Teething is a significant milestone in your baby's development, marking the emergence of their first teeth. Understanding how long teething lasts and what to expect during this process can help parents better support their little ones through this challenging phase.
While every baby's teething journey is unique, most infants begin teething between 4 and 7 months of age, with the entire process continuing until around age 3. Let's explore the complete timeline and what parents need to know about managing this important developmental stage.
The Complete Teething Timeline
The teething process follows a generally predictable pattern, though timing can vary significantly between children:
Bottom Front Teeth (Central Incisors)
These typically appear first, usually between 4-7 months. Each tooth may take about 1-2 weeks to fully emerge through the gum line.
Top Front Teeth (Central Incisors)
Following shortly after the bottom teeth, these usually emerge between 8-12 months, taking a similar timeframe to break through.
Side Front Teeth (Lateral Incisors)
These teeth typically appear between 9-13 months on both top and bottom.
First Molars
These larger teeth emerge between 13-19 months, often taking longer to fully appear due to their larger size.
Canine Teeth
Appearing between 16-22 months, these pointed teeth complete the front section of your baby's smile.
Second Molars
The final primary teeth usually emerge between 23-33 months, marking the completion of your toddler's first set of teeth.
Understanding Teething Symptoms
Teething symptoms typically begin about 3-5 days before a tooth emerges and can last for several days after the tooth breaks through. Common signs include:
- Increased drooling
- Irritability and fussiness
- Swollen or tender gums
- Increased chewing on objects
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Slight temperature elevation (not a true fever)
Managing Teething Discomfort
Several safe and effective methods can help soothe your teething baby:
Safe Relief Methods
- Clean, chilled (not frozen) teething rings
- Gentle gum massage with clean fingers
- Cold washcloth for chewing
- Refrigerated (not frozen) pacifiers
Medical Options
For severe discomfort, consult your pediatrician about appropriate pain relief medications. Always follow recommended dosages and avoid topical numbing gels, which can be harmful to babies.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While teething can cause mild discomfort and irritability, certain symptoms are not normal and warrant medical attention:
- High fever (over 101°F)
- Severe diarrhea
- Excessive crying or irritability
- Rash other than facial drool rash
- Significant sleep disturbances
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does teething last for each tooth in babies?
Each tooth typically takes about 1-2 weeks to break through the gums, though the entire process of teething can last several days longer due to pre-emergence symptoms and post-breakthrough discomfort.
When does teething usually start and end in infants?
Teething typically begins between 4-7 months of age and continues until approximately age 3 when all 20 primary teeth have emerged. However, this timeline can vary significantly among children.
What are the common symptoms of teething and how long do they last?
Common teething symptoms include drooling, irritability, swollen gums, and chewing on objects. These symptoms usually last 3-5 days before tooth emergence and a few days after breakthrough.
What are safe and effective ways to relieve my baby's teething discomfort?
Safe relief methods include clean teething rings, gentle gum massage, cold washcloths, and refrigerated pacifiers. For severe discomfort, consult your pediatrician about appropriate pain relief medications.
How many teeth will my child have by the end of the teething process?
By the end of the teething process, your child will have 20 primary (baby) teeth: 10 on top and 10 on bottom. These teeth will eventually be replaced by 32 permanent teeth starting around age 6.
