Baby Teething (UK): Symptoms, Tooth Order & How to Soothe It
Extra dribble, red gums, a baby who wants to chew everything and won't settle at night — teething has arrived. It's one of the longest-running phases of the early years, and one of the easiest to worry about. This is a calm UK guide to baby teething: when it usually starts, the order teeth come through, the real signs to expect, how to soothe sore gums safely, and — just as importantly — what teething does not cause. The reassuring headline: teething is uncomfortable, not dangerous, and there's plenty you can do to help. The one rule to hold onto is simple — never blame a genuinely poorly baby on teething.
When do babies start teething? (UK)
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but the normal range is wide — anywhere from about 4 months to 12 months. A few babies are born with a tooth already through, and some have none until after their first birthday. All of this is normal. The age the first tooth appears often runs in families, so a late starter usually just means late teeth, not a problem. If you're following your baby's wider development, our month-by-month milestones guide puts teething alongside everything else happening in the first year.
Baby teeth order: which tooth comes when
Teeth usually arrive in a fairly predictable order, in matching pairs, from the front of the mouth outwards. These are typical age ranges — your baby may sit a little either side and be perfectly fine.
| Teeth | Typical age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom central incisors (front two) | ~5–10 months | Usually the very first to appear |
| Top central incisors (front two) | ~6–12 months | The next pair through |
| Top lateral incisors (either side of top front) | ~9–13 months | |
| Bottom lateral incisors (either side of bottom front) | ~10–16 months | |
| First molars (back teeth) | ~12–16 months | Bigger teeth — can be more uncomfortable |
| Canines (pointy teeth) | ~16–20 months | Fill the gap between incisors and molars |
| Second molars (right at the back) | ~20–30 months | The last to arrive |
Most children have their full set of about 20 milk teeth by roughly 2.5–3 years old. The order matters less than the pattern — front teeth first, molars and canines later — so don't worry if your baby's sequence isn't textbook.
Teething signs to look out for
Teething tends to start a few days before a tooth actually cuts through. The NHS lists these common signs:
- Sore, red or swollen gums where the tooth is coming.
- Lots of dribbling or drooling — often more than usual.
- Gnawing and chewing on toys, fingers, anything they can reach.
- Being more fretful or irritable than normal.
- One flushed cheek — often on the side the tooth is coming through.
- A mild rise in temperature (but not a proper fever — see below).
- A dribble rash on the chin, from all the extra saliva.
Disturbed sleep and going a bit off their food can also happen. None of it is fun, but all of it passes once the tooth is through — usually within a few days per tooth.
What teething does not cause
This is the most important part of the guide, so it's worth being clear. Teething does not cause a high fever (38°C or above), diarrhoea, vomiting, or a baby who seems genuinely unwell. These are signs of illness, not teeth. Because babies teethe for such a long stretch, it's very easy to blame teething for something else that's happening at the same time — and that's exactly when a real infection can get missed.
So if your baby has a high temperature, is being sick, has diarrhoea, or just seems poorly in a way that worries you, don't put it down to teething. Check them over and, if you're concerned, contact your GP or call NHS 111. Trust your instinct — you know your baby. Teething should never be the reason a poorly baby doesn't get looked at.
How to soothe teething
The NHS suggests trying the simple, non-medicine options first — they help most babies most of the time:
- Something to chew. A teething ring gives safe pressure on sore gums. You can chill a solid teething ring in the fridge to soothe them — never the freezer, as a rock-hard frozen ring can damage gums.
- A clean, cool flannel. Let your baby gnaw on a cool, damp flannel — cheap, effective and washable.
- Gentle gum rubbing. A clean finger rubbed over the sore gum can bring quick relief.
- Teething toys. Firm, baby-safe toys designed to be chewed give them something to work on.
- Chilled healthy finger foods. For babies who've started solids, cool (not frozen) pieces of soft fruit or veg can help — always with an adult watching. If you're at this stage, our weaning schedule guide covers safe first foods and portions.
- Wipe the dribble gently and often to stop a rash forming on the chin, and offer plenty of extra cuddles — comfort is a genuine remedy.
What about teething gels and medicines?
If the simple options aren't enough, a sugar-free teething gel made for babies can be tried — the NHS suggests non-medicine options first, then a gel designed for children. For a baby who's clearly in pain, you can give infant paracetamol or ibuprofen if they're old enough: paracetamol from 2 months, and ibuprofen from 3 months and over 5kg, as stated on the packet. Always follow the dosage on the bottle for your baby's age and weight, and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure. Give the sugar-free versions made for babies.
What to avoid
A few popular "remedies" are best left alone:
- Amber teething necklaces and bracelets. The NHS and The Lullaby Trust warn these are a strangulation and choking hazard and should not be used. There's no good evidence they relieve pain, and the risk isn't worth it — especially around sleep.
- Teething gels not made for children. Adult oral gels aren't formulated for babies — only ever use a product designed for infant teething.
- Anything frozen solid. Chill teething rings and finger foods in the fridge, not the freezer — frozen-hard items can bruise or damage delicate gums.
Looking after those new teeth
The moment that first tooth appears, dental care begins. Brush twice a day — once last thing before bed and at one other time — using a smear of fluoride toothpaste on a small soft brush. It's also a good time to register your baby with an NHS dentist; check-ups are free for children and getting them used to the dentist early makes life easier later. Good habits from the very first tooth protect the milk teeth that hold space for the adult ones.
How CubTrack helps
Teething and illness look alike from the outside, and both tend to strike at 2am — which is exactly when it's hardest to think clearly. CubTrack's health and symptom tracker lets you log the signs (sore gums, dribbling, one flushed cheek), any pain relief or medicine doses with the time you gave them, and the unsettled nights, all in a tap. Seeing it written down helps you tell steady, tooth-by-tooth teething from a temperature that's climbing or a pattern that looks more like illness — the point at which you'd check your baby and call your GP or NHS 111. Because both parents share one record, whoever's up in the night can see the last dose and the last few nights without waking anyone to ask. It sits neatly alongside the way you already track feeds, sleep and nappies. Download CubTrack free on iOS or Android.
Teething FAQs
When do babies usually start teething?
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months, but anywhere from about 4 to 12 months is normal. Some are born with a tooth and some have none until after their first birthday — the age often runs in families.
Does teething cause a fever?
No — teething can cause a mild rise in temperature but not a true fever of 38°C or above. If your baby has a high temperature, don't assume it's teething: check them over and contact your GP or NHS 111 if you're worried.
Can teething cause diarrhoea or being sick?
No — teething does not cause diarrhoea, vomiting or a genuinely unwell baby. Those point to illness rather than teeth, so treat them as you would any illness and seek advice if your baby seems poorly.
What's the best way to soothe sore gums?
Start with something to chew — a teething ring chilled in the fridge, a clean cool flannel, or gentle gum rubbing with a clean finger. If your baby's in pain you can try a sugar-free teething gel or infant paracetamol or ibuprofen if they're old enough, following the packet.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No — the NHS and The Lullaby Trust warn that amber teething necklaces and bracelets are a strangulation and choking hazard and should not be used. Stick to teething rings, toys and cool flannels instead.
Why is my baby not sleeping while teething?
Sore gums can cause disturbed sleep and a few unsettled nights per tooth, which usually settle once the tooth is through. If night waking comes with a high temperature or a poorly baby, don't blame teething — check them and get advice if needed.
Want to tell teething from a real illness at 2am? Get CubTrack free on Android, log symptoms, medicine doses and unsettled nights in a tap, and share one clear record between both parents.
