Baby teething chart & symptoms
Slide to your baby's age to see which teeth are usually in, which may be on their way, and what really counts as a teething symptom.
Teeth at 12 months
Usually inMay be comingNot yet
What's happening now
- Upper lateral incisors (9–13 months)
- Lower lateral incisors (10–16 months)
Ranges are typical, not deadlines. Timing often runs in families.
Baby teeth order and ages
| Teeth | Usually erupt | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6–10 months | Lower |
| Upper central incisors | 8–12 months | Upper |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months | Upper |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months | Lower |
| First molars | 13–19 months | Upper & lower |
| Canines | 16–23 months | Upper & lower |
| Second molars | 23–33 months | Upper & lower |
Ages from the American Dental Association eruption chart.
Real teething symptoms
- Drooling and a drool rash on the chin
- Chewing and gnawing
- Swollen, tender gums
- Fussiness, a few restless nights
- Slightly raised temperature (under 100.4°F / 38°C)
Not teething, look elsewhere
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Rash on the body
- Runny nose, cough
- Refusing to drink for many hours
Safe teething relief
- Rub gums with a clean finger or a cold, wet washcloth.
- Solid chilled teething rings (fridge, not freezer).
- Avoid: benzocaine or lidocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets, and amber or bead teething necklaces. The FDA warns these can cause serious harm, including choking and strangulation.
- For a rough night, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist about acetaminophen, or ibuprofen from 6 months, dosed by weight.
- Brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (rice-grain size) twice a day from the first tooth (AAP).
Questions parents ask
What are the signs of teething?
Drooling, chewing on everything, sore or swollen gums, fussiness and slightly disturbed sleep. A slightly raised temperature can happen, but not a true fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or more.
Does teething cause fever or diarrhea?
Research and the AAP say no: teething does not cause high fever, diarrhea, vomiting or a runny nose. If your baby has those, look for another cause and call your pediatrician if concerned.
What helps teething pain?
Rub gums with a clean finger, offer a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold wet washcloth. The FDA warns against benzocaine and lidocaine gels, homeopathic teething tablets and amber teething necklaces. Ask your pediatrician about acetaminophen or ibuprofen (from 6 months) for bad nights.
What order do baby teeth come in?
Usually the bottom two front teeth first (6–10 months), then the top front teeth, then lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and finally second molars by about 33 months. All 20 are usually in by age 3.
When should my baby see a dentist?
The AAP and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a first dental visit by the first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth.