Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-26
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Teething can make your baby fussy and tearful non-stop. Discover effective ways to soothe those aches! Bowtie’s medical experts detail the teething sequence, timeline, and signs, plus handy tips for parents to ease discomfort.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Babies generally start teething around 6 months, with the central incisors being the first primary teeth to emerge. Some may start earlier or later than 6 months, as the timing and speed of teething vary from person to person and can be influenced by genetic factors. If your baby hasn’t started teething by age 1, it’s advisable to take them to a Dental Clinic for a check-up.
Is It Normal for a 1-Year-Old Baby Not to Have Teeth Yet?
Primary teeth actually form during the fetal stage, but eruption typically occurs between 6 to 10 months of age. The timing of teething varies from baby to baby and can be influenced by genetics. Some babies may start as early as 4 or 5 months, while others might not get their first tooth until around their first birthday.
If your child is approaching 18 months and still hasn’t grown any teeth, you should take them to see a dentist.
Baby Teething Order and Timeline
There are 20 primary teeth in total. In most cases, a baby’s first tooth is a central incisor, and the eruption times for various primary teeth vary from person to person:
| Primary Teeth | Eruption Timeline |
| Central Incisors | 6-12 months |
| Lateral Incisors | 9-16 months |
| Canines | 16-23 months |
| First Molars | 13-19 months |
| Second Molars | 23-33 months |
What Are Baby Teething Symptoms?
Teething can cause discomfort for babies, with common symptoms including:
- Excessive drooling
- Itchy gums
- Red, swollen, and painful gums
- Irritability and restlessness
- Biting on objects
- Difficulty sleeping
- Flushed cheeks
- fever
Does Teething Cause Fever in Babies?
Babies do not develop a fever directly from teething . However, during teething, they may chew on things due to itchiness, increasing the risk of bacterial infection that could lead to fever.
If your baby shows signs like fever, runny nose, or diarrhea , parents should seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Is Teething Uncomfortable? Relief Tips
During teething, babies might experience discomfort beyond just fever risks. Depending on the situation, you can ease their symptoms with these methods:
Excessive Drooling
Wipe your baby’s mouth frequently and change bibs often to maintain hygiene.
Itchy Gums
Itchy gums are a normal part of baby teething. Babies love to chew at this stage, so clean a liquid-filled teething ring, freeze it in the fridge, and let them gnaw on it to soothe the discomfort.
Swollen Gums
If your baby’s gums are swollen and the area feels firm, it’s a typical sign of teething—usually no need to worry.
However, if the swelling appears red or blue, it’s not normal teething and you should see a dentist immediately for treatment.
Emotional Restlessness
Babies can get fussy during teething, so parents should stay patient, offer comfort, and engage them in play to distract and reduce anxiety.
Do Babies Need Dental Check-ups After Teething?
Dentists generally recommend that parents bring their babies for a detailed oral examination at a dental clinic within 6 months after the first baby tooth emerges. Thereafter, regular check-ups every six months to a year are advised to ensure the baby’s oral health.
Benefits of Regular Dental Check-ups for Babies?
- Dentists can monitor the baby’s oral health clearly based on annual check-up records, ensuring overall oral well-being
- Babies can receive early oral care guidance, helping them develop good habits to prevent dental or oral diseases
- Starting dental visits early builds trust with the dentist, making future cooperation easier for the baby
How Can Parents Prepare for Baby’s First Dental Check-up?
- Tell the baby that the dentist will take care of their teeth
- Describe the dental clinic environment and the dentist’s work, and play role-playing games about oral check-ups with the baby
- Inform the baby in advance about the check-up date to help them prepare mentally
Does VHIS Cover Dental Check-ups and Treatments?
VHIS only provides coverage for necessary surgeries resulting from accidental injuries (such as teeth fractured due to a sudden impact) , but it does not cover routine dental care, such as teeth cleaning , root canal treatment , fillings, dental check-ups, and other services. It also excludes services related to dental appearance, such as orthodontics or teeth whitening.
How to Get Additional Outpatient Coverage?
Since most VHIS plans on the market do not cover dental expenses, Bowtie has launched BowtieGo Outpatient Coverage to fill this gap in VHIS. This allows Bowtie VHIS policyholders to access services like oral check-ups or teeth cleaning at up to half price. Once you successfully apply for Bowtie VHIS , you’ll automatically receive BowtieGo membership. You can enjoy discounted dental outpatient services immediately upon visiting, with no limits on usage during the effective period and no claims process required.
During the first few years after birth, kids get sick easily because their immune systems are weaker than adults’. Besides watching their diet, parents need to prepare one more thing!
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