The Stages of Teething: A Parent’s Survival Guide

Teething is one of the first major milestones in your child’s development—and for many parents, one of the most challenging. From the moment that first tooth begins to push through, babies can experience discomfort, fussiness and disrupted sleep. By understanding the stages of teething and knowing how to comfort your child, you can approach this time with more confidence and patience.

Stage One: The Gum-Only Smile (0–6 Months)

During the first six months of life, your baby’s smile is all gums. Although no teeth are visible yet, a lot is happening beneath the surface. The primary teeth are developing inside the jawbone, preparing to make their way out. At this stage, you may notice some drooling or an increased tendency for your baby to chew on their hands, but for most infants, teeth do not begin to erupt until around six months of age.

Stage Two: The First Teeth Appear (6–10 Months)

The lower central incisors are usually the first teeth to arrive. This milestone is exciting for parents, but it can also cause discomfort for your child. Irritability, swollen gums, and changes in sleep patterns are common during this time. Babies also tend to put anything they can find into their mouths to soothe the pressure in their gums. Simple comforts such as offering a cool washcloth or gently massaging their gums can make a difference.

Stage Three: Top Teeth and More Smiles (8–12 Months)

Shortly after the bottom teeth erupt, the upper central incisors begin to appear. With these top teeth in place, your baby’s smile starts to change in a noticeable way. Along with the joy of seeing new teeth come in, parents may also observe more chewing behaviors and the occasional bite as babies experiment with their new abilities. While fussiness may still occur, this stage often passes more quickly than the first.

Stage Four: Expanding the Bite (9–16 Months)

The next teeth to come through are the lateral incisors, which appear beside the central incisors on both the top and bottom. By the end of this stage, your child may have as many as eight teeth. Teething discomfort can still arise, but you will also see your little one becoming more comfortable with eating solid foods. Offering soft, nutritious options such as bananas or well-cooked vegetables can encourage them to practice chewing with their new teeth.

Stage Five: Molars Arrive (13–19 Months)

Molars are larger teeth, and their arrival often causes the most noticeable discomfort. They usually appear in pairs and can lead to significant gum swelling and tenderness. At this stage, children may chew even more aggressively on toys or household objects in an effort to ease the pressure. Offering extra comfort and ensuring consistent oral care becomes especially important as more teeth fill in the mouth.

Stage Six: Canines Fill the Gaps (16–23 Months)

The sharp-pointed canine teeth begin to emerge between the lateral incisors and the first molars. These teeth help children bite and tear food, so they play an important role in eating habits. While symptoms like fussiness, disrupted sleep and drooling may return, parents often feel more prepared by this stage, having already navigated the earlier phases of teething. Offering soothing foods, engaging distractions, and additional comfort can help make this period easier.

Stage Seven: Second Molars and a Full Smile (23–33 Months)

The final set of primary teeth, the second molars, erupt at the very back of the mouth. These teeth often cause the most discomfort because of their larger size and the longer time they take to fully come in. Once this stage is complete, your child will typically have a full set of 20 primary teeth, which usually happens by the time they are 3 years old. This is the final step in the long teething journey and marks the beginning of many years of smiles, laughter and healthy eating.

Comforting a Teething Child: Survival Tips for Parents

Although teething is a natural process, it can feel overwhelming for both parent and child. Relief often comes from cool, soothing objects, such as a chilled (but not frozen) teething ring or spoon. Gentle gum massages with a clean finger can also ease discomfort. Some parents find that maintaining routines, offering extra snuggles, and keeping their child engaged with playtime can help redirect attention away from teething pain. Adjusting mealtime by offering softer or cooler foods can also make chewing more manageable.

Smiles Ahead

The teething journey may feel long, messy and exhausting at times, but it is a temporary phase that leads to one of the most rewarding sights—a full, healthy smile. By understanding the stages of teething and learning how to ease discomfort along the way, parents  can not  only survive this stage but also support their child’s growth with confidence. When questions or concerns about teething and early dental care arise, Where Smiles Grow is here for families in the Capital Region, helping little smiles shine brighter every day.