The appearance of a baby's first teeth is quite an event—a moment that usually excites parents as they watch their little adventurer grow up. The teething process is also an important milestone in babies’ development which, interestingly and not by chance, often coincides with the start of complementary feeding. Is your baby going through this milestone or approaching it? In this article, we’ll tell you when and in what order the first teeth usually come in, what symptoms may alert you to it, and how you can relieve the discomfort your little adventurer may experience during the teething process.

When do the baby's first teeth start to come out

As we often say, every baby is a world of their own. By this, we mean that each boy and girl has their own rhythm for starting to crawl, walk, talk, sleep through the night, and, of course, for teething. So when we say that the baby's first teeth start to come out around six months of age , that age is not an exact measure. Some children start a little earlier, while others do so a few months later. In any case, this should not be a cause for concern, as the concept of “normal” is extremely flexible in this regard. That said, if, by the age of one, your little one has not developed any teeth, it is advisable to consult a dentist to make sure everything is on track.

That said, there is one aspect that the vast majority do tend to agree on: the order in which those first teeth appear:

• Between 6 and 12 months: The central incisors are usually the first to emerge—first the lower ones, then the upper ones. Next come the lower and upper lateral incisors. With eight teeth, your baby is ready to cut food, but only into small pieces.

• Between 13 and 19 months: The four premolars appear in the upper and lower parts.

• Between 16 and 22 months: development of the canines (also known as fangs)

• Between 25 and 33 months: the four second molars appear.

Typical symptoms associated with the eruption of the first teeth

It has become common to attribute to the eruption of the first teeth a series of symptoms in babies’ health and behavior . In practice, however, only some of these symptoms have scientific backing, while others—despite being noted by many parents—lack that support.

Among the typical symptoms of the emergence of the first teeth that are scientifically proven are three:

1. The tendency of babies to complain and cry more than usual , which is understandable considering that teething causes discomfort in their gums and, therefore, increased irritability.

2. The increase in drooling due to a significant rise in salivation.

3. The unstoppable need to put everything in the mouth and bite whatever falls into their hands, since applying pressure with the gums on these objects can provide temporary relief.

As we mentioned, in addition to these symptoms, there are others that are often attributed to the emergence of the first teeth, but these do not have scientific studies to support them , even though they are frequently reported through the experience of many fathers and mothers in daily life with their children. These may include redness of the cheeks; the appearance of fever and/or diarrhea; redness of the little bottom—which can become sore; decreased appetite; and more restless sleep with more nighttime awakenings.

How to relieve discomfort associated with the eruption of the first teeth

If your baby starts to experience any of these symptoms, the first thing to do is stay calm. As we just mentioned, they are absolutely normal. (It can also be normal not to experience any of them.) If they do appear, here is a series of tips to relieve some of the symptoms associated with the eruption of the first teeth.

• An extra dose of affection: Babies naturally inspire affection and the desire to cuddle. Those hugs and that closeness are even more important during this teething stage. And although a hug, in itself, doesn’t relieve pain, it can help soothe your baby and reduce the stress caused by discomfort. Nothing beats being in mom and/or dad's arms and feeling protected!

• Gum massage: Gently massaging your little adventurer's gums with your finger (freshly washed, of course) or with damp gauze soaked in cold water can also help relieve the discomfort caused by teething.

• Special products for teething: Nowadays, pharmacies and baby stores sell many teething toys in different shapes, designed to be bitten and to help soothe the discomfort caused by teething. To increase their benefit, chill them in the refrigerator before giving them to your little adventurer and, of course, don’t neglect hygiene—wash them frequently.

• Cold food: The sensation of cold acts somewhat like an anesthetic, so when the first teeth are coming in, it is recommended to offer cold foods such as yogurt, or fruits like watermelon or strawberries straight from the fridge. You can also make an ice cream with your little adventurer's favorite fruit, for example banana. All you need to do is peel and cut the fruit and put it in the freezer until it is well frozen. Then, place the fruit in a blender or food processor to puree it. Once you achieve a creamy texture, it’s ready. Easy, healthy, and delicious!

• Constant cleaning of drool: As we mentioned earlier, one common symptom of teething is increased salivation. In this regard, constant cleaning of the drool is recommended to prevent their clothes from getting soaked (and them from catching a cold) and to help prevent skin irritation.

• A little paracetamol always under medical supervision: If your baby is very irritable and you can’t calm them down in any way, consult your pediatrician about the possibility of giving a dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen for children to help relieve the discomfort.

In addition to all these tips related to the growth of the first teeth, there is another essential recommendation: brushing your teeth . Pediatric dentists recommend daily cleaning of babies' gums with damp gauze, even before the first teeth appear. Once these first teeth have emerged, it is ideal to use a toothbrush suitable for their age, with soft bristles, and to brush their teeth and gums with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (approximately the size of a grain of rice).

We hope this stage isn’t too tough for your little adventurer—or for you. Remember to consult your pediatrician with any questions or concerns.