Every parent waits for that first tiny tooth to peek through the gums. It’s a big moment — and sometimes, a stressful one. At Woodbridge Dental Centre, we talk with families every day about the baby teething timeline, early gum care, and when it’s time to schedule your baby’s first dental visit. Teething looks different for every child, but there are clear signs and helpful ways to keep your little one comfortable along the way.
When Should My Baby Start Teething?
Most babies begin teething around 6 months of age, though anything between 4 and 10 months is normal. In our pediatric exams, we’ve seen some babies get their first tooth as early as 3 months and others closer to their first birthday. Both can be completely healthy. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth.
Dr. Michael Rouhi often explains it this way: “Every baby has their own dental development rhythm. Parents shouldn’t worry if their child’s teeth come in a little early or a little late. What matters most is healthy gums and consistent oral care from the start.”
Baby Teething Timeline: What Parents Can Expect
Here’s a simple look at the usual timing for first teeth eruption.
• Bottom front teeth: 4–7 months
• Top front teeth: 6–9 months
• Side front teeth: 9–12 months
• First molars: 12–16 months
• Canines: 16–20 months
• Second molars: 20–30 months
By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
We’ve seen this chart help many parents in Woodbridge, Maple, and Vaughan understand where their baby fits in the teething journey.
Early Teething Signs in Babies
Teething can show up in different ways. Some babies barely notice it, while others feel discomfort as the tooth pushes through the gums. Common signs include:
• Lots of drooling
• Chewing on hands, toys, or blankets
• Swollen or tender gums
• Fussiness or disrupted sleep
• Rubbing cheeks or tugging ears
• Changes in feeding patterns
If you’re unsure whether your baby is teething or something else is going on, a quick teething consultation for babies with a pediatric dentist near me search can help.
Dr. Sandra Farber shares a tip we give new parents often: “If you’re seeing new behaviours paired with gum swelling or drooling, it’s usually a sign the first teeth eruption is on the way. Simple soothing steps go a long way.”
How to Soothe Baby Teething Discomfort
Parents in our clinic often ask what really works. Based on what we’ve seen in practice, these gentle comfort strategies help most infants feel better.
• Cold teething rings to numb the gums
• A clean, chilled washcloth for chewing
• Gentle gum massage with a clean finger
• Extra cuddles and shorter naps when needed
• Soft, cool foods for older babies (like chilled applesauce)
Avoid gels with numbing agents unless recommended during a pediatric dental clinic appointment, as they aren’t always safe for infants.
We’ve had parents tell us that a simple cold washcloth was “a lifesaver during that first molar,” which is often one of the tougher teething stages.
Baby Gum Care & Healthy Infant Dental Development
Even before teeth appear, gum care matters. A healthy foundation supports healthy baby teeth. Try these simple steps:
• Wipe your baby’s gums daily with a soft, damp cloth
• Keep bottles out of the crib to prevent early decay
• Introduce a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth erupts
• Use only water until age 3 unless your dentist recommends fluoride for kids
The earlier good habits start, the easier they are to maintain.
Dr. Rouhi reminds parents, “Primary teeth influence speech, chewing, jaw growth, and even how adult teeth erupt. Caring for them early sets your child up for long-term oral health.”
When to Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit
Many parents wait too long. The Canadian Dental Association recommends a baby first dental visit within six months of the first tooth or by age one. This early checkup lets your dentist look for:
• Healthy eruption patterns
• Gum development
• Early signs of decay
• Feeding or oral habits that may affect growth
During a visit at our Woodbridge, Maple, or Vaughan location, we guide parents through infant gum care products, early oral habits, and simple ways to prevent tooth decay before it starts.
Booking early childhood dental care services also helps your baby get comfortable in a dental setting — something parents consistently tell us made future visits easier.
Baby Teething Symptoms to Watch Closely
Most teething symptoms are mild, but these can be signs to book pediatric dental checkup support:
• A tooth still hasn’t erupted by 12–14 months
• Persistent swelling or a gum bump that doesn’t resolve
• Signs of infection
• A baby who refuses feeding due to mouth pain
• Any injury to the mouth or gums
If you spot anything unusual, a pediatric dentistry specialist can evaluate the gums and teeth quickly.
How to Care for Baby Teeth from the Start
Once the first tooth arrives, it’s time for simple daily brushing.
• Use a soft infant toothbrush
• Brush twice a day
• Use only a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste if recommended
• Lift the lip to check for white spots, which can be early decay
We show parents how to do this during a schedule infant dental exam — it usually takes less than a minute and helps prevent cavities.
Dr. Farber says, “Your baby’s first teeth may be small, but they play a big role. A little daily care makes a big difference.”
When You Need Professional Guidance
Whether your baby is early, late, fussy, or breezing through teething, we’re here to help families understand every stage. A pediatric dental appointment can answer questions about:
• Teething discomfort
• Tooth eruption concerns
• Oral habits like pacifiers or thumb sucking
• Safe soothing strategies
• Future dental development
Parents often tell us they feel much more confident after speaking with our team and seeing a simple plan for their baby’s dental care.
If you’re in Woodbridge, Maple, or Vaughan and ready to support your baby’s smile from the very beginning, we’re here to help. Contact Woodbridge Dental Centre to book a pediatric dental checkup, schedule an infant dental exam, or connect with a dentist who understands the early teething journey.
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