Teething

Baby's First Year Milestones Slideshow

• Teething Overview
• Teething Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Teething Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Teething Overview

Teething refers to the process of new teeth rising or erupting from the gums.

• Teething can begin in infants as young as 2 months even though the first tooth usually does not appear until about age 6 months. Usually the first tooth to erupt is one in the front. As the tooth penetrates the gums, the area of the gums may become inflamed and sensitive. The gums may appear slightly red or swollen over the tooth. Sometimes, a fluid-filled area may be seen over the erupting tooth.
  
  
• Some teeth may be more sensitive than others when they erupt. The first tooth to erupt may be the most sensitive. Sometimes the larger molars cause more discomfort. It is possible to have more than one tooth erupting at the same time.