When Do Children Start Teething?
Children typically begin teething around 6 months of age, with the first primary tooth erupting between 6-7 months, though the normal range extends from approximately 3 to 13 months. 1, 2, 3
Normal Teething Timeline
The eruption of primary teeth follows a predictable pattern:
- First tooth emergence: Average age of 6-7 months 1, 3
- Normal range: 3-13 months 2
- First teeth to erupt: Lower central incisors are typically the first to appear 1
- Complete primary dentition: All 20 primary teeth usually erupt by age 3 years 3
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental examination occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth, but no later than 12 months of age 4. This early timing is critical because by 12 months, infants begin to establish an oral environment that places them at risk for dental caries 4.
Important Clinical Considerations
Factors Affecting Eruption Timing
Research demonstrates that tooth eruption correlates strongly with:
Both age and weight have independent effects on timing. Notably, a threshold weight must be acquired before teething begins, with female infants' teeth emerging at comparatively lower weights than males of the same age 5.
Special Population: Preterm Infants
For preterm infants, use corrected age (chronological age minus days born before 37 weeks gestation) rather than chronological age 6. When corrected age is used, preterm infants show only a mean delay of 1.4 months with no significant differences from term infants 6.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not delay the first dental visit until age 3 years. By three years of age, poor oral hygiene or improper feeding habits may already have compromised oral health 4. The traditional recommendation of waiting until age 3 was based on child manageability, not optimal preventive care.
Do not assume delayed teething indicates inadequate growth. The wide range of normal (3-13 months) prevents delay in teething from being a useful index of inadequate growth 5.
Educate parents that there is no relationship between teething timing and independent walking to resolve unnecessary anxiety 2.