Most babies cut their first tooth between 4 and 10 months, usually a lower front tooth, and finish their set of 20 baby teeth around age three.
Normal signs
Expect extra drooling, gum-rubbing, chewing on everything, fussiness, and mildly disturbed sleep in the days before a tooth appears. A slightly raised temperature can accompany teething, but a true fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher), diarrhea, or a rash are not teething symptoms — call your pediatrician for those.
What actually helps
Cold is your best friend: a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, a cold wet washcloth to chew, or a clean finger gently massaging the gums. For rough stretches, your pediatrician can advise on infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosed by weight.
Skip numbing gels containing benzocaine and teething necklaces — both carry real risks and are advised against by the FDA and pediatric groups.
Caring for brand-new teeth
Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears: a soft infant brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, twice a day. Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice — it bathes new teeth in sugar all night and is a leading cause of early childhood cavities. And remember: first tooth means it’s time to book that first dental visit.