when do babies get their first tooth
Most babies get their first tooth at around 6 months of age, but the normal range is quite wide, from about 4–7 months, and some babies don’t get a tooth until close to their first birthday.
Quick Scoop: First Tooth Timing
- Many babies’ first tooth appears between 4 and 7 months.
- Around 6 months is the average age you’ll often hear from pediatric and dental sources.
- “Early” teeth: some babies start teething as early as 3 months.
- “Late” teeth: some completely healthy babies don’t have a first tooth until 10–12 months or even a bit later.
The first teeth are usually the bottom front (lower central incisors), followed by the top front teeth.
Tiny Timeline (What Usually Happens)
- First tooth (often lower central incisor): about 4–7 months, average near 6 months.
- By 12 months: many babies have 2–4 teeth, but it can be fewer or more and still be normal.
- By 3 years: most kids have a full set of 20 baby teeth.
A large study of eruption timing shows there is natural variation influenced by growth, genetics, and other factors, which is why “normal” covers such a broad window.
Signs Your Baby Might Be Teething
Not every baby shows all of these, but common signs include:
- More drooling and chewing on hands or toys.
- Swollen or tender gums where a tooth is about to erupt.
- Fussiness, especially at night, and changes in feeding or sleep.
Mild temperature increases can happen, but a high fever, bad diarrhea, or extreme irritability are not typical teething symptoms and should be checked by a doctor.
When To Check With a Pediatrician or Dentist
- If your baby has no teeth and is older than about 12–18 months, it’s reasonable to ask your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist just to be sure everything is on track.
- If you notice tooth discoloration, unusual spots, or your baby seems in significant pain, get a professional opinion.
Most of the time, late or early teeth are just part of your child’s individual pattern and not a sign that anything is wrong.
| Milestone | Typical Age Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First tooth appears | 4–7 months (average ~6 months) | Often a lower front tooth (central incisor). | [7][10][1][3][5]
| Early teether window | 3–4 months | Some babies start this early and are still healthy. | [7][1][3]
| Later first tooth | 10–12+ months | Many are still normal; ask a doctor if you’re worried. | [3][9][5]
| Several teeth present | By ~12 months | Often 2–4 teeth, but the count varies. | [5]
| Full set of baby teeth | By about 3 years | Most children have 20 primary teeth. | [9][3][5]
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.