# Baby Teething — Signs, Tooth Order & How to Soothe | Clever Mum > When babies start teething, the real signs (and myths), the order teeth appear, and safe ways to soothe sore gums — plus what teething doesn't cause. * [ Home ](/) * › [ Baby ](/baby/) * › Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline and How to Soothe It Baby # Baby Teething: Signs, Timeline and How to Soothe It [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/) By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides Published 11 July 2026 Quick answer — At what age do babies start teething? Most babies start teething around 6 months, though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal. Signs include drooling, gum-rubbing, chewing, flushed cheeks and irritability. Soothe with a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, gentle gum rubbing, and — if needed — infant paracetamol. Teething does not cause fever, diarrhoea or illness; check those separately. Who should skip this Skip this if a fever, rash, or diarrhoea is the main problem — teething does not cause those. Treat them as illness, not teeth. 3 minute read · Sources linked below On this page — jump to a section ## Choose a section * [ 1 When does teething start? ](#when-does-teething-start) * [ 2 What is the usual order of baby teeth? ](#what-is-the-usual-order-of-baby-teeth) * [ 3 What are the genuine signs of teething? ](#what-are-the-genuine-signs-of-teething) * [ 4 What does teething not cause? ](#what-does-teething-not-cause) * [ 5 How can you soothe teething safely? ](#how-can-you-soothe-teething-safely) * [ 6 What teething remedies should you avoid? ](#what-teething-remedies-should-you-avoid) * [ 7 How should you care for new teeth? ](#how-should-you-care-for-new-teeth) Teething gets blamed for everything from bad nights to high temperatures, but the evidence is narrower than the folklore. Knowing what teething genuinely does — and doesn't — do saves you from missing a real illness. ## When does teething start? Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but the normal range is wide: some are born with a tooth, others wait until after their first birthday. A late first tooth is almost never anything to worry about. ## What is the usual order of baby teeth? Teeth tend to arrive in a rough sequence, though variation is common: * **6–10 months:** bottom front two (central incisors) * **8–12 months:** top front two * **9–13 months:** the incisors either side * **13–19 months:** first molars (back teeth) * **16–23 months:** canines * **2–3 years:** second molars — a full set of 20 milk teeth by around age 2½–3 ## What are the genuine signs of teething? * Drooling more than usual * Chewing and gnawing on fingers and toys * Sore, red gums where a tooth is coming * One flushed cheek * Being more fretful or unsettled than usual * Mildly raised temperature (but **not** a fever) ## What does teething not cause? This matters. NHS guidance is clear that teething does not cause a fever (38°C or above), diarrhoea, vomiting, cough, or a baby going off their feeds entirely. Blaming these on teething can delay spotting an infection. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell, assess it as an illness in its own right — start with [when to take a baby with a fever to A&E](/baby/when-to-take-baby-fever-to-ae/). ## How can you soothe teething safely? * **Something to chew:** a clean teething ring, ideally chilled in the fridge (never frozen solid — it can damage gums). A cool, damp flannel works too. * **Gum massage:** a clean finger rubbed gently over the sore gum. * **Teething-friendly foods:** for babies already weaning, chilled soft fruit in a mesh feeder or a crust of bread to gnaw (always supervised). * **Extra comfort:** more cuddles and patience; teething is uncomfortable. * **Pain relief if needed:** infant paracetamol or ibuprofen (sugar-free), dosed for your baby's age, can help a genuinely distressed baby. Read the label and never exceed the dose. ## What teething remedies should you avoid? Skip amber teething necklaces — they are a choking and strangulation hazard and there's no evidence they work. Avoid teething gels containing sugar or, in general, unlicensed products; the NHS no longer recommends most teething gels. Never tie anything around your baby's neck or wrist. ## How should you care for new teeth? Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm). Register your baby with an NHS dentist — dental care is free for children. And when you're second-guessing whether a symptom is teething or something else entirely, [HealthAnswers' childhood symptom guides](https://healthanswers.co.uk/) are a useful cross-check — teething gets blamed for a lot it doesn't cause. ## Which gear is worth getting right? Shortlists we actually research — rankings can't be bought, and every pick links to retailers we've verified. [ Best-of guide ### Best Baby Bottles & Teethers UK: Features Compared Compare baby bottles and teethers by cleaning, teat flow, venting, materials and age suitability. Understand the limits of anti-colic claims before buying. 6 picks compared ](/best/best-baby-bottles-teethers-uk/) ## What questions come up most? At what age do babies start teething? Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, but anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal. Some babies are born with a tooth and others wait until after their first birthday — a late first tooth is rarely a concern. Can teething cause a fever? No. NHS guidance is that teething may cause a mildly raised temperature but not a fever of 38°C or above. It also does not cause diarrhoea or vomiting. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell, treat it as a separate illness — see our NHS escalation guide on when to call 111 vs A&E. What is the safest way to soothe teething? A chilled (not frozen) teething ring, a clean cool flannel to chew, and gentle gum massage with a clean finger. For a distressed baby, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen dosed for their age can help. Avoid amber necklaces, which are a choking and strangulation risk. When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth? As soon as the first tooth appears. Brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm), including last thing before bed, and register your baby with an NHS dentist — dental care is free for children. ## Sources & further reading * [ Baby teething symptoms ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/) — NHS * [ Tips for helping a teething baby ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/tips-for-helping-your-teething-baby/) — NHS * [ Looking after your baby’s teeth ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teeth/looking-after-your-babys-teeth/) — NHS ## On this page * [ 1 When does teething start? ](#when-does-teething-start) * [ 2 What is the usual order of baby teeth? ](#what-is-the-usual-order-of-baby-teeth) * [ 3 What are the genuine signs of teething? ](#what-are-the-genuine-signs-of-teething) * [ 4 What does teething not cause? ](#what-does-teething-not-cause) * [ 5 How can you soothe teething safely? ](#how-can-you-soothe-teething-safely) * [ 6 What teething remedies should you avoid? ](#what-teething-remedies-should-you-avoid) * [ 7 How should you care for new teeth? ](#how-should-you-care-for-new-teeth) ## At a glance First tooth Around 6 months (3–12 normal) Full set 20 teeth by ~2½–3 years Real signs Drooling, chewing, sore gums Not caused by teething Fever, diarrhoea, illness Soothe with Chilled ring, gum rub, infant paracetamol Our promise Health-adjacent points cite NHS or equivalent guidance. This article is general information, not medical advice — see our [editorial policy](/editorial-policy/). ## Keep reading [ Baby ### When to Take a Baby with a Fever to A&E (UK) NHS-aligned UK guide to baby fever: exact °C thresholds by age, when to call 999 or 111, safe home care, and red flags that mean skip the wait. ](/baby/when-to-take-baby-fever-to-ae/)[ Baby ### Baby Development Month by Month: What to Expect in the First Year A month-by-month guide to baby development milestones in the first year, what the NHS baby reviews check, and when to seek advice. ](/baby/baby-development-month-by-month-first-year/)[ Baby ### Weaning: When and How to Start Solid Foods A practical UK weaning guide — the signs of readiness at around 6 months, first foods, baby-led weaning vs purées, allergens and the gear you actually need. ](/baby/weaning-guide-when-and-how-to-start/)