Q&A: When Will My Baby Get His First Tooth?

Teething is an exciting period for mummy and daddy: your little one will soon have his first set of pearly whites!

Most babies get their first tooth at about 6 months old—some get it earlier, some later. In some cases, babies may start sprouting their first tooth as early as 3 months old or as late as 12 months old.

Related: Help Your Child Smile For Life

When Will Baby's Teeth Pop?

Ask grandma

Genetics play a big part in teething, so ask grandpa and grandma when your teeth first started popping to get a rough idea when your child’s first tooth might emerge.

Spot the signs

Teething can cause discomfort in your baby, and he may cry more than usual, refuse to eat or experience loss of appetite, be more irritable than usual, or have trouble sleeping at night. Other signs to look out for are swollen, red gums and excessive drooling.

Related: Guide To Oral Care For Your Toothy Toddler

That Soothing Feeling

Here’s what you can do to reduce teething discomfort:

1. Give your little one something to chew on, like teething rings, chilled rubber teething toys, and hard biscuits or rusks. Make sure the rings/toys are clean before passing them to him!
2. Gently rub/massage your baby’s gums with clean fingers.
3. If nothing helps, consult your pediatrician about children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid buying over-the-counter teething medications without consulting with your doctor first.

Related: Guide 9: Ready, Steady, Shop

When Will It End?

Babies grow new teeth about every 4 to 6 months, starting from the middle teeth (central incisors) and gradually working their way to the back of the mouth where the molars are. The last baby molar usually emerges by the time your child turns 3.

Your baby may not experience teething pain each time a new tooth erupts—good news for mummy and daddy!

Read these next:

• 7 Reasons Why Your Baby's Crying
• Helping Baby Sleep
• Dealing with Baby Blues