Baby's first tooth

Teething is the process by which an infant's first teeth sequentially appear by emerging through the gums, typically in pairs. The mandibular central incisors are the first primary teeth to erupt, usually between 6 and 10 months of age. All babies are different some start with teething as early as 4 months others will probably get their first tooth some time during their first year. Some babies are born with their first teeth. Others may start teething before they are 4 months old, and some after 12 months. But most babies start teething at around 6 months.

Teething symptoms

Baby teeth sometimes emerge with no pain or discomfort at all. At other times, you may notice:

• your baby's gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through
• they are rubbing their ear
• your baby is dribbling more than usual which can cause a rash on their face
• they are gnawing and chewing on things a lot
• they are more fretful than usual
• Swollen, tender gums
• Fussiness and crying
• Gnawing or wanting to chew on hard things
• Lots of drool, which can cause a rash on their face
• Coughing
• Rubbing their cheek or pulling their ear
• Bringing their hands to their mouth
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

What helps?

• Something cool in your baby’s mouth, like a cold pacifier baby’s mouth. 

Call your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on the body, a higher fever, or cough and congestion.