This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Baby Teething
The first teeth usually appear between 4 and 7 months. Teething can be uncomfortable but is a normal milestone. Some babies teethe without issues, others become restless and fussy.
Possible Causes
- 1Natural developmental process: 20 milk teeth emerge between 4 and 30 months
- 2Order: Usually lower incisors first, then upper, then side and back teeth
- 3Genetics influences timing: Some babies teethe at 3 months, others not until 12
- 4Inflammatory reaction in gums from tooth eruption
What You Can Do
- Cooled (not frozen) teething ring for chewing
- Rub clean finger or damp washcloth over gums
- Teething gel without benzocaine (e.g., with chamomile or clove)
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (from 6 months) for significant discomfort — after consulting paediatrician
- Amber necklaces have NO proven effect and are a strangulation risk — DO NOT use
When to See a Doctor
- Fever above 38.5°C — teething does NOT cause high fever, look for another cause
- Diarrhoea — often wrongly attributed to teething
- Baby refuses food for more than 24 hours
- Severe swelling, redness, or pus on gums
- Gum bleeding that won't stop
Age-Specific Notes
4-7 months: First teeth (lower incisors). 8-12 months: Upper incisors and lateral incisors. 12-16 months: First molars — often the most painful. 16-20 months: Canines. 20-30 months: Second molars. By about 2.5 years, all 20 milk teeth are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start brushing teeth?
Do amber necklaces help with teething?
My baby is 10 months with no teeth — is this normal?
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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.