablets and gels

The FDA has warned against homeopathic teething products (such as Hyland's teething tablets) after reports of adverse events, including seizures and deaths. Some products were found to contain inconsistent and potentially toxic amounts of belladonna (a poisonous plant).

Whiskey, brandy, or any alcohol on gums

An old folk remedy that is genuinely dangerous. Even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to an infant's developing brain and body. Alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with breathing and cause hypoglycemia in babies.

Frozen teething rings or objects

Fully frozen teethers can be too hard and may bruise or damage your baby's delicate gums. Stick with chilled (refrigerated) items instead. If using a washcloth, dampen and refrigerate -- do not freeze it solid.

Aspirin or aspirin-containing products

Never give aspirin to infants or children. Aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain. Use only infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen (6+ months) as directed by your pediatrician.

Teething Myths — Debunked

Teething folklore is widespread. Here is what the research actually shows.

Myth: “Teething causes high fever”

Reality: Research shows teething may cause a very slight temperature increase (below 100.4 F / 38 C), but it does not cause true fever. A study in Pediatrics (2016) confirmed this finding. If your baby has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, look for another cause such as an infection and contact your pediatrician.

Myth: “Teething causes diarrhea”

Reality: There is no proven link between teething and diarrhea. The timing coincidence occurs because teething begins around 6 months, the same age babies start exploring objects with their mouths, increasing exposure to germs. Loose stools lasting more than a day warrant a call to your pediatrician.

Myth: “All babies get teeth at 6 months”

Reality: Six months is the average, but the normal range is very wide. Some babies are born with teeth (natal teeth), while others do not get their first tooth until 12-14 months. Late teething is rarely a concern. If your child has no teeth by 18 months, mention it to your dentist or pediatrician.

Myth: “Amber teething necklaces provide pain relief”

Reality: There is zero scientific evidence that amber releases succinic acid through the skin or that succinic acid has analgesic properties. Multiple studies have debunked this claim. More importantly, these necklaces pose real strangulation and choking hazards. The AAP and FDA recommend against their use.

Myth: “You need to rub whiskey on the gums”

Reality: This dangerous folk remedy persists despite clear medical evidence against it. Even tiny amounts of alcohol are harmful to infants. Alcohol can depress the central nervous system, interfere with breathing, and cause dangerously low blood sugar. There are many safe alternatives for teething relief.

Myth: “Teething causes ear infections”

Reality: While babies may pull at their ears during teething (pain can radiate from the jaw), teething does not cause ear infections. Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. If your baby has ear pulling along with fever, fussiness, or trouble sleeping, have your pediatrician check for an ear infection.

When to Call the Doctor

Teething is a normal process, but some symptoms are NOT caused by teething and need medical attention. Contact your pediatrician if your baby has:

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher — teething does not cause true fever. A fever indicates infection.
  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or significant rash — these are not teething symptoms and may indicate illness.
  • Inconsolable crying for hours — teething discomfort is usually mild. Prolonged crying may signal pain from another source.
  • Refusing to drink fluids — brief appetite changes are normal, but refusing all fluids can lead to dehydration.
  • Swollen gums with pus or foul odor — may indicate infection. An eruption cyst (bluish bump) is normal, but pus is not.
  • No teeth by 18 months — delayed eruption is usually harmless but should be evaluated to rule out nutritional or genetic factors.

First Tooth, First Care

Once that first tooth appears, dental care begins.

  • Clean teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste from the very first tooth.
  • Schedule a dental visit by age 1or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first (AAP & ADA recommendation).
  • Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. Pooling liquid causes “baby bottle tooth decay.”
  • Before teeth erupt,wipe your baby's gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to build a healthy habit.

Sources

  • AAPAmerican Academy of Pediatrics — “Teething: 4 to 7 Months” and “How to Help Teething Babies” (HealthyChildren.org)
  • ADAAmerican Dental Association — Eruption charts for primary teeth; recommendations for infant oral care
  • FDAU.S. Food & Drug Administration — Safety warnings on benzocaine products (2018), homeopathic teething tablets (2016, 2017)
  • CDCCenters for Disease Control and Prevention — Children's oral health guidelines and community water fluoridation resources
  • StudyMassignan et al. (2016), Pediatrics— “Signs and Symptoms of Primary Tooth Eruption: A Meta-analysis”

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. Always consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist with specific concerns about your baby's teeth and health. All data stays on your device.