Health3-6 months
Teething: First Teeth and How to Ease the Discomfort
When the first teeth come in, what symptoms to expect, and the most effective remedies for teething discomfort.
4 min readPublished on March 18, 2026
Teething: First Teeth and How to Ease the Discomfort
The first tooth is a big milestone — and often a turbulent one. Your baby drools, chews on everything, and is fussy. Here's what to expect and how to help.
When Do the First Teeth Come In?
The first tooth usually appears around 6 months, but there's enormous variation: some babies are born with a tooth, while others still don't have one by their first birthday. Both are perfectly normal.
The Typical Order of Appearance
- Lower central incisors (6-10 months)
- Upper central incisors (8-12 months)
- Upper lateral incisors (9-13 months)
- Lower lateral incisors (10-16 months)
- First molars (13-19 months)
- Canines (16-23 months)
- Second molars (23-33 months)
By age 3, your child will have all 20 baby teeth.
Teething Symptoms
Common Symptoms
- Swollen, red gums where the tooth is coming through
- Excessive drooling
- Irritability and more frequent crying
- Need to chew on everything
- Disrupted sleep
- Pulling at ears (gum pain can radiate)
- Mild loss of appetite
What Is NOT Caused by Teething
- High fever (above 38°C / 100.4°F)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Widespread rash
Remedies for Discomfort
What Works
- Gum massage: with a clean finger, gently press on the swollen gum
- Chilled teethers kept in the fridge (not the freezer — extreme cold can burn the gums)
- Cold foods: after 6 months, a cold cucumber stick or a chilled apple slice to chew on under supervision
- Silicone teething rings — choose ones without liquid inside
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) if the pain is severe and prevents sleeping or eating (as advised by your pediatrician)
What Doesn't Work or Is Dangerous
- Numbing gels with lidocaine: not recommended under age 2
- Amber teething necklaces: no evidence they work, plus a choking and strangulation risk
- Sugary teething biscuits: they damage the very teeth that are coming in
Caring for the First Teeth
As soon as the first tooth appears, start cleaning it:
- Use a very soft baby toothbrush or a damp gauze pad
- With a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
- Clean morning and evening, especially after the last milk feed at night
- The first dental visit is recommended by the first birthday
The first teeth bring some tough nights, but they pass quickly. A little cold, lots of love, and plenty of patience.
