Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health. Guidance below is grounded in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), HealthyChildren.org, and Mayo Clinic resources cited at the end of this post.
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Teething is one of those milestones that every parent hears about, and it often comes with more questions than answers. When will it start? Which tooth comes first? Is my baby's drooling a teething sign or just a normal baby thing? And most importantly, how can you help your little one when they are uncomfortable?

Here is a straightforward look at the baby teething timeline and what you can do to help your baby through it.

When Does Teething Start?

Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age, though some babies start earlier and others not until after their first birthday. Both ends of that spectrum are normal. Some babies are even born with a tooth already in (called a natal tooth), which is rare but not a cause for concern in most cases. The AAP's teething overview confirms this wide-open range.

The myth most pediatricians wish would die: teething does not cause a fever above 100.4°F, and it does not cause diarrhea. Research reviews going back decades have landed on the same conclusion. Teething can cause low-grade warmth, extra drool, and fussiness, but a real fever or significant diarrhea usually means a virus is piggybacking on the teething window. If your baby has both at the same time, treat it as an illness, not a tooth. Our fever decision guide walks through when to call.

By the time your child is about 3 years old, they will typically have all 20 primary (baby) teeth. That means teething is a process that stretches over a couple of years, though the most intense period is usually during the first year.

The Order Teeth Typically Appear

While every baby is different, teeth generally appear in a fairly predictable order:

Keep in mind that these ranges are approximate. If your baby's teeth come in a slightly different order or on a different timeline, that is usually nothing to worry about. Talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if you have concerns.

Common Teething Symptoms

Teething affects every baby differently. Some babies breeze through it, while others have a harder time. Common signs of teething include:

It is worth noting that high fever, diarrhea, and rashes are generally not caused by teething, even though they sometimes happen around the same time. If your baby has any of these symptoms, talk to your pediatrician to rule out other causes. The Mayo Clinic's teething guide has a clean summary of which symptoms belong to teething and which do not.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

When your baby is uncomfortable from teething, here are some simple ways to help:

If your baby seems very uncomfortable, talk to your pediatrician about whether an age-appropriate pain reliever is right for your child. Never give medication without your doctor's guidance.

What to Avoid

Some teething remedies that were once popular are no longer recommended:

Early Dental Care Tips

Once that first tooth appears, it is time to start basic dental care:

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if:

Teething often overlaps with other first-year changes. If your baby's sleep gets choppy alongside the drool flood, read our sleep regression guide. If you are also navigating eczema on the chin from drool, the baby eczema basics post walks through skin-barrier care.

A Free Log for Every New Tooth

Pippy makes it easy to log each new tooth and any fussy windows around it. Great for spotting patterns, planning the first dental visit, and remembering which tooth arrived when.

Try Pippy Free

Frequently Asked Questions

When do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age, with the lower central incisors typically appearing first. Some babies teethe earlier or later, and both are normal.
What are the signs that a baby is teething?
Common teething signs include increased drooling, chewing on objects, irritability, swollen gums, mild fussiness, and sometimes a slight increase in temperature. High fevers and diarrhea are not typical teething symptoms, so talk to your pediatrician if your baby has those.
How can I soothe a teething baby?
You can try chilled (not frozen) teething rings, gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger, and offering cold washcloths to chew on. Talk to your pediatrician before using any pain relievers or teething gels.

Sources and Further Reading

Reviewed by the Pippy Care Team. We are a team of parents, writers, and pediatric-health researchers. Content is cross-checked against AAP, HealthyChildren.org, and Mayo Clinic guidance. It is not a substitute for your pediatrician.