Teething is a natural developmental milestone—but it’s not always an easy one. For many babies and parents, this process is filled with crankiness, drooling, disrupted sleep, and countless chewed-up toys. From a dental perspective, teething is more than just a temporary phase—it’s the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
The five key stages of teething include the formation of teeth beneath the gums, the eruption of front teeth, the arrival of molars, the appearance of canines, and finally, the emergence of large back molars.
In this blog, we’ll break down the five key stages of teething in children, provide tips for soothing sore gums, and highlight when to schedule your child’s first dental appointment with a pediatric dentist.
What Is Teething?
Teething refers to the process by which an infant’s primary (baby) teeth begin to emerge (erupt) through the gums. This typically begins around 6 months of age, but some babies show signs earlier.
Teething can cause a range of symptoms, including drooling, irritability, gum sensitivity, and disrupted sleep. Parents also commonly notice rosy cheeks, a low-grade fever, or loose stools, though these symptoms aren’t always directly caused by teething.
Understanding the different stages of teething can help you recognize what’s typical, what may need medical attention, and how to best support your child through it.
5 Stages of Teething In Babies
Stage 1: 0–6 Months — Laying the Foundation
Even though you can’t see them, your baby already has 20 primary teeth present in their jawbones at birth. These are often called “milk teeth” and begin developing in the womb. During this stage, your baby’s diet will be primarily breastmilk or formula, and no visible signs of teething are present yet.
This stage is a quiet one, but it’s the beginning of a big journey. It’s a great time for parents to start gently massaging their baby’s gums with clean finger pressure after feedings to promote early oral hygiene.
Stage 2: 6–8 Months — The First Teeth Appear
At this stage, teething becomes more noticeable. The lower central incisors are typically the first to erupt, followed closely by the upper central incisors. You may notice your baby becoming more fussy, drooling excessively, or chewing on their fingers and toys for relief.
Tips for soothing:
- Offer a firm rubber teething ring, or a liquid-filled one that’s been chilled in the fridge or freezer. Many babies find the cold soothing on sore gums. Just check for any signs of wear, as liquid-filled options can occasionally leak over time.
- Keep a clean bib handy to absorb drool and help prevent skin irritation.
- Gently massage your baby’s gums using clean finger pressure.
Expect increased clinginess or irritability, as the pressure from erupting teeth can be uncomfortable.
Stage 3: 10–14 Months — Here Come the Molars
Primary molars—the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth—start to emerge in this stage. These teeth are bigger and tend to cause more discomfort during eruption. Increased drooling, crankiness, and disrupted sleep are all common.
Some babies may also seem to have a low-grade fever or experience mild digestive changes, like looser poops or more frequent dirty diapers. While these symptoms are often blamed on teething, they aren’t directly caused by it. If your baby seems unusually poopy, warm, or unwell, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider, just to be sure.
Soothing strategies:
- Chill (but don’t freeze) a clean, damp washcloth or teether for safe chewing. A chilled washcloth is a simple, time-tested option—sometimes called the “poor man’s soother”—and can offer great relief for sore gums.
- Offer firm, cold foods like peeled cucumber or carrot sticks (only under supervision to avoid choking hazards).
- Keep a consistent bedtime routine to help offset sleep disruptions.
Stage 4: 16–22 Months — Canines Join the Party
Canine teeth—also known as cuspids or “eye teeth”—emerge between the front teeth and molars. These sharp, pointed teeth can cause another wave of teething discomfort. Luckily, by this stage, most parents have figured out what works to relieve their child’s discomfort.
Stick to your tried-and-true soothing techniques, and continue monitoring your child for signs of excessive discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, may be helpful—just be sure to follow the correct dosage for your child’s age and weight.
Avoid numbing gels or topical products like Orajel or Anbesol. These are considered dangerous for infants and toddlers because the gel is often swallowed instead of staying on the gums, which can lead to serious health issues. Health Canada advises against using any products containing benzocaine in children under two years of age due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Stage 5: 25–33 Months — The Final (and Sometimes Toughest) Stretch
At this stage, the second molars—the last set of primary teeth—start to erupt, completing your child’s full set of 20 baby teeth. These are the largest teeth, and they can cause significant discomfort.
Toddlers may be extra cranky during this stage and less receptive to familiar soothing techniques. You may need to try a few different strategies to find what works, such as gum massages, hard teething toys, or cold foods.
Stay calm and consistent, and remember: you’re almost at the finish line!
Helpful Hints for Teething Relief
Here are a few dentist-approved methods to ease your baby’s teething discomfort:
- Gum massage: Use a clean finger, gauze pad, or damp cloth.
- Cool relief: Chill a teething toy or washcloth (never freeze).
- Hydration: Offer water in a bottle. Avoid juice or milk during soothing, as frequent sipping can contribute to tooth decay.
- Chewable foods: Offer age-appropriate, firm foods only if your child is ready for solids.
- Protect their skin: Keep drool under control with bibs and frequent wiping to avoid rashes.
Always supervise your child while they’re chewing, and avoid products containing numbing agents unless advised by your pediatrician or dentist.
When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommend that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption—whichever comes first. This early visit helps:
- Detect and prevent cavities early
- Ensure teeth are developing properly
- Establish a dental home and build positive experiences
After this initial visit, your child should continue seeing a dentist every six months or on a personalized schedule recommended by your dental provider.
Gentle Pediatric Dental Care in London, ON: From First Tooth to Full Smile
At London Little Bites Dentistry, we love helping little smiles grow with confidence. Our team specializes in gentle, child-focused care that supports your child’s oral health from their first tooth to their full set of pearly whites. If your baby is teething or it’s time for that first dental visit, we’re here to help.Ready to support your child’s smile from the start? Book an appointment with Dr. Lee and our friendly team today.