Baby Teething Chart | Timeline and Early Teething Guide

Teething is one of the biggest developmental milestones for infants — an exciting but often challenging stage for both parents and babies.
Understanding the baby teething chart helps you know when each tooth should appear, how to identify symptoms, and when to visit the dentist if something seems unusual.

In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Mohamed Fahmy, consultant dentist in Giza, explains the full teething timeline, signs of normal and early teething, and expert tips to help your baby stay comfortable through every stage.

What Is Teething?

Teething is the natural process where a baby’s first (primary or milk) teeth emerge through the gums.
It usually begins between 4 and 7 months of age, though the timing can vary depending on genetics and nutrition.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), delayed teething up to 12 months is generally normal if your baby’s growth and health are otherwise fine.

Why Knowing the Baby Teething Chart Matters

Understanding the eruption sequence allows parents to:

Track the expected time for each new tooth.
Differentiate normal teething from health issues.
Reduce stress by knowing what’s typical.
Seek early dental guidance when needed.

Remember: the teething chart is a general timeline, not an absolute rule. Every baby is unique.

Baby Teething Chart (Birth to 3 Years)

Tooth Type	Average Eruption Age	Position	Notes
Lower central incisors	6 – 10 months	Bottom front	Usually the first teeth to appear
Upper central incisors	8 – 12 months	Top front	May cause mild gum swelling
Upper lateral incisors	9 – 13 months	Next to front teeth	Often emerge together
Lower lateral incisors	10 – 16 months	Bottom sides	Usually painless eruption
First molars	13 – 19 months	Back of mouth	Begin the chewing stage
Canines (cuspids)	16 – 23 months	Between molars & incisors	Gums may feel tender
Second molars	23 – 33 months	Rear of mouth	Last baby teeth to erupt

A full set of 20 baby teeth is typically complete by age 3.

Visual Order of Appearance

Lower front teeth (6 months)
Upper front teeth
Lateral incisors
First molars
Canines
Second molars (at around 3 years)

Many parents like to keep a printed chart and mark each tooth as it appears — it helps your dentist monitor healthy progress.

Common Teething Symptoms

Mild gum redness or swelling
Excessive drooling
Chewing or biting on fingers and toys
Slight sleep disturbance
Temporary loss of appetite
Occasional irritability

High fever, severe diarrhea, or persistent rash are not typical teething symptoms and require a pediatric consultation.

Simplified Teething Timeline for Parents

Baby’s Age	Approx. Tooth Count	What’s Happening
6 months	2 teeth	Teething begins
8 – 10 months	4 teeth	Early chewing starts
12 months	6 – 8 teeth	Upper front teeth visible
18 months	≈ 12 teeth	First molars appear
24 months	≈ 16 teeth	Most teeth in place
30 – 36 months	20 teeth	Full baby set complete

Early Teething in Infants

Some babies start teething before 4 months — this is called early teething.
It’s often harmless but should be monitored by a dentist.

Possible Causes

Family history
High calcium or vitamin D levels
Rapid physical growth

Potential Problems of Early Teething

Fragile or loose teeth that may break easily
Small mouth ulcers from tooth friction
Difficulty nursing or feeding
Rarely, an underlying endocrine or metabolic condition

At Dr. Mohamed Fahmy’s Dental Clinic, each early-teething case is carefully assessed to ensure gum and tooth health while guiding parents on gentle care techniques.

Delayed Teething — When to Be Concerned

While mild delays are common, if no teeth appear by 12 months, a dental check-up is recommended.

Common Reasons for Delayed Teething

Vitamin D or calcium deficiency
Poor nutrition
Thyroid or hormonal imbalances
Genetic factors

Visit your dentist if your child has no visible teeth by 1 year for a professional assessment.

Caring for Your Baby During Teething

Clean the gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeding.
Offer cool (not frozen) teething rings for relief.
Avoid herbal or home remedies that aren’t doctor-approved.
Gently massage the gums using a clean finger.
Use a teething gel (such as Gengigel) only after consulting your dentist.
Schedule your baby’s first dental visit when the first tooth erupts or by age 1.

Comfort, gentle care, and parental calm are the best remedies for teething discomfort.

Role of the Dentist During Teething

Early dental visits allow the dentist to:

Examine gum health and eruption pattern
Provide oral-care and feeding guidelines
Detect early cavities or gum issues
Apply fluoride for extra protection

Regular check-ups every six months help ensure that your child’s teeth grow straight and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does teething start?

Usually between 4 and 7 months, but some babies start earlier or later.

2. Which teeth come first?

The lower front teeth (central incisors) around 6 months.

3. What are the problems with early teething?

Fragile teeth, feeding discomfort, or gum irritation.

4. When should I see a dentist?

If no teeth by 12 months or if pain or bleeding persists.

5. How many baby teeth will my child have?

A complete set of 20 teeth — 10 upper and 10 lower.

Conclusion

Teething is a natural and temporary phase, but it requires attention and care to keep your baby comfortable and healthy.
Early monitoring and professional guidance make the journey smooth and stress-free for both child and parents.

At Dr. Mohamed Fahmy Dental Clinic in Giza, we provide specialized infant and toddler check-ups, modern screening technology, and gentle, family-friendly care.

Book your baby’s first dental appointment today with Dr. Mohamed Fahmy and get a Free online follow-up consultation with Dr. Mohamed Fahmy after booking and completing the first visit.

Book through the website, contact us on WhatsApp, or call us