Babies can start teething as early as 3 months, but most commonly begin around 4 to 7 months of age, with the average being about 6 months. Some babies may even be born with teeth or start teething earlier than 3 months, while others may not start until after 12 months. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors).
Typical Teething Timeline
- Earliest possible start: about 3 months (rare)
- Common start: 4 to 7 months
- Average start: 6 months
- Late start: after 12 months (less common but normal)
Early Signs of Teething
- Irritable behavior
- Drooling more than usual
- Chewing or gnawing on objects
- Red or swollen gums
- Trouble sleeping
- Mild temperature but no high fever
The entire teething process can continue until around the age of 2 to 3 years when the full set of 20 baby teeth typically emerges.
If a baby shows teething symptoms much earlier or later than this range, it is usually not a cause for concern unless other symptoms like high fever or illness are present.
