| Quick Answer: Most babies get their first tooth between 4 and 7 months, with the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) typically arriving first. By age 3, most children have all 20 baby teeth. The full eruption process happens in waves and runs from about 6 months to 33 months — though there’s significant variation between healthy babies. |
If your baby has been drooling more, gnawing on everything in sight, or waking up fussy at night, you’re probably looking at the early signs of teething. At Deming Children’s Dentistry, we walk Deming-area parents through this exact timeline every week. The short answer: the first tooth typically erupts between 4 and 7 months, and the full set of 20 baby teeth is usually in place by age 3.
Here’s the full month-by-month eruption guide, what to expect at each stage, and when something is worth a quick call to our office.
The Standard Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline
Baby teeth erupt in a predictable order, though the exact timing varies. The general schedule:
| Tooth | Typical Age |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors (bottom front) | 6–10 months |
| Upper central incisors (top front) | 8–12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| First molars (upper and lower) | 13–19 months |
| Canines (upper and lower) | 16–23 months |
| Second molars (upper and lower) | 23–33 months |
By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth — 10 on top and 10 on the bottom.
What to Expect Month by Month
Months 0–4. No teeth yet, but plenty of teething prep. Babies often start drooling more around 3 months, even though no tooth is close to erupting. Wipe gums daily with a soft damp cloth.
Months 4–7. First tooth alert. Most babies cut their first tooth in this window — usually a lower central incisor. Once any tooth is visible, start brushing with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Months 8–12. Upper central incisors arrive, followed by the upper laterals. By the first birthday, your child should have their first dental visit — even with just a few teeth.
Months 13–19. First molars erupt at the back of the mouth. These are often the most uncomfortable teething episodes because of the broad chewing surface.
Months 16–23. Canines (the pointed teeth) come in next. By age 2, most children have 16 baby teeth.
Months 23–33. Second molars arrive last, typically completing the set by age 3.
What’s “Normal” — and What’s Not
A wide range of timing is completely normal. Some babies cut their first tooth at 3 months; others don’t get one until after their first birthday. Both are within the healthy range as long as the rest of the mouth is developing normally.
Reasons to give us a call:
- No teeth at all by 18 months — worth an evaluation
- Teeth coming in significantly out of order
- Discoloration on a newly erupted tooth (gray, yellow, or brown spots)
- A tooth coming in already chipped or with visible enamel issues
- Excessive bleeding, swelling, or fever (low-grade temperature is normal during teething; high fever is not)
Teething Symptoms vs. Illness
Teething is uncomfortable, but it doesn’t make babies seriously sick. Genuine teething symptoms include drooling, gum chewing, mild irritability, decreased appetite, and waking more at night.
What teething does NOT cause:
- High fever (over 100.4°F)
- Diarrhea
- Severe rash
- Vomiting
- Persistent cough or congestion
If your baby has these symptoms, treat it as illness — not teething — and call your pediatrician.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby
Tactics that actually help:
- A clean, refrigerated (not frozen) teething ring
- A cool damp washcloth to gnaw on
- Massaging gums with a clean finger
- Cold (not frozen) foods for babies on solids — banana slices, cucumber spears
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, dosed by weight per your pediatrician
Avoid teething necklaces, frozen items, numbing gels with benzocaine, and “natural” teething tablets — the FDA has warned against several of these.
Visit Deming Children’s Dentistry
Our team welcomes Deming-area babies for their first dental visit by age 1, even with just one or two teeth. Early visits build comfort and let us catch any issues — like baby bottle tooth decay — before they become real problems. Schedule your child’s appointment online or by phone. We accept New Mexico Medicaid and most private insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do most babies get their first tooth?
Most babies cut their first tooth between 4 and 7 months. The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) almost always come in first. Some babies start as early as 3 months, others not until after their first birthday — both are within the normal range.
What order do baby teeth come in?
Generally: lower central incisors first, then upper central incisors, upper laterals, lower laterals, first molars, canines, and finally second molars. The full set of 20 baby teeth is typically complete by age 3.
How many baby teeth will my child have?
Twenty total — 10 on the top jaw and 10 on the bottom. This includes 8 incisors (front teeth), 4 canines (pointed teeth), and 8 molars (back chewing teeth).
Is it normal for my baby to get teeth late?
Yes — late teething is usually just genetic. If your baby has no teeth by 18 months, schedule a pediatric dental visit to rule out anything unusual. Most “late teethers” simply follow a different timeline and end up with normal teeth on their own schedule.
How can I tell if my baby is teething?
Common signs include increased drooling, gnawing on hands and toys, mild irritability, decreased appetite, and waking more at night. Low-grade fussiness is normal — but high fever, diarrhea, or severe rash are not teething symptoms and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
When should my baby’s first dental visit be?
By the first birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the ADA, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all agree on this.
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Questions about your baby’s teeth coming in? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Deming Children’s Dentistry │ Deming, NM │ Contact Us → |