Teething and caring for first teeth

3-6 months · Care & dental · Reviewed 9 June 2026 · All articles

Teething is one of those phases that can feel both exciting and exhausting. Your baby is cutting their first set of teeth, which can bring some discomfort and a lot of drool, but it is also a sign that their development is moving along. Once those first teeth appear, caring for them properly sets the foundation for healthy teeth throughout childhood. This guide covers what to expect, how to help your baby through it, and how to look after those first tiny teeth, all drawn from NHS guidance.

What teething is and when it starts

Teething is the process of a baby's first set of teeth pushing through the gums. These first teeth are sometimes called milk teeth or deciduous teeth. Most babies begin teething at around 6 months, though it is completely normal for teeth to appear before 4 months or not until after 12 months. A small number of babies are even born with a tooth already through. The NHS notes that the exact timing varies widely from baby to baby, so there is no single "right" age for a first tooth to arrive.

By the time most children are 2 to 3 years old, they will have their full set of 20 milk teeth. Those teeth tend to come through in a broadly predictable order:

Bottom teeth usually come through before their upper counterparts. These ages are approximate guides only; a tooth arriving weeks earlier or later than the table above is not a cause for concern.

Signs of teething: what the NHS says

Teething affects babies differently. Some sail through with little or no obvious discomfort; others are clearly bothered for a few days around each tooth. The NHS lists the following as signs that are associated with teething:

• Sore, red gums where the tooth is coming through
• One flushed cheek on the same side as the tooth
• A facial rash, particularly around the chin and mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Gnawing, chewing or biting on things
• Fretfulness or unsettledness
• Disturbed sleep
• Rubbing an ear on the same side as the incoming tooth
• A slightly raised temperature (below 38C)

What is NOT caused by teething

There is a common belief that teething causes diarrhoea, but the NHS states there is no evidence to support this. If your baby has diarrhoea, it needs to be assessed on its own merits rather than assumed to be teething.

Similarly, a temperature of 38C or above is not a teething symptom. A high fever indicates something else is going on and should be investigated. If your baby has a fever of 38C or above (or 36C or below), is very unwell, or you are worried about any symptoms, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or seek care as appropriate.

How to soothe a teething baby

There are several things that can help, and the NHS suggests trying more than one approach to find what works for your baby.

Teething rings

A teething ring gives your baby something safe to chew on. Some can be chilled in the fridge before use, which can provide extra relief. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not freeze a teething ring: the extreme cold can damage tender gums. Never tie a teething ring around your baby's neck, as this is a strangulation hazard.

Chilled soft foods (for babies who have started solids)

If your baby is 6 months or older and has started weaning, they can chew on raw fruits and vegetables to soothe their gums. Soft chilled fruit such as melon can be particularly soothing. Avoid rusks, as almost all of them contain sugar, which is harmful to emerging teeth.

Gentle gum massage

Gently rubbing your baby's gums with a clean finger can help relieve discomfort. Wash your hands first.

Comfort and distraction

Sometimes what your baby needs most is to be held, played with or distracted. Extra cuddles and attention during a difficult teething period can make a real difference.

Pain relief

If your baby is in clear discomfort, infant paracetamol can be given to babies aged 2 months and over; infant ibuprofen can be used from 3 months. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging, and check with your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16.

Teething gels: limited evidence

Teething gels (available from pharmacies) contain a mild local anaesthetic formulated for young children. However, the NHS notes that evidence for their effectiveness is limited. If you use one, make sure it is a product licensed for use in young children; do not use general oral pain relief gels. Homeopathic teething products are not recommended. Be cautious about unlicensed products sold online, as some have been linked to serious side effects.

Managing drool rash

Teething often brings a lot of drooling. Gently wiping your baby's face and chin throughout the day can help prevent the skin irritation that can develop from constant moisture.

Caring for your baby's first teeth

Starting good dental habits as soon as the first tooth appears sets your child up for a lifetime of healthier teeth. According to the NHS, the basics are straightforward.

Start brushing straight away

Begin brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth comes through. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for babies or toddlers.

Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste

For babies and toddlers up to age 3, use only a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. From age 3 to 6, increase this to a pea-sized amount. Fluoride helps to protect teeth from decay, which is why the NHS recommends using fluoride toothpaste from the very first tooth.

Brush twice a day

Aim to brush teeth at least twice a day: once before bed and once at another time during the day. Use small, gentle circular motions to cover all surfaces of each tooth and along the gumline. It helps to sit your baby on your knee with their head resting on your chest so you can see clearly.

No rinsing

After brushing, do not rinse with water. Rinsing washes away the fluoride toothpaste before it can do its job. Simply spit out any excess toothpaste.

Keep helping until they are at least 7

Children do not have the fine motor control to brush effectively on their own until they are around 7 years old. The NHS recommends continuing to help or supervise brushing until at least that age.

Register with a dentist

The NHS advises registering your baby with a dentist when their first teeth come through. NHS dental care for children is free. A good way to familiarise your child with the dentist is to bring them along to your own dental appointments from an early age.

Diet and tooth decay

What your baby eats and drinks has a direct effect on their teeth. The NHS guidance is clear:

• Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks. Offer water or plain milk instead.
• Do not put juice or sugary drinks in a bottle.
• If you offer fruit juice, limit it to 150ml per day, only give it at mealtimes, and dilute it to 1 part juice and 10 parts water.
• Offer sweet foods and fruit juice at mealtimes only, rather than as between-meal snacks.
• Avoid lollipops and dried fruit between meals.
• Never dip a dummy in anything sweet.
• At bedtime, the only drinks that are safe for teeth are breast milk, formula, or cooled boiled water.

Frequently asked questions

My baby is 9 months old and has no teeth yet. Should I be worried?

Not necessarily. The NHS notes that it is normal for teeth to arrive after 12 months. Timing varies widely between babies. If you have any concerns, your health visitor or GP can reassure you and check that development is on track.

My baby has a temperature of 38.5C. Could this be teething?

The NHS says that teething can cause a slightly raised temperature, but only below 38C. A temperature of 38C or above needs to be assessed separately, not attributed to teething. Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for guidance.

Can I use teething gels every day?

The NHS notes that evidence for teething gels is limited. If you do use them, choose one specifically licensed for young children and follow the instructions. They are generally not intended for prolonged daily use. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Should I be worried about decay in milk teeth? They fall out anyway.

Yes, it matters. Decayed milk teeth can be painful and can affect eating and speech. They also hold space for the permanent teeth to come through, so decay or early loss can affect how adult teeth emerge. The NHS recommends protecting milk teeth with good brushing and a low-sugar diet from the start.

My baby refuses to let me brush their teeth. What can I do?

This is very common. A few things that can help: let your baby hold the brush and "have a go" first, try different positions (lying down on a changing mat sometimes works better than sitting up), brush at the same time each day so it becomes part of the routine, use a small brush with soft bristles, and stay calm and patient. Your health visitor or dentist can offer additional practical tips.

When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?

As soon as their first teeth arrive. The NHS recommends registering with a dentist at this point and bringing your child along when you attend your own appointments, so they get used to the environment.

Trusted sources

• NHS, Baby teething symptoms
• NHS, Tips for helping your teething baby
• NHS, Looking after your baby's teeth

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