Baby Teething: Signs, Symptoms, Teeth Chart & Safe Relief (Australia)
When do babies start teething? Most get a first tooth around 6 months, but anywhere from 4 to 12 months is normal. This guide covers the teething age and order for each tooth (with a teeth chart), the signs that really are teething, safe natural relief, and two things worth getting right for an Australian baby: when fluoride toothpaste should start, and which "natural" teething products carry real safety warnings.
Quick Answers
When do babies usually start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 10 months, with 6 months being typical, though some show early signs (drooling, gum-rubbing) from as early as 2–4 months. Timing varies widely between babies and isn't a sign of anything being wrong either way.
Which tooth comes first?
Usually the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors), followed by the top front teeth. See the teeth chart below for every tooth.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething can cause a very mild rise in temperature, but not a true fever above 38°C. A higher fever points to an unrelated illness — worth checking with your GP rather than assuming it's "just teeth."
What actually helps with teething pain?
Something firm and cold to chew on — a chilled (not frozen) teething ring or washcloth — along with gentle gum massage, tends to help most. Check with your pharmacist or GP before using any pain relief, and avoid teething gels containing benzocaine or homeopathic remedies not approved by the TGA.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 10 months (around 6 months is typical), though anywhere from 3 to 12 months is considered normal. There's no "right" timeline — some babies are born with a tooth already through, and others don't get their first until close to their first birthday. The order matters more than the exact age: teeth tend to follow the pattern in the timeline above, working from the front of the mouth backwards.
Baby Teeth Chart: When Each Tooth Comes In
A full set of 20 baby teeth (also called milk teeth or primary teeth) is usually complete by about 2½ to 3 years. The ranges below are typical, not deadlines. Healthy babies can be weeks or months either side.
| Tooth | Typical age |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6–10 months |
| Upper central incisors (top front) | 8–12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| First molars (upper and lower) | 13–19 months |
| Canines (upper and lower) | 16–23 months |
| Second molars, lower | 23–31 months |
| Second molars, upper | 25–33 months |
Teeth usually come in pairs, one on each side, so you may see two arrive close together. These ages are general; if you're concerned about your baby's teeth, talk to your dentist or Child and Family Health Nurse.
Teething Age by Age: What to Expect
3 to 5 months
Drooling, fist-chewing and gum-rubbing often start here, well before any tooth. It's mostly normal development rather than teething, and the best thing you can offer is something safe to mouth.
6 to 8 months
The most common window for the first tooth, usually the bottom front pair. Gums may look swollen or white just before the tooth breaks through, and mouthing gets more intense.
9 to 12 months
Top front and side teeth arrive. Babies are often crawling and pulling up by now, so teething fussiness and new mobility can overlap and make sleep harder. Our sleep regression guide can help you tell the difference.
12 to 18 months
First molars bring the most discomfort for many toddlers, because they're broad and flat. Cold food and firm teethers help, and it's worth starting a gentle brushing routine.
18 to 30 months
Canines and second molars finish the set. This is also when low-fluoride toothpaste enters the routine (see below).
Teething Signs in Newborns
Newborns aren't usually teething. Most first teeth arrive around 6 months, though drooling, fist-chewing and gum-rubbing can start from about 2 to 4 months. These early signs are often normal development rather than teething, so if your newborn is unsettled, feeding poorly or has a temperature, check with your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse rather than putting it down to teeth.
Teething Signs and Symptoms
Every baby experiences teething a little differently, but a cluster of these signs — especially alongside increased drooling — usually points to teething rather than illness.
- Increased drooling — often one of the first signs, starting weeks before a tooth appears
- Chewing and biting — gnawing on anything within reach
- Swollen, sensitive gums — red or puffy areas where teeth are emerging
- Irritability and disrupted sleep — discomfort can make a usually settled baby fussier, especially overnight
- Ear-pulling or cheek-rubbing — referred pain from the gums can show up here
- Refusing food — sore gums can make eating uncomfortable for a day or two
A high fever (above 38°C), diarrhoea, vomiting, widespread rashes, or a cough and congestion are not caused by teething. If your baby has any of these, it's worth checking with your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse — they may point to an unrelated illness rather than new teeth.
What Australian Guidance Says About Fluoride Toothpaste
A lot of teething advice online is written for a US audience, where fluoride toothpaste is often recommended from the first tooth. Australian guidance is different: according to Victorian Department of Health guidance developed with the Australian Dental Association and the Royal Children's Hospital, babies under 18 months shouldn't use any fluoride toothpaste at all — just a soft brush or damp cloth with water. From 18 months to 5 years, a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride children's toothpaste twice daily is the recommendation.
The reason isn't that fluoride is unsafe — it's that very young children swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out, and too much swallowed fluoride before the adult teeth form can cause mild dental fluorosis (faint white marks on permanent teeth). Brushing twice daily still matters from the first tooth — just with water only until 18 months.
Natural Teething Relief Methods
Cold Therapy
Cold helps numb sore gums and reduce inflammation. Chilled (not frozen) teething rings, a cold damp washcloth, or chilled fruit in a mesh feeder for babies already eating solids all work well. Never freeze a teether solid — an ice-hard surface can bruise delicate gums.
Gentle Pressure and Natural Teethers
Counter-pressure on the gums genuinely helps. A clean-finger gum massage works in a pinch, but a firm teether made from food-grade silicone or natural wood — easy to grip, free from BPA and phthalates, and appropriately sized — gives baby something to work on independently.
Two teethers we stock that fit this brief: the Playground Silicone Teething Ball (food-grade silicone, $17.99) and the Wooden Teether Toy ($18.87). Want to compare more options by material and age? See our guide to the best teething toys.
Using a Teether Safely
- Check it for cracks, splits or wear before every use, and bin it if it's damaged
- Wash it as the maker advises, and chill it in the fridge, not the freezer
- Stay with your baby while they chew — supervise every time
- Never tie a teether around the neck or to a cot; use a short clip only for pram or highchair use while you're present
Distraction and Comfort
Sometimes the best relief is simply taking baby's mind off it — extra cuddles, a change of scenery, singing or reading, or a warm bath before bed can all help on a tougher day.
What to Avoid
A few popular "natural" teething remedies carry real, documented safety warnings — worth knowing before they end up in your cart.
- Amber teething necklaces and bracelets — the ACCC has issued a public warning that these can break into small parts, posing a choking hazard and strangulation risk to children under three
- Teething gels containing benzocaine — not approved for use in children in Australia, and linked overseas to a rare but serious blood disorder in infants
- Homeopathic teething tablets — not proven effective, and some have been found to contain inconsistent or undeclared ingredients
- Rubbing alcohol or spirits on the gums — an old wives' tale that's both ineffective and unsafe for infants
For pain relief beyond the natural methods above, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct weight-based dose can help — check the packet, or ask your pharmacist or GP if you're unsure.
Teething and Sleep
Teething can make nights harder, but it rarely explains weeks of broken sleep on its own. Discomfort tends to peak for a few days around a tooth breaking through. If sleep has been bad for longer than that, look at other causes too, such as a developmental leap, a growth spurt or a change in routine. Keep the sleep space clear of soft toys and loose items, and follow Red Nose safe sleeping guidance. A teether is for awake time, not the cot.
Your Teething Survival Kit
A little preparation helps a lot. A basic teething kit that sits in the nappy bag or on the change table:
- Two teethers. One in use, one chilled in the fridge or in the wash. See the best teething toys for what to look for
- A clean damp washcloth. Chilled in the fridge, it's a no-cost alternative
- Bibs. Drool soaks clothes fast. A silicone bib such as the Mini & Me Bib ($14.99) wipes clean in seconds
- Soft cloths. Wipe drool from the chin and neck often. Constant wetness can irritate skin, so ask your pharmacist or nurse about a gentle barrier cream if you see redness
- A change of top. Wet tops mean a cold, grumpy baby
Teething and Daycare
If your baby is at daycare, send two clean teethers in a labelled wet bag, and let the educators know which comfort methods you're happy with. Many centres have their own rules on teethers and medication, so ask. Our wet bag guide explains which size fits a daycare bag.
A Calm Night-Time Routine for a Teething Baby
- Keep the usual routine. Predictability soothes
- Offer a chilled teether or cold washcloth during the wind-down, awake and with you
- Give extra cuddles and a gentle gum rub with a clean finger if baby likes it
- Check the room is dark, quiet and a safe temperature
- If baby is in pain, speak to your GP or pharmacist before giving any pain relief
- Remember a teether is for awake time. Keep the sleep space clear (see Red Nose)
Teething Myths Worth Skipping
Teething collects a lot of folklore. A few common ones, and what's actually known:
- "Teething causes colds and runny noses." Drooling can make the chin and chest wet and the nose a little runny, but congestion with a cough points to a cold, not a tooth.
- "Biscuits or rusks help." Hard foods are a choking risk for younger babies. A chilled teether is a safer way to give gums something firm to work on.
- "Late teeth mean a problem." A wide range is normal and often runs in families. If there's still no tooth by 18 months, mention it to your dentist.
- "You can't clean teeth until there are lots of them." Cleaning starts with the first tooth, with water and a soft brush or cloth.
A rough-night checklist
- Offer a chilled (not frozen) teether or a cold damp washcloth
- Try a gentle gum rub with a clean finger
- Check the temperature. Above 38°C, it's not just teeth
- Ask your pharmacist or GP before giving any pain relief
Caring for New Teeth
Oral care starts the moment that first tooth appears — and the routine evolves as your baby grows.
- Under 18 months: wipe teeth and gums with a soft, damp cloth or brush twice daily — water only, no toothpaste
- 18 months to 5 years: brush twice daily with a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride toothpaste, supervised
- Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle — pooled milk against new teeth overnight contributes to early tooth decay
- Book a first dental visit by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing
When to See a Doctor
Most teething is uncomfortable but manageable at home. Get in touch with your GP or Child and Family Health Nurse if your baby:
- Has a fever above 38°C
- Shows signs of infection — pus, severe swelling, or bleeding gums
- Refuses food or drink for more than a day
- Hasn't had any teeth by 18 months
Frequently Asked Questions
When do babies start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months, with a normal range of about 4 to 12 months. Drooling and chewing can begin earlier, from around 2 to 4 months, without a tooth following for a while.
Which teeth come in first?
The two bottom front teeth usually arrive first, followed by the top front teeth, then the side teeth, first molars, canines and finally the second molars. The teeth chart above gives typical ages for all 20.
How long does teething last?
Each tooth usually causes discomfort for a few days around when it breaks through the gum. The whole process runs from about 6 months to roughly 2½ or 3 years, so it comes and goes rather than being constant.
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething can cause a very mild rise in temperature, but not a true fever above 38°C. A higher fever points to an unrelated illness — worth checking with your GP rather than assuming it's "just teeth."
When should I start using toothpaste with fluoride?
Not before 18 months, per Australian guidance. Before that, clean teeth and gums with a soft brush or cloth and water only, then move to a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride toothpaste from 18 months to 5 years.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
The ACCC has issued a public warning that amber necklaces and bracelets can break apart, creating a choking hazard and strangulation risk for children under three. Cold teethers and gum massage are safer, equally effective alternatives.
My baby has no teeth at 12 months — should I worry?
Generally not — anywhere up to 12 months (and occasionally a little beyond) is within the normal range. If there's still no tooth by 18 months, mention it to your GP or dentist at your next visit.
Can I freeze a teether to make it work better?
Chill it in the fridge rather than the freezer. A fully frozen teether can be hard enough to bruise sensitive gums — cold, not rock-solid, is the goal.
Are teething gels safe to use?
Avoid anything containing benzocaine, which isn't approved for children in Australia. Cold therapy, gum massage and a well-chosen teether are the better-supported first options.
Looking for thoughtful, Montessori-inspired toys for your little one?
Shop Montessori ToysThis article reflects Victorian Department of Health fluoride guidance developed with the Australian Dental Association and the ACCC's warning on amber teething necklaces, as last checked in June 2026. It's general information, not personalised medical or dental advice — always check with your GP, paediatrician or dentist about your baby's specific needs.