Teething is a big milestone in your baby’s development—and for many parents; it’s also one of the most challenging. Those first tiny teeth signal growth and change, but they can also bring sleepless nights, drooling, and lots of crankiness.
Understanding the stages of teething can help you better support your baby (and your sanity!) through this important process. Here’s what you need to know about the five key stages of teething:
Stage 1: Pre-Teething (0–6 Months)
What’s Happening:
Even before any teeth break through, your baby is developing them beneath the gum line. This stage is all internal, so while you won’t see anything yet, the groundwork for teething is being laid.
Signs to Watch For:
Sucking or chewing on fingers, toys, or even their own hands
Extra drooling
Fussiness (though mild at this point)
Parent Tips:
Keep a soft cloth handy for drool, and offer safe teething toys to prepare your baby for the next stage.
Stage 2: Tooth Eruption Begins (6–8 Months)
What’s Happening:
The first teeth—usually the bottom central incisors—start to break through the gums. This stage can be uncomfortable and cause increased fussiness.
Signs to Watch For:
Swollen or red gums
Increased drooling and chewing
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Occasional low-grade fever (under 100.4°F)
Parent Tips:
Chill teething rings in the fridge (not freezer) for soothing relief. Gentle gum massages with a clean finger can also help ease discomfort.
Stage 3: More Teeth Appear (8–12 Months)
What’s Happening:
Now it’s time for the top central and lateral incisors to appear. Your baby might be cutting several teeth at once, which can make symptoms more intense.
Signs to Watch For:
Irritability and clinginess
Changes in appetite
Pulling on ears or rubbing cheeks
Parent Tips:
Offer cold, soft foods like yogurt or chilled fruit purees. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine for comfort during sleep disruptions.
Stage 4: Molars Emerge (12–16 Months)
What’s Happening:
Molars are wider and tougher to push through, which can make this one of the most painful stages. Expect a return of stronger teething symptoms.
Signs to Watch For:
More intense gum pain
Diaper rash (due to increased saliva swallowed)
Refusal to eat or drink
Parent Tips:
A best pediatrician in Ahmedabad at Teeth Care Centre-approved pain reliever may help if symptoms are severe. Keep offering comforting items and extra cuddles—your baby needs them!
Stage 5: Final Teeth (20–30 Months)
What’s Happening:
The last to arrive are the second molars, found at the very back of the mouth. By now, your child is likely a teething pro, but these large teeth can still cause discomfort.
Signs to Watch For:
All the usual symptoms: drooling, irritability, and gum swelling
Slight behavioural regressions (e.g., trouble sleeping or increased tantrums)
Parent Tips:
Celebrate the end in sight! Encourage good oral hygiene by letting your child hold a baby toothbrush (with supervision).
Teething is a marathon, not a sprint—but it’s also temporary. While every baby experiences teething differently, knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel more prepared. Most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of 3. Until then, patience, love, and a well-stocked stash of teething tools will carry you both through.
