Your baby: Teething

Those pearly whites will start pushing through your baby's gums when he or she is about 4 to 12 months old. The full set of baby teeth should come in by the time your toddler is 2 1/2 years old.

Your baby may be teething if he or she:

• starts to drool a lot
• becomes fussier than normal
• has trouble sleeping
• has red swollen gums
• tries to rub the gums
• has a desire to chew (usually on her fingers)
• has a slight fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or less).

How you can help your teething baby

• Give your baby hard plastic teething rings to chew on. You may put them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. The cold will soothe the swollen, red gums. Never give your baby small items (such as raw carrots) to chew on. They are a choking hazard.
• Massage your baby's gums. Wash your hands well and run your index finger across your baby’s swollen gums for 2 minutes at a time. Stop if your baby doesn't like this.
• If your baby is eating solid foods, stay away from salty or acidic foods (like oranges). They can irritate your baby's gums.
• Occasionally, give your baby pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Carefully follow the package directions. You don't need to buy teething gels. Do not give your baby aspirin. This can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. It can lead to coma or death.

When to start 'brushing' your baby's teeth

When those first teeth come in, use a wet washcloth around your finger — or a soft toothbrush — to clean and massage your baby's gums. This will introduce your child to the idea of brushing teeth.

Do not use toothpaste until your child can spit it out.

When to start taking your baby to the dentist

Check with your dentist for recommendations on dental visits. Visiting the dentist twice a year will prevent problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Your baby's first few trips to the dentist should be fun and enjoyable. When your baby becomes a toddler, your dentist can show him how to brush and floss. Fluoride treatments will also help prevent tooth decay.

Taking your toddler to the dentist before a problem arises will help make future trips comfortable and not scary.

Do not let your toddler lie down or go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The pooling milk or juice can cause choking, ear infections or tooth decay.

Related Links

Basic dental care: Infants and children

Pediatric specialists

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 11/30/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts