When do babies start teething?

Most babies begin to teethe at around 6 months of age. Some may start teething earlier, and others begin much later. There’s no need to worry if your baby’s teeth come in on another timetable – it can be  different for every baby.

The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors.  They're usually followed 4 to 8 weeks later by the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors).  About a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear.

 Next to break through are the first molars (the back teeth used for grinding food), then finally the eyeteeth (the pointy teeth in the upper jaw).  Most kids have all 20 of their primary teeth by their third birthday.  (If your child's teeth come in much slower than this, speak to your doctor.)

 In some rare cases, kids are born with one or two teeth or have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life.  Unless the teeth interfere with feeding or are loose enough to pose a choking risk, this is usually not a cause for concern.