Published October 18, 2026
Teething is often the moment parents start thinking about children’s dental care in Lowell, MA, including when to book the first checkup.
When teeth usually arrive
Most babies get their first tooth, often a lower front tooth, between about 6 and 12 months, though some start earlier or later. By around age three, most children have all 20 baby teeth. Timing varies widely and is usually not a concern on its own.
Common teething signs
Teething can cause:
- Drooling and chewing on hands or toys
- Sore or swollen gums
- Fussiness and disrupted sleep
What teething does not usually cause
High fever, diarrhea, rash or illness are not typical teething symptoms. If your baby has a fever or seems unwell, contact your pediatrician rather than assuming it is teething.
Safe ways to soothe
Gently rub the gums with a clean finger, or offer a firm, chilled (not frozen) teething ring. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against teething gels and creams with benzocaine for children under two, and against homeopathic teething tablets. Amber teething necklaces are a strangulation and choking risk. Ask your pediatrician before using any pain reliever.
Cleaning gums and first teeth
Before teeth appear, wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth arrives, brush twice a day with a soft infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice, as recommended by the ADA and AAPD.
Bottles, bedtime and the first visit
Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, formula or juice, since liquid pooling around teeth can lead to decay. Try to introduce a cup around the first birthday. Plan the first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth.
Questions parents ask
Does teething cause fever?
Teething may cause a slightly higher temperature, but not a true fever. Contact your pediatrician if your baby has a fever.
Can I freeze a teething ring?
Chilled in the refrigerator is safer. Frozen items can be too hard and cold for tender gums.
When should I start using toothpaste?
With the first tooth. Use a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
My baby is 12 months and has no teeth. Should I worry?
Some babies get teeth later. Mention it at your pediatric or first dental visit so it can be checked.
Official sources for further reading
Written independently for this site. These organizations publish their own guidance; they did not review or endorse this page.