When Should a Baby Get Their First Tooth?
Posted on July 30th, 2026 | Chicago KiDDS
One of the most exciting milestones during your baby’s first year is seeing that first tiny tooth appear. Many parents wonder when a baby should get their first tooth and whether their child is developing on schedule. While every baby grows at their own pace, there is a general timeline that most children follow.
Understanding when to expect your baby’s first tooth can help you prepare for teething and know what is considered normal. It can also help you recognize when it may be time to speak with a dental professional.
In this guide, our infant dentists explain when your baby should get their first tooth and what to expect from the teething process.
When Should a Baby Get Their First Tooth?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age. However, some babies begin teething as early as 3 months, while others may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday. Both situations can still be completely normal.
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors, which are the two front teeth on the bottom. These are often followed by the two upper front teeth a few weeks or months later.
The exact timing depends on several factors, including genetics and your child’s individual development. If your baby is healthy and meeting other milestones, a slightly earlier or later eruption is usually not a cause for concern.
Signs Your Baby Is Teething
Teething often begins before you can actually see a tooth. As the tooth starts moving through the gums, your baby may experience mild discomfort.
Common signs of teething include:
- Increased drooling
- Chewing on hands, toys, or blankets
- Swollen or tender gums
- Mild fussiness or irritability
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Wanting to bite on cool objects
- Slight decrease in appetite for a short time
Some babies hardly seem bothered by teething, while others become more uncomfortable for a few days before the tooth appears.
What Symptoms Are Not Normal?
While teething may cause mild discomfort, it should not cause severe symptoms.
Call your child’s pediatrician if your baby has:
- A fever over 100.4°F
- Vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme sleepiness
- Symptoms that seem unrelated to teething
These signs may indicate another illness that needs medical attention.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Have Any Teeth Yet?
If your baby is approaching their first birthday without any teeth, try not to worry.
Some healthy babies simply develop teeth later than others. Family history often plays a role, so if parents were late teethers, their children may be too.
Most dentists recommend discussing delayed tooth eruption if your child has no teeth by 12 to 18 months. In many cases, everything is perfectly healthy, but an examination can provide peace of mind.
Baby Tooth Eruption Timeline
Although every child develops differently, this is a typical timeline:
- 6 to 10 months: Lower front teeth
- 8 to 12 months: Upper front teeth
- 9 to 13 months: Upper lateral incisors
- 10 to 16 months: Lower lateral incisors
- 13 to 19 months: First molars
- 16 to 23 months: Canines
- 23 to 33 months: Second molars
Most children have all 20 primary teeth by age three.
How to Help Your Baby During Teething
There are several safe ways to soothe sore gums while your baby is teething.
Try these simple tips:
- Offer a clean, chilled teething ring.
- Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.
- Let your baby chew on a cool, damp washcloth.
- Provide age-appropriate teething toys.
Avoid freezing teething rings because they can become too hard and may hurt your baby’s gums. Teething necklaces should also be avoided because they can create choking and strangulation hazards.
If your baby seems especially uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician before giving any pain-relieving medication.
Caring for Your Baby’s First Tooth
As soon as the first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing.
Use a soft infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Brush twice a day, especially before bedtime.
Baby teeth are important because they help children:
- Learn to chew properly
- Develop clear speech
- Hold space for permanent teeth
- Build healthy oral hygiene habits
Starting good dental care early helps support healthy teeth for years to come.
When Should Your Baby Visit the Dentist?
Many parents are surprised to learn that children should visit the dentist much earlier than they expect.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears, whichever comes first.
An early dental visit allows the dentist to:
- Check that teeth are developing normally
- Look for signs of early tooth decay
- Answer questions about teething
- Demonstrate proper brushing techniques
- Discuss healthy feeding habits
Early dental visits also help children become comfortable with the dental office, making future appointments easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for babies to get teeth at different ages?
Yes. Every child develops at their own pace. Some babies get their first tooth at 4 months, while others may not get one until after their first birthday.
Can babies be born with teeth?
Yes, although it is rare. Babies born with teeth should be evaluated by a dentist or pediatrician.
Does teething always hurt?
Not always. Some babies experience only mild discomfort, while others become fussier for a few days before a tooth erupts.
Should I clean my baby’s gums before teeth appear?
Yes. Wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings helps remove bacteria and prepares your child for a regular brushing routine.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking when should a baby get their first tooth, the answer is usually between 4 and 7 months. However, every child develops differently, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal.
Knowing the signs of teething, caring for your baby’s first teeth, and scheduling an early dental visit can help support a healthy smile from the very beginning. If you ever have concerns about your child’s tooth development, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
Ready to support your child’s healthy smile from the very beginning? Contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment. Our friendly infant dentists are here to make every appointment comfortable, educational, and fun for both children and parents.
