When Do Baby Teeth Come in? – The Complete Timeline
14 May 2025
Most babies start teething in their first year, and for many parents, it’s a phase filled with questions. You may be wondering when to expect the first tooth, how to spot the signs, and what’s normal. Baby teeth are more than just placeholders for adult teeth—they’re part of how your child eats, speaks, and smiles.
Understanding the general timing and what to look for can help you feel more prepared. This guide gives you a clear timeline and helps you spot the signs of teething. It also answers common questions about what’s typical and when to reach out to a dentist.
When Do Baby Teeth Start Coming In?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 10 months of age. The first ones to appear are usually the bottom front teeth (lower central incisors).
There’s a wide range of normal when it comes to teething. Some babies are born with a tooth already in place, while others may not have any until after their first birthday. Both cases are usually fine. A one-year-old without teeth may still fall within a healthy range, especially if other aspects of development are on track.
Teeth generally follow a pattern, but that pattern doesn’t always stick to the calendar. Genetics, nutrition, and overall health all influence timing. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to ask a pediatric dentist.
Teething Symptoms
Teething can bring a range of symptoms, but every child reacts differently. Some babies have no symptoms, while others show clear signs of discomfort.
Common signs include:
- Drooling more than usual
- Mild fussiness or irritability
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or clothes
- Swollen gums
- Trouble sleeping
Less common signs can include:
- Slight temperature increase (but not a fever)
- Decreased appetite for solid foods
- Rubbing the face or pulling on ears
Teething does not cause high fevers, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your baby shows those symptoms, speak to your doctor. Parents sometimes mistake illness for teething when both happen around the same age.
Comfort strategies like cool teething toys, gentle gum massage, and extra cuddles can help. Avoid teething gels or numbing agents unless a dentist recommends them.
Timeline for Baby Teeth Development
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, usually follow a general order when coming in. Most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they’re 2½ to 3 years old.
Baby teeth growth timeline:
6 to 10 months:
- Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
8 to 12 months:
- Upper central incisors (top front teeth)
9 to 13 months:
- Upper lateral incisors (next to the front teeth)
- Lower lateral incisors
13 to 19 months:
- First molars (flat teeth near the back)
16 to 22 months:
- Canines (pointed teeth between the front teeth and molars)
23 to 33 months:
- Second molars (back of the mouth)
There can be a gap of a few months between one set of teeth and the next. If your child is healthy and teeth are appearing in some form, small delays are usually not a problem.
Monitoring your child’s dental development is easier when you know what to expect. Regular brushing and dental visits, even before the full set is in place, help support healthy growth and good habits.
When Will My Baby Have a Full Set of Teeth?
Most children will have all 20 baby teeth by the time they are around 3 years old. These include 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars—10 on the top and 10 on the bottom.
The last teeth to come in are usually the second molars, which tend to appear between 23 and 33 months of age. These molars are larger and can cause more discomfort during teething. By the time your child is 2½ or 3, the full set is typically complete.
Every child develops at their own pace. Some kids may finish teething by age 2, while others may still be teething closer to age 3. As long as teeth are arriving and there are no signs of underlying problems, the timeline is usually nothing to worry about.
Late or Early Teethers – What’s Normal?
There’s a broad window for what’s considered normal when it comes to teething. Most babies start getting teeth between 4 and 10 months, but being earlier or later than this range is not automatically a concern.
A child who gets their first tooth at 3 months or one who still has no teeth at 12 months can both be perfectly healthy. It’s common for parents to worry if their baby seems behind or ahead of others, especially if they’re comparing siblings or children at daycare.
If your baby doesn’t have any teeth by 16 to 18 months, your dentist may want to take a closer look. A rare condition called congenital anodontia can cause teeth to be missing, but this is uncommon. In most cases, late eruption is part of a child’s normal variation.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s teething timeline is on track, a pediatric dental visit can help confirm that things are progressing as they should.
How to Help Your Baby Through Teething
Teething can be uncomfortable for some babies, but there are ways you can make it easier. Small steps can go a long way in helping your child feel more settled during this time.
Soothing ideas include:
- Offer a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or washcloth
- Gently rub their gums with a clean finger
- Use distraction, such as playing or walking, when they seem cranky
- Allow safe chewing on firm rubber toys designed for teething
Things to avoid:
- Do not give your baby frozen items to chew on—they can damage gums
- Avoid using teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine unless prescribed
- Don’t tie teething toys or necklaces around your baby’s neck (they’re a choking risk)
Sometimes extra comfort is all they need. You can hold your baby more, stick to their usual routine, and give them more time to rest. If your baby seems very upset, or if you think something more serious is going on, it’s best to talk to your dentist or doctor.
Your support makes a big difference. Most babies move through teething in stages, and with the right care, this phase becomes easier to manage.
Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Even a single tooth can develop plaque and cavities if it’s not cleaned regularly. Establishing this habit early teaches your child that dental care is a normal part of their day.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, designed for babies and toddlers. For children under three, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice. Once your child turns three, you can use a pea-sized amount.
Brushing tips for parents:
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed.
- Sit or stand behind your child and gently tilt their head back so you can see clearly.
- Brush all surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline.
- Encourage spitting out toothpaste, but don’t worry if your child swallows a small amount.
Children usually need help brushing until they develop enough coordination. A good rule is: if they can’t tie their shoelaces yet, they aren’t ready to brush on their own. Supervise their brushing and help them reach all areas.
See our full guide on brushing baby teeth
Should You Treat Baby Teeth? – Yes
Yes, baby teeth need treatment even though they eventually fall out. These early teeth play an important role in speech, eating, jaw development, and holding space for adult teeth. Ignoring problems in baby teeth can lead to infection, pain, and long-term issues with the permanent teeth.
Cavities in baby teeth spread just like they do in adult teeth. The bacteria that cause cavities can move from tooth to tooth—including from a baby tooth to a neighbouring adult tooth waiting to come in.
If a baby tooth becomes badly decayed and needs to be removed early, the space left behind can close too soon. That can cause adult teeth to come in crooked or get stuck. Dentists may recommend a space maintainer to prevent this.
Treating baby teeth helps protect your child’s comfort, health, and future dental alignment. It also helps them get used to dental visits early, which can lower anxiety and build trust with their care provider.
See our post on why it’s important to treat cavities in baby teeth
Should You Get a Pediatric Checkup? – Yes
Yes, regular checkups with a pediatric dentist are important, starting by age one or when the first tooth appears. These early visits help your child build comfort with dental care and allow the dentist to check for early signs of problems.
A pediatric dentist understands how to treat babies and young children. They use smaller tools and tailor their approach to match your child’s stage of development. These visits are not just about cleaning—they include advice on brushing, feeding, and teething, and help you track tooth development.
Seeing a pediatric dentist can catch cavities early before they cause pain or more complex issues. It also gives you a place to ask questions and get answers from someone trained in children’s dental health.
Early visits are about prevention and confidence. You’ll have a clearer picture of your child’s oral health, and your child will begin to see the dentist as a regular, friendly part of growing up.
See our post about how often should you take your child to the dentist
Kids Dental Group Can Help with Baby Teeth
If you’re unsure about your child’s teething, brushing, or overall dental development, we’re here to help. At Kids Dental Group, our team focuses on gentle care and clear guidance for families with young children.
We know baby teeth matter, and we take the time to answer your questions and make each visit comfortable. Whether it’s your baby’s first tooth or concerns about late teething, our pediatric dentists are trained to support you and your child through every stage.
A quick visit can ease your worries and set your child up for healthy habits.
