Your baby will start getting their first teeth in as early as six months old. Your child’s front central incisors generally appear first, followed by laterals, canines, and premolars.

These primary teeth will essentially set the stage for your child’s adult teeth, and will allow your little one to start chewing food and pronouncing their first words.

Even with the importance of these little teeth, teething can be a challenging time for babies and caregivers alike. How can you know if your baby is teething? Here are the top signs that your child is getting their first teeth in!

Irritability

Irritability or fussiness are normal signs of teething in babies [1]. Your baby may cry more than usual, be difficult to soothe, or become cranky suddenly. Fortunately, irritability with teething generally doesn’t last long—a few days at most. Keep in mind that fussiness or irritability can also be signs of illness, so if your child is upset but not teething, consider following up with your pediatrician.

Excessive Drooling

Most babies drool to some degree, but excessive or frequent drooling is one of the top signs of teething in infants [2]. If you notice your baby is suddenly drooling more, they may be about to get their first tooth.

Some children may also have red cheeks or irritated skin when teething as a result of saliva sitting on the skin. If your baby is teething and is drooling frequently, try to keep their face as dry and clean as possible to reduce potential irritation.

Inconsistent or Poor Sleep

Babies who are teething experience discomfort that can make it difficult to sleep [3]. The lack of sleep can happen days before you see that first tooth, so if your baby is having trouble sleeping, it could be that they are teething. Your baby may also have an odd sleeping schedule while teething, or sleep less than normally do when they do sleep.

Chewing on Everything

When first getting their primary teeth in, babies may attempt to relieve the pressure of the new teeth emerging through the gums by chewing. Your baby may try to chew on just about anything, but safe teething toys, such as rings or frozen cloths, can help your baby feel better and reduce the potential for harm when chewing on inanimate objects.

Poor Appetite

It’s common for teething children to lose their appetite because of the discomfort of having their new teeth come in. Your baby may be fussy about eating or eat less than they usually do.

To help your baby eat, you can offer them foods you know they like, especially softer foods that will be easier for them to chew.

Is Your Baby Teething?

If your baby is teething, this means it’s time for their first dental appointment. Your child’s dentist will evaluate their teeth and discuss proper oral care habits with you to help you support a healthy smile as your little one grows, including preventing tooth decay. Soon, your child will have their new teeth and the cutest smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething
2. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-
care/Pages/Drooling-and-Your-Baby.aspx
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-
symptoms/