Your baby’s first tooth is a significant milestone worth celebrating, but it often comes with challenges. Brisbane Paediatric Dentist understands the questions parents have about teething. This guide provides expert advice on timelines, symptoms, and effective relief methods to help you navigate your baby’s teething journey with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Teething typically spans from 6 months to 3 years, with most children having all 20 baby teeth by their third birthday
- Each tooth causes symptoms for about 8 days—4 days before breakthrough, the day of emergence, and 3 days after
- Lower front teeth usually emerge first, followed by upper front teeth
- Mild temperature elevation is normal, but high fever (above 38°C) is not caused by teething
- Safe relief methods include teething toys, gentle gum massage, and cold (not frozen) teething rings.
When does Teething Begin?
Teething in babies typically begins around 6 months, though this timing varies significantly. Some babies start teething as early as 3 months, while others might not see their first tooth until after their first birthday. The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) are usually the first to erupt through the gums.
This developmental milestone coincides with changes in your baby’s immune system, which is why many illnesses are incorrectly attributed to teething. If your child hasn’t begun teething by 18 months, we recommend scheduling an evaluation with our Brisbane paediatric dental specialists.
How long does Teething Last?
The complete teething process typically lasts about 2 to 3 years. Most children will have all 20 primary teeth by their third birthday. But, how long can teething last? While the standard timeframe is 2 to 3 years, some children complete the process more quickly, while others may take longer based on genetic factors.
When do babies finish teething?
The primary teething process ends when the second molars have fully emerged, usually by the time your child is 3 years old. After this initial phase, children experience another round when their permanent teeth begin to emerge around 6 to 7 years of age.
How long does Each Tooth Take to Emerge?
Each tooth generally takes about 8 days to complete its emergence. However, you may be wondering, “How long do teeth take to cut through?” The actual cutting process typically takes 3 to 5 days once the tooth begins actively breaking through the gum surface. The entire process from initial gum swelling to full emergence usually spans about a week.
The teething process can feel much longer if multiple teeth emerge simultaneously, which happens frequently as babies tend to develop teeth in pairs. On average, children erupt about four teeth every six months during the active teething phase.
How long does Molar Teething Last?
Molar teething symptoms generally last 1-2 weeks per tooth because of their larger size. Molar teething often causes more discomfort than front teeth because molars have larger surfaces pushing through the gums. The first molars typically emerge between 13-19 months, while the second molars appear between 23 to 33 months.
What is the Order and Timeline for Teeth to Appear?
Teeth emerge in a predictable sequence, though timing varies between children, and start around 6 months, ending after 33 months. Understanding this pattern helps parents anticipate upcoming teething periods:
| Age Range | Teeth Emerging | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 10 months | Lower central incisors | Biting food |
| 8 to 12 months | Upper central incisors | Biting food |
| 9 to 13 months | Upper lateral incisors | Biting food |
| 10 to 16 months | Lower lateral incisors | Biting food |
| 13 to 19 months | First molars | Grinding food |
| 16 to 23 months | Canines | Tearing food |
| 23 to 33 months | Second molars | Grinding food |
Teeth typically emerge in pairs—when one lower central incisor appears, the other usually follows shortly after. This paired pattern continues throughout the teething process.
What are Common Teething Symptoms?
Typically, symptoms are most noticeable during an 8-day window around each tooth’s emergence. But here’s the big question: When is teething pain the worst? Pain usually peaks just as the tooth is about to break through the gum surface, and during the following day.
Primary Symptoms
- Drooling: Often begins around 3 to 4 months when salivary glands develop more fully
- Irritability and fussiness: Due to gum soreness as teeth push through sensitive tissue
- Gum swelling and tenderness: Creating a visible bulge that may appear red or bruised
- Biting and chewing behaviour: Babies seek counterpressure to relieve gum sensation
- Sleep disturbances: Discomfort often intensifies during quiet, inactive periods
Secondary Symptoms
- Facial rash: From excessive drooling, irritating the skin
- Ear pulling or cheek rubbing: Pain from the gums may radiate to the ears and cheeks
- Decreased appetite: Particularly for solid foods, which may cause pressure on sore gums
- Mild temperature elevation: Slightly elevated temperature (below 38°C) may occur
When Should You Worry About Teething Symptoms?
While teething causes discomfort, certain symptoms, like high fevers and lethargy, are not related to normal teething and warrant medical evaluation:
| Normal Teething Symptoms | NOT Teething-Related (Seek Medical Advice) |
|---|---|
| Mild temperature elevation (below 38 °C) | High fever (38 °C or above) |
| Increased drooling | Severe diarrhoea or vomiting |
| Facial rash from drooling | Widespread rash or hives |
| Mild irritability | Extreme, inconsolable distress |
| Slightly decreased appetite | Complete refusal to feed |
| Disrupted sleep | Extreme lethargy or drowsiness |
How long does teething pain last in babies?
While each tooth typically causes discomfort for about 8 days, true teething pain should not persist continuously for weeks. Prolonged symptoms may indicate other issues requiring medical attention.
What are Safe Ways to Help a Teething Baby?
Multiple evidence-based approaches can safely relieve teething discomfort, such as teething rings and refrigerated teethers:
- Teething rings: Food-grade silicone or rubber provides safe chewing surfaces
- Refrigerated (not frozen) teethers: Cold helps reduce inflammation and temporarily numbs the area
- Gentle gum massage: With a clean finger, apply direct pressure to uncomfortable areas
- Cold foods: For babies already eating solids, this provides relief similar to chilled teethers
- Clean, damp washcloths: Chilled in the refrigerator, this offers multiple benefits for soothing gums
While the entire process spans about 2 to 3 years, each individual teething episode typically lasts about a week. Having a variety of relief methods available helps you manage each teething episode as it occurs.
Which Teething Remedies Should Be Avoided?
Some traditional or marketed teething remedies, such as teething gels and amber necklaces, pose unnecessary risks:
| Safe Approaches | Unsafe Remedies (Avoid) | Why It’s Unsafe |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone/rubber teethers | Teething gels with benzocaine/lidocaine | Risk of methemoglobinemia |
| Refrigerated items | Amber teething necklaces | Strangulation and choking hazards |
| Gentle gum massage | Homeopathic teething tablets/gels | Regulatory warnings, adverse effects |
| Cold washcloths | Hard foods or frozen objects | Risk of gum damage and choking |
The Australian Dental Association and Therapeutic Goods Administration provide clear guidelines emphasizing physical relief methods rather than medicinal approaches for routine teething discomfort.
How can You Maintain Oral Health During Teething?
Even during teething, it’s important to establish good oral hygiene habits, like gum cleaning and regular dental check-ups:
- Gum cleaning: Begin before teeth emerge by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth
- Toothbrushing: Start as soon as the first tooth appears, using an age-appropriate toothbrush with soft bristles
- Regular dental check-ups: Schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday
- Diet management: Limit sugary foods and drinks, and avoid bottles at bedtime to prevent tooth decay
While establishing these habits, it’s worth noting that our specialists do not recommend teeth whitening for baby teeth.
How long does teeth whitening last?
For adults, professional whitening typically lasts 1 to 3 years, depending on oral hygiene and diet, but this treatment is not appropriate for children’s primary teeth.
Brisbane Paediatric Dentist: Supporting Your Child Through Teething
Teething represents an important developmental milestone that signals your child’s healthy growth. The primary teething process ends when all 20 baby teeth have emerged, typically by age 3. The active teething period begins around 6 months and continues until approximately 3 years, though timing varies for each child.
Our Brisbane paediatric dental specialists are here to support your family throughout this journey. We provide expert guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs, helping ensure optimal oral health from the very beginning. Know a parent with a teething child? Refer them to us for the best advice and care!
By combining evidence-based relief methods, early oral hygiene practices, and professional dental care, you can help your child develop a positive relationship with dental health that will benefit them throughout life. For personalized advice or to schedule your child’s first dental visit, contact our Brisbane practice today.
FAQs on How long does Teething Last
What age is teething the worst?
Teething is often worst around 6 months of age when new teeth begin to erupt. Symptoms of teething may include irritability, drooling, and discomfort. Every baby may experience teething differently, but pain relief is usually needed. Most infants experience teething discomfort for a few days before and after their milk teeth erupt.
How long are babies unsettled when teething?
When teething, babies may be unsettled for several days, sometimes up to a week. Baby’s teeth can cause discomfort, making babies fussy and restless during the day and night. If your baby is experiencing teething symptoms, they may struggle to sleep. To soothe a teething baby, try offering chilled teething rings or gentle gum massages may help.
Is teething causing my baby to wake up during the night?
Yes, teething can cause your baby to wake up during the night due to discomfort. As the baby’s teeth start to erupt, it disrupts their sleep cycle. A baby may wake up crying because their new teeth cause pain, especially at night. To soothe your baby, you can give your baby pain relief, like teething gels or toys.
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