When do baby teeth usually appear?
Baby teeth often start to appear between about 6 and 9 months of age, though the timing varies widely between children.
Healthdirect notes that first teeth usually start around 6 months, and teething can continue until about 2 to 3 years of age. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says baby teeth often appear around 9 months (range about 3 to 12 months), with the lower middle teeth often first (teeth.org.au). Pregnancy, Birth and Baby describes teeth commonly appearing from about 6 months, with most children having all baby teeth by about age 3.
Order can vary. If your child has no teeth by 12 months, the ADA advises a dental check (teeth.org.au).
What are common signs of teething?
Common teething signs include drooling, rubbing the gums, being more irritable than usual, mouthing objects and biting.
The ADA lists those symptoms and notes that some babies show them from as early as 3 months (teeth.org.au). Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also describes red or swollen gums, dribbling, restlessness and sucking on fingers or objects (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
Not every unsettled spell is teething. If you are unsure, ask your maternal child health nurse, doctor or dentist rather than assuming it is teeth.
What can I try to help my baby?
Many families find that extra cuddles, a cooled (not frozen) teething ring or clean washcloth, or a cold spoon rubbed on the gums can help while a tooth is coming through.
The ADA suggests attention and cuddles, cold (not frozen) teething rings or washcloths, rubbing the back of a cold spoon over the gums, and a dummy if you already use one (teeth.org.au). Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also suggests rubbing the gums with clean hands and using a cold compress (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
What to avoid or treat with care:
- Anaesthetic teething gels. Australian guidance advises against mouth gels that contain anaesthetic for babies and young children. They can be washed away by saliva, and babies may swallow them; numbing the throat can raise a choking risk (teeth.org.au; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
- Dummies dipped in honey, jam or other sugary spreads. That habit raises the chance of tooth decay once teeth are present (teeth.org.au; healthdirect).
- Amber or beaded teething necklaces. These are a choking and strangulation hazard and are unlikely to help pain (teeth.org.au; Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
If you are considering an over-the-counter medicine for pain or fever, ask a pharmacist or doctor first, and follow the packet dose for your child’s age and weight. Do not guess the dose.
When is it not just teething?
A high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, cough or seizures is not something to put down to teething alone — see a doctor.
The ADA lists coughing, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures and a very high fever as symptoms that should not be linked to teething straight away, and advises medical review to rule out other illness (teeth.org.au). Pregnancy, Birth and Baby states that teething is not usually associated with illness, and that a high fever of 38°C or more, or those other symptoms, needs a doctor (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
If your baby seems very unwell, is hard to wake, or you are worried, seek medical care promptly. Teething should not explain serious illness.
How do I care for new teeth — and when to see AMK?
Start cleaning as soon as the first tooth appears, and book a first dental visit when those first teeth arrive — or by the first birthday.
Healthdirect advises brushing with a soft brush and water (no toothpaste under 18 months unless your dentist advises otherwise) from the first tooth (healthdirect). The ADA likewise recommends starting a toothbrush when the first teeth arrive, and a first dental visit at that time (teeth.org.au). Before teeth appear, a clean damp cloth on the gums can help build the habit.
For age-by-age toothpaste amounts and everyday habits, see how to look after your child’s teeth. For what happens at the appointment, see what happens at a child’s first dental visit. Eligible families may also use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for some basic care — check eligibility through myGov or Medicare.
Book a children’s visit in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic offers children’s dentistry at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137, for families from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita and Concord. To book, call (02) 9739 6525 or use our contact page.
This article is general information only. It does not replace advice from your doctor or dentist about your child.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
When do baby teeth usually start to appear?
Baby teeth often start to appear around 6 to 9 months of age, though some children start earlier or later. The Australian Dental Association notes a common range of about 3 to 12 months, with the lower middle teeth often first. All 20 baby teeth usually arrive by about age 3. If there are no teeth by 12 months, book a dental check. Timing varies between children.
Can teething cause a high fever or diarrhoea?
A high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes, coughing or seizures should not be put down to teething alone. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby and the Australian Dental Association advise seeing a doctor to rule out illness. Teething can make some babies irritable and drooly, but those more serious symptoms need medical review. Seek care promptly if you are worried about your baby.
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth and book a dentist?
Start brushing with a soft brush and water as soon as the first tooth appears. Healthdirect and the ADA recommend a first dental visit when the first teeth arrive, or by the first birthday. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, early visits check development and share home-care advice. Call (02) 9739 6525 or use our contact page to book.