Teething

Parent's Guide to Crying and Colic Slideshow Pictures Parenting and Healthy Eating Slideshow Pictures Parenting - Fitness and Exercise Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

• Teething Overview
• Teething Symptoms and Signs
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Teething Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Teething Medications
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Read more on Teething from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Teething - Remedies

Teething Overview

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

• Teething can begin in infants as young as 2 months of age, even though the first tooth usually does not appear until about age 6 months of age. Some dentists have noted a family pattern of "early," "average," or "late" teethers. Usually, the first tooth to erupt is one of the lower, central incisors. Some children will have a pattern of serial eruption of their teeth. Others will have multiple dental eruptions at the same time. As the tooth penetrates the gums, the area may appear slightly red or swollen over the tooth. Sometimes a fluid-filled area similar to a "blood blister" 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 due to their larger surface area that can't "slice" through the gum tissue as an erupting incisor is capable of doing.