Understanding Your Baby’s Teething Timeline: What to Expect from the First Tooth to the Last

Teething is a monumental phase in your baby's development. It's a process that brings both excitement and challenges, as your baby moves from toothless grins to showcasing their adorable pearly whites. Understanding the teething timeline can help you anticipate what to expect and how to soothe your little one during this period.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

While every baby is unique, most start teething between 4 to 7 months of age. However, some babies may begin teething as early as 3 months, and others may not get their first tooth until they are a year old. Here’s a general timeline to help you understand when you might expect each stage:

1. 0-3 Months: Preparatory Stage

   • What to Expect: Even though no teeth are visible, your baby's teeth are developing beneath the gums. During this period, babies may start to explore their mouths with their tongues and begin drooling more than usual.

2. 4-7 Months: First Teeth Emerge

   • What to Expect: The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth). This stage is often accompanied by increased drooling, fussiness, and a strong desire to chew on objects.

3. 8-12 Months: Top Front Teeth

   • What to Expect: The upper central incisors (the two top front teeth) typically make their appearance. This can be a particularly uncomfortable time for your baby, leading to more pronounced teething symptoms.

4. 9-16 Months: Lateral Incisors

   • What to Expect: Next, the lateral incisors (the teeth on either side of the front teeth) begin to emerge. Your baby's smile will start to fill out, with more visible teeth showing.

5. 13-19 Months: First Molars

   • What to Expect: The first molars (the larger teeth towards the back of the mouth) come in next. These teeth can cause significant discomfort due to their size and the amount of gum tissue they need to push through.

6. 16-23 Months: Canines

   • What to Expect: The canine teeth, also known as cuspids or "eye teeth," appear next. These sharp teeth can cause additional discomfort and may lead to more intense teething symptoms.

7. 23-33 Months: Second Molars

   • What to Expect: The final set of primary teeth, the second molars, emerge at the very back of the mouth. This stage marks the end of the primary teething process.

When Does Teething End?

Most children have their full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of 3. The teething process can vary from child to child, but once all the primary teeth are in place, you can expect a break from teething until around age 6, when the permanent teeth begin to come in.