When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs and a Tooth-by-Tooth Timeline

By the Tinytato Team · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer

Most babies start teething at around 6 months, according to the NHS, but some start before 4 months and others after 12 months. Both are normal. The bottom front teeth usually come first. Early signs are extra drooling, chewing on everything, red or swollen gums and more fussiness. All 20 baby teeth have usually arrived by 2 to 3 years.

Baby is 3 months old, drooling through two bibs a day and chewing their fists. Your mother says it's teeth. Your friend says it's too early.

They could both be right. Here's what's normal, and how to tell.

In this article

When do babies start teething?
Baby teeth timeline: which teeth, what age
First signs of teething
What isn't a teething sign
When to see a doctor or dentist
Frequently asked questions about when babies start teething

When do babies usually start teething?

Around 6 months for most babies. But the range is wide:

The NHS says some babies start teething before 4 months and some after 12 months. A few are even born with a tooth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says first teeth typically appear between 6 and 10 months, but discomfort can start weeks or months before, possibly as early as 3 months.

So a drooly, chewy 3-month-old may well be starting. And a toothless 11-month-old is usually nothing to worry about.

In what order do baby teeth come in?

Teeth	Where	Around
Central incisors	The front teeth. Bottom ones usually first	6 months
Lateral incisors	Either side of the front teeth	8 months
First molars	Back teeth	12 months
Canines	Pointed teeth between the incisors and molars	18 months
Second molars	Furthest back	24 months

Source: NHS. Bottom teeth usually come through before the matching top ones. Most children have all 20 milk teeth by 2 to 3 years.

The molars are often the ones parents remember. They're bigger, so they can be more uncomfortable.

What are the first signs of teething?

Some teeth arrive with no fuss at all. When there are signs, the NHS lists these:

Drooling more than usual, sometimes with a rash around the mouth or chin
Chewing on fingers, toys, your shoulder, anything
Sore, red gum where the tooth is coming through
More fretful than usual, and sometimes more night waking
Slightly raised temperature, but under 38°C

These usually last a few days around each tooth, then ease.

What isn't caused by teething?

It's easy to blame every bad day on teeth. But the AAP says studies show teething doesn't cause:

a real fever (38°C or higher),
diarrhoea,
a rash anywhere other than around the mouth,
a lot more crying than usual,
colds or other infections.

If baby has any of these, look for another cause, and see a doctor if you're worried. The NHS also says there's no evidence teething causes symptoms like diarrhoea.

The best evidence comes from a study in Pediatrics that tracked 475 new teeth in babies. Drooling, gum-rubbing, irritability, eating fewer solids and a slightly raised temperature showed up from about 4 days before to 3 days after each tooth came through. Diarrhoea, cough and infections were not linked to teething, and the researchers warned against blaming real illness on teeth.

When should I see a doctor or dentist?

Fever of 38°C or higher, diarrhoea, vomiting, or baby seems unwell: see a doctor or go to the Klinik Kesihatan. Don't put it down to teething.
Baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher: get medical advice the same day.
No teeth by around 18 months: mention it to your doctor or a dentist.
First tooth arrives: it's a good time to book baby's first dental check, and start brushing twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste.

How can I help when teething starts?

Something firm to chew, a gentle gum rub with a clean finger, and plenty of cuddles. Our full guide is How to soothe a teething baby: what is safe and what to avoid.

Our pick for the drooly months

TatoChew Teether, RM49. Food-grade, BPA-free silicone with different textures to chew on, sized for little hands, from 3 months. Dishwasher safe, and you can sterilise it in boiling water. Chill it in the fridge for extra relief.