Most babies start teething around 6 months, though the first tooth can show up anywhere from about 4 to 12 months. Teething is normal and temporary. It can make babies drooly, fussy and eager to chew, but it doesn’t cause high fevers or serious illness. The things that actually help are simple: gentle gum rubbing, cool teething toys and patience, plus early pediatric dentistry visits to make sure those first teeth stay healthy.
If your baby is chewing everything in sight and soaking through bibs, you’re in good company. Nearly every parent goes through this, often several times over as new teeth arrive. A first dental check by the first birthday is part of everyday family dentistry, and it’s a good time to ask teething questions too.
Toddlers learning to walk also bump their mouths a lot. A chipped or pushed-in baby tooth after a fall should be checked by an emergency dentist the same day.
For everything else, the team at Hummingbird Dental sees babies and toddlers regularly, and finding a dental clinic in Richmond Hill that’s comfortable with little ones makes those early visits easy.
When do baby teeth come in?
Every baby is on their own schedule, but here’s the usual order. All 20 baby teeth are typically in by around age 3.
| Teeth | Usual age they appear |
|---|---|
| Lower front teeth (central incisors) | 6 to 10 months |
| Upper front teeth | 8 to 12 months |
| Side front teeth (lateral incisors) | 9 to 16 months |
| First molars | 13 to 19 months |
| Canines | 16 to 23 months |
| Second molars | 23 to 33 months |
A first tooth at 4 months or at 13 months can both be normal. If there’s no tooth by about 18 months, mention it to your dentist or doctor.
What are the signs of teething?
- More drooling than usual, sometimes with a rash on the chin
- Chewing on hands, toys and anything nearby
- Red, puffy gums where a tooth is coming
- Fussiness and clinginess
- Disturbed sleep
- Rubbing ears or cheeks on the same side as the new tooth
- A slight rise in temperature, but not a true fever
Does teething cause fever or diarrhea?
Teething can cause a small temperature bump, but it doesn’t cause a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea or a runny nose. Babies also pick up a lot of common viruses around the same age, which is why the two get confused.
What actually helps a teething baby?
- Rub the gums. Wash your hands and gently massage the sore spot with a finger for a minute or two.
- Offer a chilled teething ring. Cool it in the fridge, not the freezer. Frozen ones can be too hard on gums.
- Try a cold, damp washcloth for them to chew, while you supervise.
- Wipe away drool often and use a barrier cream to prevent chin rash.
- Offer cool foods if your baby is already eating solids, such as chilled yogurt or purée.
- Extra cuddles. Comfort genuinely helps.
- Ask a pharmacist or doctor about infant pain relief if your baby is very uncomfortable. Use the right product and dose for your baby’s age and weight, exactly as the label or professional says.
What should you avoid?
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Amber or teething necklaces and bracelets | Choking and strangulation risk, no proven benefit |
| Numbing gels with benzocaine for babies | Rare but serious blood reactions in young children |
| Homeopathic teething tablets | Safety concerns and unproven benefit |
| Honey on gums or pacifiers | Botulism risk under age 1, plus cavity risk |
| Frozen hard objects | Can bruise gums |
| Hard foods like raw carrots | Choking risk |
How do you care for your baby’s first teeth?
- Before teeth arrive, wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds.
- When the first tooth appears, brush twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush.
- Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, if recommended for your child’s cavity risk. Ask your dentist.
- Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice.
- Lift the lip once a month to look for white or brown spots near the gumline.
- Book a first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth or by the first birthday.
Myths about teething and baby teeth
“Teething causes high fevers.”
It doesn’t. A real fever means something else is going on.
“Baby teeth don’t matter because they fall out.”
Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly and hold space for adult teeth. Some stay until age 12.
“Babies are too young for the dentist.”
Early visits are short and gentle. They catch problems early and help children get comfortable before they ever need treatment.
“A baby’s first dental visit will be scary.”
It’s often done with your baby sitting on your lap. There’s usually no drilling or needles, just a quick look, a chat and tips for home.
What happens at a baby’s first dental visit?
- A gentle look at teeth, gums and bite, often knee-to-knee with a parent
- A check for early cavities or white spots
- Advice on brushing, toothpaste, feeding and pacifiers
- Answers to teething questions
- Sometimes a fluoride varnish if your child is at higher risk
Baby and toddler dental care at Hummingbird Dental
Parents searching for a family dentist in Richmond Hill often choose Hummingbird Dental, one of the best and most trusted clinics in the area. It won the Top Choice Award for Richmond Hill Dentist in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The clinic accepts new patients and CDCP patients, and the team speaks English, Persian, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi and Urdu, which helps families who’d rather ask questions in their first language.
The office is open 6 days a week, including Saturdays, with weekday evening hours that work around nap schedules and work. Same-day emergency appointments are available for falls and injuries. Visit 10376 Yonge St #202, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B8, call +1 647-370-2024 or email info@hummingbirddental.ca.
Children’s care is provided by licensed dentists registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), with a gentle approach for the youngest patients.
Frequently asked questions
How long does teething last for each tooth?
Discomfort for each tooth usually lasts a few days around the time it breaks through the gum. Some babies have longer stretches when several teeth come in close together.
Can teething make a baby sick?
Teething can cause drooling, fussiness and a slight temperature rise, but it doesn’t cause high fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Those symptoms need a doctor’s attention.
Are teething gels safe for babies?
Numbing gels containing benzocaine aren’t recommended for babies and young children because of rare but serious side effects. Gum rubbing and cool teething rings are safer.
Are amber teething necklaces safe?
No. Health authorities warn against teething necklaces and bracelets because of choking and strangulation risk, and there’s no proof they work.
When should my baby first see a dentist?
Canadian dental guidance suggests a first visit within 6 months of the first tooth or by the first birthday, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
Teething usually starts around 6 months and is a normal, temporary stage.
Gum rubbing, cool teething rings and comfort help most, while necklaces, numbing gels and honey are best avoided.
A first dental visit by age 1 keeps those new teeth healthy from the start.
