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This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.

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Tooth Eruption Order in Babies

The first teeth are an exciting milestone — and often a restless phase. Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 8 months, but the range extends from birth to 14 months. The order matters more than the timing. Dental care starts from the first tooth!

Possible Causes

  • 1Genetically determined order: Lower central incisors first (6-10 months)
  • 2Upper central incisors follow (8-12 months)
  • 3Lateral incisors upper and lower (9-16 months)
  • 4First molars (13-19 months)
  • 5Canines (16-23 months) and second molars (23-33 months) — complete set of 20 milk teeth

What You Can Do

  • Cooled (not frozen!) teething ring for chewing — cold relieves pain
  • Gum massage with clean finger or soft silicone finger cot
  • Cool foods: chilled cucumber sticks or frozen breast milk in mesh feeder (from weaning age)
  • For strong pain: paracetamol or ibuprofen (age-appropriate dose, consult doctor)
  • From the FIRST tooth: brush once daily with fluoridated children's toothpaste (1000 ppm) — rice-grain sized amount

When to See a Doctor

  • Fever above 38.5°C — teething causes at most slightly elevated temperature, high fever has other causes
  • Diarrhoea is NOT caused by teething — see paediatrician for watery stool
  • Tooth not erupting and gum is very swollen and bluish (eruption cyst — see dentist)
  • Brown discolouration or spots on first teeth (possible enamel defects)

Age-Specific Notes

First teeth: 4-8 months (normal range up to 14 months). Complete milk teeth: about 2.5-3 years with 20 teeth. Every baby has their own pace — a later start does NOT mean a problem. Dental care starts with the first tooth! First dentist visit: by the 1st birthday at the latest. Fluoridation: toothpaste OR fluoride tablets — NOT both (consult paediatrician).

Frequently Asked Questions

My baby is 10 months old with no teeth — is this normal?
Yes, absolutely normal! The range for the first tooth is 4 to 14 months. Some babies are even born with a tooth (natal tooth), others don't get one until after their first birthday. Genetics play a big role — ask your parents when you got your first tooth.
Does teething cause fever and diarrhoea?
NO. This widespread belief has been medically disproven. Teething can cause slightly elevated temperature (under 38°C), increased drooling, and fussiness. Fever above 38.5°C or diarrhoea have OTHER causes and should be medically evaluated — even if a tooth is coming through.
Which toothpaste for the first tooth?
From the first tooth: fluoridated children's toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride, rice-grain sized amount, once daily. From the 2nd birthday: pea-sized amount, twice daily. NO toothpaste without fluoride — fluoride is the most important cavity protection. And: fluoride tablets AND fluoride toothpaste is too much — one or the other.

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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.