Teething: How Long It Lasts and What You Can Do to Soothe Your Baby
Key takeaways:
Your baby’s teeth first start to come in when they’re 6 months old. Teething is a process that can last about 24 months.
Some children are fussy while teeth break through the gums, while other children aren’t bothered at all. Most symptoms don’t last too long and go away on their own.
There are safe and effective ways to bring comfort to your baby while they’re teething. They include gum massage, teething toys, and pain relievers.
Teething happens when babies begin to get teeth. It usually begins when a baby is about 6 to 8 months old. This process continues for about 2 years.
Teething can make for a fussy baby from time to time. Knowing how to handle the fussiness and soothe your baby can help you through the teething process.
How long does teething last?
You can expect about four teeth to erupt every 6 months until all primary (baby) teeth are in. This typically happens when your baby is 30 months old.
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It takes about 8 days for a tooth to fully erupt.And each tooth comes in at its own speed. It’s not exactly clear how teeth erupt. But teeth do tend to appear in the following order:
The bottom two front teeth (lower incisors) are typically the first to come in.
The top two front teeth (upper incisors) come in next.
Then come more incisors, the lower and upper set of molars, and the canines.
Finally, the upper and lower second molars appear.
At the end of this process, your child will have 20 primary teeth.
What are the symptoms of teething?
Symptoms of teething tend to vary widely among babies. The most common teething symptoms parents report include:
Decreased appetite for solid foods
Drooling
Rubbing of the ears
Rash on the face
Rubbing of the gums
Biting
Irritability
Poor sleep
It’s hard to predict how your baby will respond to the teething process.Some babies may not be bothered by the arrival of a new tooth, while others may have lots of drooling or other symptoms. It’s common to notice red or swollen gums in most babies as the tooth breaks through.
What can you do to alleviate teething symptoms?
Teething symptoms typically go away after a few days. But you may want to try and provide some relief for your baby in the meantime. You can try:
Massage: Try using a clean finger or washcloth to massage and run across sore gums.
Chew toys: Cold (not frozen) solid-rubber teethers can help soothe irritated gums. But don’t use teething rings that have liquid or gels inside. These can cause a choking hazard.
Pain relief medications: If your child seems fussy, you may be able to try acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Check with your healthcare provider first to make sure it’s safe for your baby to use.
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If the fussiness lasts more than 2 or 3 days, reach out to your baby’s medical provider. They can let you know any other steps you need to care for your child.
What’s the best way to care for a baby's new teeth?
Caring for your child’s teeth starts before the first tooth erupts. This is important for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Experts recommend you wipe your baby’s gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth. Do this after the morning feeding and before bed. This helps prevent food and bacteria from building up in the mouth.
When teeth come in, you can begin to use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with plain water. You can use a fluoride toothpaste after your child is 2 years old and able to spit. But be careful — swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste may be harmful.
Pediatric dentists recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit when the first tooth comes in, or before they turn 1 year. This helps establish a relationship with a dentist that you can trust for future care. The dentist can make sure their teeth are developing normally, and give you guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth at home.
The bottom line
Teething spans your child’s first 2 years of life. While every baby is different, teething can be quite uncomfortable for some. Fortunately, symptoms of teething don’t last too long.
But if your baby is very uncomfortable, gum massage, and teething toys can provide safe and effective relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be helpful. If you think your baby is teething, talk with a healthcare provider for tips on how to keep your baby comfortable.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (n.d.). Little teeth truths: What can I expect during my child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist?
American Dental Association. (n.d.). Eruption charts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Children’s dental health.
Jain, P., et al. (2022). Anatomy, head and neck, tooth eruption. StatPearls.
Macknin, M. L., et al. (2000). Symptoms associated with infant teething: A prospective study. Pediatrics.
Mekonnen, S. (n.d.). My child ate toothpaste: Should I be worried? National Capital Poison Center.
