In short: Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, and all 20 baby teeth by the age of 2 to 3. Teething can bring dribbling, red gums, gnawing and restless sleep. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger and a teething ring chilled in the fridge can help. A temperature of 38°C or more is not a sign of teething – call your doctor.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 9 November 2026
When do babies start teething?
According to the NHS, most babies start teething at around 6 months. Some get their first tooth before 4 months, others after 12 months. Most children have all their baby teeth by the age of 2 to 3, and bottom teeth usually come through before the matching top teeth.
| Baby teeth | Approximate age |
|---|---|
| central incisors (front teeth) | around 6 months |
| lateral incisors | around 8 months |
| first molars | around 12 months |
| canines | around 18 months |
| second molars | around 24 months |
These ages are a guide (source: NHS); a difference of a few months is normal. If you're worried that teeth are late, ask your doctor or dentist at a routine check-up.
Teething symptoms
Some babies have few or no symptoms, while others are unsettled for a few days. Common signs listed by the NHS include:
- a sore, red gum where the tooth is coming through,
- more dribbling than usual and a rash around the mouth or chin,
- one flushed cheek,
- rubbing their ear,
- gnawing and chewing on fingers and toys,
- being more fretful and sleeping less well,
- a slightly raised temperature, but below 38°C.
Fever and diarrhoea are not signs of teething
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says extensive studies show fever is a false symptom of teething, and that teething does not change the way a baby's gut works. The NHS also says there is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea. If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or more, diarrhoea or is unusually upset, don't put it down to teeth – speak to a doctor.
What helps with teething
- Gum massage: with clean hands, gently rub the sore area with a clean finger (NHS, AAP, FDA).
- A chilled teething ring: some teething rings can be cooled in the fridge – check the packaging for how long. Never put a teething ring in the freezer, as a frozen ring could damage your baby's gums (NHS).
- Something to chew: if your baby is 6 months or older and eating solid food, soft fruit such as melon can soothe the gums. Always stay with your baby while they eat. Avoid rusks, as nearly all contain some sugar (NHS). For more on starting solids, read our guide Weaning: when to start.
- Keep the face dry: gently wiping away dribble can help prevent a rash (NHS).
- Comfort: extra cuddles, carrying and a calm bedtime routine.
- Pain relief: if your baby is very unsettled, ask your doctor or pharmacist about paracetamol or ibuprofen and the right dose for their weight. Children under 16 should not have aspirin (NHS).
What to avoid
- Amber necklaces and teething jewellery: the FDA has received reports of deaths and serious injuries to infants, including strangulation and choking. The AAP warns that teething necklaces made of amber, wood, marble or silicone pose serious risks of choking and strangulation. Never tie a teething ring or dummy around your baby's neck.
- Gels with benzocaine or lidocaine: the FDA says benzocaine products should not be used for teething pain in children, because they can cause methaemoglobinaemia, a rare but serious blood disorder. Prescription viscous lidocaine should not be used for teething in infants and young children. The NHS notes a lack of evidence that teething gels work, and general oral pain gels for adults are not suitable for children.
- Homeopathic tablets and powders: neither the FDA nor the NHS recommends them for teething.
- Anything frozen solid: the AAP advises against letting your baby chew on anything frozen solid, as hard objects can hurt tender gums. The FDA recommends a firm teether that is not liquid-filled and not frozen.
- Sugar, honey or medicine on a teether: never dip a teether or dummy in anything sweet or in medicine.
How to choose a teether
Choose a teether made from a safe material, large enough that your baby can't swallow it and shaped so small hands can hold it easily. Check the packaging for the recommended age, the CE mark and compliance with the toy safety standard EN 71.
| Type of teether | Age (per manufacturer) | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| food-grade silicone ring | from 3 months | ring shape that's easy to grip, dishwasher-safe or can be sterilised | check for damage before each use |
| flat teether for both hands | from 3 months | light and compact, good for days out | wash it after it falls on the floor |
| teether with two silicone textures | from birth | soft and firmer parts for different stages, can be chilled in the fridge | fridge only, never the freezer |
| soft toy with teething tips | from birth | play and teething in one, attaches to a pram | wipe clean with a damp cloth only |
Mushie, Done by Deer and Canpol babies: teethers we stock
- Mushie teether ring (Nature, Dinosaurs and Space designs): made from 100% food-grade silicone, recommended from 3 months, compliant with EN 71 and CE. Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap, in the top rack of the dishwasher, or sterilise it (steam steriliser or 5 minutes' boiling). The Dinosaurs ring has three differently shaped dinosaurs for varied chewing.
- Mushie Pretzel teether: a flat, pretzel-shaped silicone teether (1.5 × 10 × 7.5 cm) your baby can hold with both hands, suitable from 3 months.
- Done by Deer Sheepy teether: a soft silicone sheep on a firmer silicone ring; the manufacturer says it can be cooled in the fridge.
- Canpol babies BabiesBoo soft contrast cards with teether: 4 soft double-sided cards with teething tips on the corners, suitable from birth.
You'll find all models in our teethers collection and the full range in the Mushie collection.
Using a teether safely
- Stay with your baby while they use a teether.
- Check the teether before every use and throw it away at the first sign of damage.
- Never attach a teether to cords, ribbons or strings.
- Chill it in the fridge only, never in the freezer.
- Clean it regularly following the manufacturer's instructions.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if your baby has:
- a temperature of 38°C or more,
- diarrhoea lasting more than a day (AAP),
- crying that is becoming more frequent or that you can't soothe (AAP),
- any symptoms that are causing you concern (NHS).
The first tooth: brushing and the first dental visit
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice (AAP). The AAP recommends the first dental visit after the first tooth comes through and by the first birthday. For how much toothpaste to use and how to brush, read our guide Brushing children's teeth.
FAQ
When does a baby's first tooth come through?
For most babies at around 6 months; some earlier, others after their first birthday. The bottom front teeth usually come first.
Does teething cause a fever?
No. A slightly raised temperature below 38°C is possible. At 38°C or more, look for another cause and speak to a doctor.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. The FDA and AAP warn of the risk of strangulation and choking.
Can I put a teething ring in the freezer?
No. Chill it in the fridge; a frozen teether is too hard and can damage the gums.
Are teething gels suitable for babies?
Don't use gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine for teething. If you're thinking about any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
When should I start brushing?
From the first tooth, twice a day, with a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Sources
- NHS – Baby teething symptoms
- NHS – Tips for helping your teething baby
- AAP (HealthyChildren.org) – Teething Pain
- AAP (HealthyChildren.org) – Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know
- FDA – Topical Drugs and Teething Jewelry Used for Teething Have Risks
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
