Teething is the process of tooth eruption through the gums.
A child's first tooth usually appears by 6 months of age, and a complete set of 20 primary or first teeth usually develops by 2½ years.
Before a tooth appears, the child may cry, be fussy, and sleep and eat poorly. The child may drool, have red and tender gums, and chew constantly on objects like toys and crib rails during tooth eruption.
Tooth Eruption Times for Baby Teeth
Teeth | Age at Eruption* |
|---|---|
Lower front teeth (lower central incisors) | 5–9 months |
Upper front teeth (upper central incisors) | 8–12 months |
Upper side teeth (upper lateral incisors) | 10–12 months |
Lower side teeth (lower lateral incisors) | 12–15 months |
First back teeth (first molars) | 10–16 months |
Eye teeth or cuspids (canines) | 16–20 months |
Second back teeth (second molars) | 20–30 months |
* The age at eruption for baby (deciduous) teeth varies greatly. Children have a total of 20 baby teeth. | |
Teething does not cause fever (temperature of 100.4° F or 38° C or higher). Children who have fever and who are especially fussy should be evaluated by a doctor for an infection because these symptoms are not caused by teething.
Did You Know...
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Teething infants get some relief from chewing on hard objects (such as teething biscuits) or cold objects (such as firm rubber or gel-containing teething rings). Massaging the child's gums with or without ice also may help. If a child is extremely uncomfortable, weight-based doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually helpful.
Teething devices worn around the child's neck, such as teething necklaces or beads, should be avoided because they increase the risk of choking and strangulation.
Teething gels are not recommended because they are not any more effective than other measures of pain relief, and some contain a potentially dangerous substance called benzocaine. Benzocaine can rarely cause a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
Taarifa Zaidi
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
American Academy of Pediatrics: Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents
