Baby Teething and First Teeth: A Parent's Guide from Dentinn Amstelveen

Every parent remembers it: the sleepless nights, the inconsolable crying at 2am, the desperate googling about whether the fever is related to the tooth or something else entirely. Teething gets a lot of blame — sometimes deservedly, often not. This guide covers what actually happens when baby teeth emerge, what you can do to help, and when to bring your child to see us at Dentinn Amstelveen.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In?

The timeline is more variable than most books suggest. A general guide:
- Lower front teeth (central incisors): 6–10 months
- Upper front teeth: 8–12 months
- Lateral incisors (the teeth either side of the front ones): 9–16 months
- First molars: 13–19 months
- Canines: 16–23 months
- Second molars: 25–33 months

By around age 3, most children have all 20 primary (baby) teeth. The full sequence takes longer than many parents expect.

If no teeth have appeared by 12 months, it's worth mentioning at a dental check-up — though late teething is almost always normal.

What Are the Actual Symptoms of Teething?

Research on teething symptoms is more cautious than the popular narrative. Studies consistently show that teething causes:
- Drooling (more than usual)
- Increased chewing on objects
- Gum swelling and tenderness
- Mild irritability and disrupted sleep
- A slight increase in temperature — but not a real fever

High fever, diarrhoea, rash, and significant congestion are not caused by teething. If your child has these symptoms at the same time as a tooth is coming through, there is likely a coincidental illness that needs medical attention — don't attribute it to the tooth and wait.

How to Soothe a Teething Baby

There are several safe and effective options:

Chilled (not frozen) teething rings: cooling reduces gum inflammation. Keep a teething ring in the fridge — not the freezer. Frozen rings can be too cold and potentially damage tender gum tissue.

Gentle gum massage: clean your finger and gently rub the gum where the tooth is erupting. The counter-pressure provides real relief for many babies.

Chilled food: if your baby is on solids, chilled cucumber sticks or a cold, wet flannel are natural alternatives to purpose-made teethers.

Teething gels: over-the-counter gels containing lidocaine or benzocaine are now generally not recommended for babies under 2 — the numbing agent can spread to the back of the throat and suppress the gag reflex. Consult your GP before using any medicated gel.

Caring for Baby Teeth — It Matters More Than You Think

Baby teeth are not just placeholders. They hold space for permanent teeth, allow your child to chew and speak properly, and contribute to jaw development. Decay in baby teeth — sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay when linked to sugary drinks at bedtime — can cause pain, infection, and early loss of the tooth, which affects how the permanent tooth comes through.

Start cleaning your baby's gums even before the first tooth appears, with a damp cloth after feeds. Once the first tooth erupts, switch to a small soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (500 ppm for under 3s). Brush twice a day from the start.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

The recommended age for a first dental visit is around the first birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. We know this sounds early, but the first visit is really about:
- Checking development is on track
- Getting your child comfortable in a dental environment before any treatment is ever needed
- Giving you practical advice on cleaning technique, diet, and what to expect next

At Dentinn, our children's dentist team is experienced with young patients and takes the time to make the first experience a positive one. A child who has good early dental experiences is far more likely to maintain that habit through adulthood — as our guide on the importance of regular dental visits explains.

The Transition to Permanent Teeth

Baby teeth start falling out naturally from around age 6, usually starting with the lower front teeth. This continues until around 12–13, by which point most permanent teeth have come through. During this transition, regular dental check-ups every 6 months are important for monitoring development, checking the permanent teeth are coming through correctly, and applying preventive treatments like fissure sealants on the back molars.

Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Dentinn Dental Clinic — Biesbosch 217, 1181 JC Amstelveen. Expert paediatric and family dental care in Dutch, English, and Turkish. Serving families from Amsterdam, Diemen, Aalsmeer, and surrounding areas. Book your child's first visit today.