Teething: Signs, Timeline and How to Soothe Your Baby

Teething is when your baby’s first teeth start to come through the gums. It’s a normal part of development, and it affects babies in different ways. This guide covers when teething starts, the signs to look for, what you can try to help, and when to see a dentist or doctor.

It’s general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re worried about your baby, speak to your GP or child and family health nurse.

What Is Teething?

Babies are born with a full set of 20 baby teeth hidden in their gums. Teething is when those teeth start to come through. It causes discomfort in some babies, but not all.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

If you’re wondering when babies start teething, the answer varies a lot.

• Most babies get their first teeth between 6 and 10 months.
• Some babies’ teeth appear as early as 3 months.
• Others don’t get teeth until around 12 months.
• A very small number of babies are born with one or two teeth.
• Most children have their full set of baby teeth by about 3 years.

Baby teeth can come through in any order, but the lower front teeth (incisors) are often first, followed by the upper front teeth. The first molars are usually next, then the canines and second molars.

Teething Symptoms: What to Look For

Babies sometimes rub their gums together when a new tooth is coming through. Patients also commonly link teething with a baby who:

• Cries more or seems more irritable than usual
• Doesn’t feed as well as usual
• Sucks on toys, dummies or bibs
• Has more dirty nappies
• Pulls at the ear on the same side as the tooth

These teething symptoms might be caused by teething, or they might just be part of development, or a result of a minor infection or illness.

When It Might Not Be Teething

If your baby seems unwell, contact your GP for advice, particularly if they have a fever, diarrhoea or other symptoms that concern you. If your baby still seems unhappy or uncomfortable, see your GP or child and family health nurse. Teething might not be the problem.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

If you’re concerned about your baby’s teething, you can try:

• Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger. Wash your hands first.
• Giving your baby something to bite on, such as a clean toothbrush or a cold (but not frozen) teething ring.
• Offering mushier foods, which need less chewing.
• Giving your baby something firm to suck on, such as a sugar-free rusk. Always supervise your baby with food or toys.

Teething gels aren’t usually recommended, because they probably don’t help and can have harmful side effects. For questions about pain relief or other products, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth as They Come Through

As soon as the first tooth appears, start cleaning it.

• Use a soft infant toothbrush designed for children under 2 years. If your baby is reluctant to use a toothbrush, gently wipe each tooth with clean, damp gauze or a soft face washer, making sure to clean both the front and back surfaces.
• Use only water on the toothbrush until your baby is 18 months old, unless a dentist tells you to do something else.
• Replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or when the bristles get worn or frayed.
• Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, which can lead to tooth decay and is also a choking risk.
• Avoid sugary drinks and foods.

Your Baby’s First Dental Visit

Plan your baby's first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by around 12 months of age, whichever comes first.

At a first visit, a dentist can look at your baby’s teeth and gums, answer your questions about teething, and show you how to care for their teeth. How often your baby needs a check-up is something to talk through with your dentist. You can read more about children’s dentistry at our practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teething cause a fever?

Be careful about assuming it does. If your baby has a fever or diarrhoea, or seems unwell, see your GP, because it might be an infection or illness and not teething.

Is it normal for teeth to come through late?

Timing varies from baby to baby. Some babies’ teeth come through at around 12 months. If you have questions, raise them with your dentist at a check-up.

Do all babies get teething symptoms?

No. Teething causes discomfort in some babies, but not all.

Can I use teething gel?

Teething gels aren’t usually recommended because they probably don’t help and can have harmful side effects. Ask your pharmacist or GP before using any product.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

As soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft infant toothbrush, or a clean, damp face washer or gauze, and water only until 18 months unless a dentist advises otherwise.

When should my baby first see a dentist?

At around 12 months, or when the first tooth comes through, whichever happens first.

Book Your Child’s First Visit in Leederville

If your baby has their first tooth, or you’re approaching their first birthday, a first visit is a good next step. Your dentist can check your baby’s teeth and gums and answer your questions.

At Dentists on Vincent Leederville, we see patients from Leederville, West Leederville, North Perth, Northbridge, Mount Hawthorn, Wembley, and Subiaco.

Call us on (08) 9242 4400 or request an appointment online.

You’ll find us at 322 Vincent St, Leederville WA 6007.

Sources: Raising Children Network. “Baby teeth development, dental health and dental care.” raisingchildren.net.au (accessed 5 November 2026).

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, consider seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is ample car parking across the road from the practice

There are cafes and eateries within walking distance

LOCATION

Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation