What age do babies get their first pearly white — and could it be happening earlier than the norm? Here's how to distinguish subtle signs from normal baby behavior — and how moms realized it was really time.
Teething Age Differs in Each Baby
"Teething can occur at different times for each baby. Teething begins when the gums become swollen — and typically there is excessive drool. However, drooling alone is not necessarily a sign of teething. For example, drooling is common around 2 months, but teeth coming out that early, however, is pretty uncommon." — Jarret Patton, MD, Founder of DoctorJarret PLLC, Reading, PA
It's Not Likely Before 6 Months
"Most babies don't get a first tooth until after 6 months, though it can be as early as 2 months or as late as 16 months. Yet many babies start drooling and gnawing on things by 3 to 4 months, leading every grandparent to declare that they're 'teething.' But if a tooth hasn't erupted within seven days, then your gnawing, drooling 3-month-old is simply acting like a normal baby." — Steve Silvestro, MD, pediatrician at Georgetown University Hospital and Metropolitan Pediatrics, Bethesda, MD
Some Babies Are Born With Teeth
"Some babies are born with teeth, while others don't get them until they are almost a year old, but in the babies I know, it has been most common for them to start teething around 6 months old."
Teething Might Take Time
"My son started showing signs of teething at 2 months, but didn't get his first tooth until almost 11 months. He's almost 2 and still has quite a few more teeth that need to grow in."
Drooling Isn't Always a Sign
"My daughter drooled a lot as a newborn and has showed almost every sign of teething, but she is almost 10 months and doesn't have a single tooth yet!"
Drooling Like Crazy
"My 9-week-old son is drooling so much he gags on it, chews his hands and arms, and wants to be on my boob all day."
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
