The arrival of the first teeth is often a much-anticipated moment… and also a little feared! When those tiny incisors finally break through the gums, it’s always moving to witness this exciting first milestone for your little one. But before those first white teeth appear, emotions can run high—for both baby and parents. Your head may be full of questions: Which teeth come in first? How do you know if your child is teething? And how can you relieve the pain? Let’s take a closer look in this article so your little one can soon regain their smile… and you can, too!

At what age do the first teeth appear?

The first little tooth usually appears around six months, but this average can vary widely. Some babies will see their first tooth emerge as early as 3 months, while others may have to wait longer—sometimes up to 14 months. In very rare cases, a small tooth may even be present at birth.

Adopting a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy (Read our article: ) can also have a positive impact on proper tooth development.

In what order do the baby teeth appear?

Baby teeth usually come in in the same order. However, there can be exceptions—which still result in sweet smiles.

• Between 6 and 12 months The central incisors are often the first to pierce the gum—first the lower ones, then the upper ones. Next come the lower and upper lateral incisors. With these eight teeth, your child is ready to cut and chew food, but only into small pieces.
  

• Between 13 and 19 months The four premolars appear above and below.
  

• Between 16 and 22 months : Los caninos hacen su aparición en la sonrisa de tu pequeñ@.
  

• Between 25 and 33 months : It’s the turn of the four secondary molars. Your little sweet tooth can now grind food well!
  

What are the symptoms of teething in children?

Teething is when a tooth gradually pushes through the gum until it breaks through. This phase, which can be painful, lasts an average of eight days. The tooth isn’t visible yet, but it’s there! Once it has emerged, we talk about dental eruption. Pain and teething symptoms vary from child to child—and even from tooth to tooth. Some lucky children won’t feel a thing. For others, it can be more challenging, and you’ll need patience to help them through this stage. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate your child is teething:

How to relieve pain when the first teeth come in?

Although this is a completely normal phase in a child’s development, teething can be painful. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to ease the discomfort and help your little one get through this period more comfortably:

A hug to comfort them

It’s never too much! Your child is uncomfortable and may not understand these new sensations. They need to feel reassured and comforted. A big cuddle in a parent’s arms can only do them good.

Teething rings

There are many teething rings available on the market. For even greater effectiveness, place one in the refrigerator before offering it: the cold has a numbing effect that helps soothe sore gums. However, never put a teething ring in the freezer, as extreme cold could hurt your baby’s mouth. Choose an approved model that meets current standards, and clean it regularly with soap and water to prevent bacterial growth.

A gum massage

Gently massage the gums with a (very clean) finger or a compress previously soaked in cold water.

Cold food

If your child has already started diversifying their diet, offer cold foods such as vegetable purée or yogurt.

Homeopathy

Among the best-known homeopathic remedies, we can mention Chamomilla Vulgaris , which is used to relieve toothache pain. While it poses no known risks to children’s health, the effectiveness of homeopathy is nevertheless questioned by some scientific studies. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your pediatrician or doctor if you want to try this natural option.

Paracetamol

If your child is still in pain despite these natural remedies, you can give paracetamol after consulting your doctor or pediatrician, and be sure to follow the dosage based on your child’s weight.

Remedies to avoid

Some techniques, considered ineffective or dangerous, are not recommended:

• Teething biscuits : They can cause cavities due to their high sugar content.
  

• Giving pieces of fresh vegetables to chew : Due to the risk of choking.
  

• Rubbing the gums with alcohol or trying to poke them to make the tooth come out faster : This could harm your child and lead to infections.
  

• Anesthetic gel : It can interfere with a child’s swallowing reflex.
  

• Amber necklace : Today, it is not recommended due to its potential dangers (strangulation and choking if a bead detaches).
  

When should you start brushing your child's teeth?

As soon as the first teeth appear! This will not only help prevent cavities, but also get your child used to brushing as part of their daily routine. You might think caring for baby teeth is unnecessary because they will fall out. On the contrary: their role is essential for your child’s proper development. Caring for them helps permanent teeth grow in correctly. Healthy baby teeth are also important for chewing food properly and adopting a varied diet.

As for the dentist, you can schedule a visit around one year of age to check that your child’s teeth are healthy.

Now you’re ready to face the arrival of the first teeth! With lots of love, a good dose of patience, and a few simple gestures, your child’s teething can go more smoothly. Soon, you’ll be overwhelmed with joy at your little one’s new smile!