If you're wondering whether your baby has started teething, when to introduce a toothbrush, or how to choose the best teether, you're not alone.
For many parents, oral development can feel confusing. One baby starts showing teething signs at four months, while another doesn't cut their first tooth until after their first birthday.
Friends, family and social media all seem to offer different advice, making it hard to know what's normal.
The good news is that while every baby develops at their own pace, there are clear milestones that can help you understand what's happening and how to support them.
In this guide, we'll walk through your baby's oral development from birth through to toddlerhood, including:
- when babies usually start teething
- common teething symptoms
- the order baby teeth appear
- how to soothe sore gums safely
- when to start cleaning your baby's mouth
- how to establish healthy brushing habits
- how to choose the right teether
- when to visit the dentist
Important: This article provides general parenting information and does not replace advice from a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or child health professional.
If your baby has a fever, vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, refuses feeds or seems unusually unwell, seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming teething is responsible.
Oral Development Starts Long Before the First Tooth
One of the biggest misconceptions is that oral development begins when the first tooth appears.
In reality, your baby's mouth begins developing well before birth. Even though you can't see them, all 20 baby teeth begin forming beneath the gums during pregnancy.
After birth, babies continue developing important oral skills every day.
Feeding, sucking, chewing on appropriate toys and exploring objects with their mouths can help develop the muscles and coordination they will eventually use for chewing, swallowing and speaking.
This is why many babies begin chewing on their hands or toys months before their first tooth appears.
It's a normal part of early development.
Baby Oral Development Timeline
Birth to 3 months
During the first few months, your baby's mouth is adapting to feeding and learning important reflexes.
At this stage you may notice:
- sucking and rooting reflexes
- frequent hand-to-mouth movements
- increased saliva
- exploring with their mouth
Although there are no visible teeth yet, your baby's gums are already preparing for future tooth eruption.
What parents can do:
- Gently clean your baby's gums with a soft, clean cloth if recommended by your healthcare professional.
- Encourage supervised tummy time to support overall muscle development.
- Allow your baby to explore appropriate toys with their mouth under close supervision.
3 to 6 months
This is when many parents begin asking:
"Is my baby teething already?"
Some babies begin showing early teething behaviours during this stage, even though the first tooth may still be weeks or months away.
Common behaviours include:
- chewing on objects
- drooling more than usual
- wanting to bite fingers
- rubbing their gums
- being fussier than usual
Not every unsettled baby is teething, but increased chewing and gum pressure are common during this stage.
6 to 12 months
For many babies, this is when the first teeth begin appearing.
The lower front teeth, known as the central incisors, usually appear first, followed by the upper front teeth.
Every baby develops differently.
Some babies have several teeth by their first birthday, while others may only have one or two.
12 to 24 months
Your toddler's mouth changes quickly during the second year.
More front teeth, molars and canines begin emerging.
Chewing becomes more efficient and speech continues developing.
This is also an important time to build positive toothbrushing routines that can support lifelong oral health.
What Are the Signs of Teething?
Teething symptoms and behaviours vary from baby to baby.
Some babies seem relatively unfazed, while others become noticeably unsettled before a tooth appears.
Common signs can include:
- swollen or tender gums
- chewing frequently
- increased drooling
- wanting to bite firm objects
- mild irritability
- disturbed sleep
- rubbing their cheeks or ears
- temporarily changing their feeding behaviour
These behaviours are not specific to teething and can sometimes have other causes. Seek professional advice if your baby seems unwell or you are concerned.
Does Teething Cause Fever?
Teething does not cause a fever.
If your baby has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or has symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing or refusing feeds, do not assume that teething is responsible.
Seek medical advice, particularly if your baby is very young or appears unusually unwell.
Which Order Do Baby Teeth Come Through?
Although every child is different, baby teeth commonly appear in the following general order:
| Tooth | Typical Age |
|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6–10 months |
| Upper central incisors | 8–12 months |
| Upper lateral incisors | 9–13 months |
| Lower lateral incisors | 10–16 months |
| First molars | 13–19 months |
| Canines | 16–23 months |
| Second molars | 23–33 months |
Remember that this timeline is only a general guide.
Healthy babies can develop earlier or later.
For a more detailed breakdown of what commonly happens at each stage, read Baby Teething Stages Explained: What to Expect Month by Month.
Why Do Babies Chew Everything?
Many parents joke that their baby will chew absolutely anything.
There's a good reason for this.
Chewing provides pressure against the gums, which may temporarily help babies manage discomfort as teeth move closer to the surface.
It also helps babies:
- explore different textures
- develop oral awareness
- strengthen jaw muscles
- practise coordinated mouth movements
Offering safe, age-appropriate teethers gives babies a more suitable way to satisfy this natural urge.
To learn more about the difference between normal mouthing and active teething, read Why Do Babies Chew Everything?
How to Soothe Teething Discomfort Safely
While teething can't be stopped, there are several gentle ways to help your baby feel more comfortable.
Offer a textured silicone teether
Different textures can gently massage sore gums while being easy for little hands to grip.
Many babies naturally move their teether to whichever area feels most uncomfortable.
Use a cool, not frozen, teether
A cooled teether may provide additional comfort.
Avoid freezing teethers unless the product manufacturer specifically states that the product is suitable for freezing.
Try a gentle gum massage
Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby's gums for a few moments.
Offer extra comfort and reassurance
Sometimes babies simply need additional comfort while working through each stage of teething.
How to Choose the Best Teether
Not all teethers are designed the same way.
When choosing one, consider the following features.
Easy for little hands to hold
Babies should be able to grip and position the teether with appropriate supervision.
Multiple textures
Different surfaces provide different sensory experiences and allow babies to massage different parts of their gums.
Food-grade silicone
High-quality food-grade silicone can be durable, easy to clean and gentle on delicate gums.
One-piece construction
A simple design with no small removable parts can make cleaning easier and reduce places where dirt can collect.
Easy to clean
Because teethers spend so much time in babies' mouths and on the floor, choosing one that is quick and simple to clean is important.
Recommended reading: How to Choose the Best Teether for Your Baby.
When Should You Start Cleaning Your Baby's Mouth?
Oral hygiene starts before all the teeth arrive.
Once the first tooth appears, begin cleaning it gently using a soft baby toothbrush designed for little mouths.
For babies under 18 months, current Australian guidance generally recommends brushing with water only unless a dental professional advises otherwise.
From 18 months, a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste can usually be introduced in line with current Australian dental advice.
Developing the routine early helps babies become familiar with brushing long before they understand why it's important.
Choosing Your Baby's First Toothbrush
Your baby's first toothbrush should be:
- soft and gentle on teeth and gums
- easy for parents to hold
- appropriately sized for a small mouth
- designed specifically for babies or young children
Some babies enjoy helping to hold the toothbrush while a parent guides the brushing.
Making brushing calm and positive can help build better long-term habits.
Recommended reading: When Should You Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth?
When Should Your Baby Visit the Dentist?
Australian dental guidance recommends arranging your child's first dental visit when their first tooth appears or at around 12 months of age.
Early visits aren't usually about treatment.
Instead, they're an opportunity to:
- check healthy development
- discuss brushing and oral care
- ask questions about feeding
- help build positive experiences with dental care
Frequently Asked Questions
When do babies usually start teething?
Teething commonly begins between approximately 4 and 10 months, although some babies start earlier or later.
Can babies show teething behaviours at 3 months?
Yes. Some babies begin chewing, drooling and exploring objects with their mouths at around three months, even if the first tooth doesn't appear until later.
Is lots of drooling normal?
Increased saliva and drooling can be common during early oral development and teething.
Should I freeze my baby's teether?
Generally, a cool teether is preferable to a frozen one unless the manufacturer specifically states that the product is suitable for freezing.
How often should I brush my baby's teeth?
Once the first tooth appears, establish a regular routine and clean your baby's teeth twice a day using an age-appropriate toothbrush. Follow current Australian dental advice regarding water and toothpaste.
Do all babies follow the same teething timeline?
No. Some babies develop earlier, while others won't have their first tooth until after 12 months. Individual variation is common.
Supporting Your Baby Through Every Stage
Teething is only one part of your baby's oral development journey.
From exploring the world with their mouth to learning healthy brushing habits, every stage helps build the foundation for lifelong oral health.
Understanding what's happening and knowing what to expect next can make the experience feel less overwhelming.
Every baby develops differently, but with reliable information and age-appropriate tools, you can confidently support them through each milestone.
Recommended Reading
How to Choose the Best Teether for Your Baby
Learn what to look for in a baby teether, including grip, texture, material, cleaning and suitability for different stages.
Read the baby teether buying guide
Baby Teething Stages Explained: What to Expect Month by Month
Follow the common stages of teething from early chewing through to the arrival of the final baby molars.
Read the month-by-month teething guide
When Should You Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth?
Learn when to start brushing, what toothbrush and toothpaste to use, and how to establish a positive daily routine.
Read the baby toothbrushing guide
Why Do Babies Chew Everything?
Understand the difference between mouthing and teething, and learn how to safely support your baby's natural chewing stage.
Read the baby mouthing and chewing guide
Recommended Products
Matchstick Monkey Original Teethers
Explore the iconic Original Teether range, designed with easy-grip handles and textured silicone surfaces to help little ones massage sore gums.
Shop Matchstick Monkey Original Teethers
Matchstick Monkey Animal Teethers
Discover playful animal-shaped teethers made for little hands, sensory exploration and comfortable chewing during the teething stage.
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Matchstick Monkey Baby Toothbrush Range
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