Baby
Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline and How to Soothe It
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Teething gets blamed for everything from bad nights to high temperatures, but the evidence is narrower than the folklore. Knowing what teething genuinely does — and doesn't — do saves you from missing a real illness.
When teething starts
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but the normal range is wide: some are born with a tooth, others wait until after their first birthday. A late first tooth is almost never anything to worry about.
The usual order
Teeth tend to arrive in a rough sequence, though variation is common:
- 6–10 months: bottom front two (central incisors)
- 8–12 months: top front two
- 9–13 months: the incisors either side
- 13–19 months: first molars (back teeth)
- 16–23 months: canines
- 2–3 years: second molars — a full set of 20 milk teeth by around age 2½–3
Genuine signs of teething
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing and gnawing on fingers and toys
- Sore, red gums where a tooth is coming
- One flushed cheek
- Being more fretful or unsettled than usual
- Mildly raised temperature (but not a fever)
What teething does NOT cause
This matters. NHS guidance is clear that teething does not cause a fever (38°C or above), diarrhoea, vomiting, cough, or a baby going off their feeds entirely. Blaming these on teething can delay spotting an infection. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell, assess it as an illness in its own right and follow the usual "when to get help" advice.
Safe ways to soothe
- Something to chew: a clean teething ring, ideally chilled in the fridge (never frozen solid — it can damage gums). A cool, damp flannel works too.
- Gum massage: a clean finger rubbed gently over the sore gum.
- Teething-friendly foods: for babies already weaning, chilled soft fruit in a mesh feeder or a crust of bread to gnaw (always supervised).
- Extra comfort: more cuddles and patience; teething is uncomfortable.
- Pain relief if needed: infant paracetamol or ibuprofen (sugar-free), dosed for your baby's age, can help a genuinely distressed baby. Read the label and never exceed the dose.
What to avoid
Skip amber teething necklaces — they are a choking and strangulation hazard and there's no evidence they work. Avoid teething gels containing sugar or, in general, unlicensed products; the NHS no longer recommends most teething gels. Never tie anything around your baby's neck or wrist.
Caring for new teeth
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm). Register your baby with an NHS dentist — dental care is free for children.
Your questions, answered
At what age do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, but anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal. Some babies are born with a tooth and others wait until after their first birthday — a late first tooth is rarely a concern.
Can teething cause a fever?
No. NHS guidance is that teething may cause a mildly raised temperature but not a fever of 38°C or above. It also does not cause diarrhoea or vomiting. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell, treat it as a separate illness and follow normal advice on when to seek help.
What is the safest way to soothe teething?
A chilled (not frozen) teething ring, a clean cool flannel to chew, and gentle gum massage with a clean finger. For a distressed baby, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen dosed for their age can help. Avoid amber necklaces, which are a choking and strangulation risk.
When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?
As soon as the first tooth appears. Brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm), including last thing before bed, and register your baby with an NHS dentist — dental care is free for children.
Sources & further reading
Keep reading
Baby Development Month by Month: What to Expect in the First Year
A month-by-month guide to baby development milestones in the first year, what the NHS baby reviews check, and when to seek advice.
Weaning: When and How to Start Solid Foods
A practical UK weaning guide — the signs of readiness at around 6 months, first foods, baby-led weaning vs purées, allergens and the gear you actually need.
Best Baby Bottles & Teethers UK (2026)
The best baby bottles and teething toys in the UK — anti-colic bottles that actually reduce wind, and the teethers parents reorder for every baby after the first.