What to Expect When Your Baby Starts Teething

September 28, 2026

If you are a new parent in Smyrna, TN, teething can feel overwhelming. You may wonder what is normal and what needs attention. Understanding what to expect when your baby starts teething in Smyrna helps you stay calm and prepared. Dr. Smith and the team at Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics Smyrna are here to guide you every step of the way.

The Teething Timeline: What Smyrna Parents Should Know

Most babies begin teething between four and seven months of age. Every child is different, so do not worry if your baby is slightly ahead or behind. The first teeth to appear are usually the two bottom front teeth. These are called the central incisors.

By age three, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth. Here is a general order you can expect:

  • Bottom front teeth (central incisors) — around 6 months
  • Top front teeth (upper central incisors) — around 8–10 months
  • Lateral incisors (beside front teeth) — around 9–13 months
  • First molars — around 13–19 months
  • Canine teeth — around 16–22 months
  • Second molars — around 25–33 months

Knowing this timeline helps you recognize normal progress. It also helps you spot anything that seems unusual early on.

Common Teething Symptoms and How to Soothe Your Baby

Teething affects babies differently. Some sail through it with minimal fuss. Others experience clear discomfort that lasts several days per tooth.

Watch for these common teething signs:

  • Drooling more than usual
  • Chewing on fingers, toys, or anything nearby
  • Swollen or tender gum tissue
  • Fussiness or irritability, especially at night
  • Slight increase in body temperature (not a true fever)
  • Pulling at ears on the same side as the erupting tooth

You can help your baby feel better with safe soothing methods. A clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring works well. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger also provides relief.

Avoid over-the-counter numbing gels that contain benzocaine. The FDA warns against using these products in children under two. Always ask Dr. Smith before trying any teething remedy.

What to Expect During Your Baby’s First Dental Visit in Smyrna

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. This applies even if only one or two teeth have come in. Early visits help Dr. Smith catch problems before they grow.

Here is what happens at a typical first visit at Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics Smyrna:

  1. Warm welcome: Our team greets you and your baby in a calm, child-friendly environment.
  2. Health review: Dr. Smith reviews your baby’s medical history and asks about feeding habits and teething progress.
  3. Gentle exam: Dr. Smith examines the gums, any erupted teeth, and your baby’s jaw development.
  4. Parent education: You receive practical guidance on brushing, nutrition, and cavity prevention.
  5. Questions answered: You have time to ask anything that concerns you about teething or oral development.

These visits are short and gentle. We design them to build a positive relationship between your child and the dental team. Starting early makes future visits much easier for everyone.

Teething vs. Something More Serious: When to Call Us

Teething causes discomfort, but it should not cause high fever, diarrhea, or significant illness. If your baby has a rectal temperature above 100.4°F, that is a sign of something unrelated to teething. Contact your pediatrician right away in that case.

You should also contact our Smyrna office if you notice any of the following:

  • No teeth at all by 18 months of age
  • Teeth coming in severely crooked or crowded
  • White spots or brown discoloration on emerging teeth
  • Swelling or pus near the gum line
  • Your baby seems in extreme pain beyond normal fussiness

If your child experiences a dental injury during this early stage, we can help. Our team provides Emergency Dental Care Smyrna families can count on. Do not wait to reach out if something feels wrong.

Building Healthy Habits from the Very First Tooth

Good oral hygiene starts before your baby even has a tooth. Wipe your newborn’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. This removes bacteria and sets up healthy habits early.

Once the first tooth appears, switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste — about the size of a grain of rice. This amount is safe even if your baby swallows it.

Avoid putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. This habit causes a condition called baby bottle tooth decay. It can damage teeth even before they fully emerge.

Our team at Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics Smyrna also serves families throughout the region. If you are looking for a trusted Pediatric Dentist In Franklin Smyrna area families recommend, we are here for you.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone Through the Teething Journey

Teething is a big milestone for your baby and your family. It comes with sleepless nights and plenty of questions. But with the right information and a caring dental team, you can handle it with confidence.

Dr. Smith and the entire Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry + Orthodontics Smyrna team are proud to support Smyrna families through every stage of childhood oral health. From the very first tooth to the teenage years, we are your partners in your child’s smile. Book Now to schedule your appointment with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my baby have their first dental visit?

Schedule your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help Dr. Smith monitor tooth development and give you important guidance on home care.

Is it normal for my baby to have a low-grade fever while teething?

A slight rise in body temperature is common during teething, but a true fever above 100.4°F is not caused by teething. If your baby has a high fever, contact your pediatrician to rule out illness.

What teething remedies are safe for my baby?

Safe options include chilled (not frozen) teething rings and gentle gum massages with a clean finger. Avoid numbing gels containing benzocaine, as the FDA warns against their use in children under two years old. Always check with Dr. Smith before trying a new remedy.

How do I clean my baby’s teeth once they come in?

Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Gently brush all surfaces of the tooth and the gum line. As more teeth appear, brushing becomes even more important to prevent early cavities.

What if my baby’s teeth are coming in crooked?

Some mild crowding or slight crookedness in baby teeth is normal and usually resolves as the jaw grows. However, if teeth look severely misaligned or crowded, bring your child in for an evaluation. Dr. Smith can monitor development and let you know if early orthodontic assessment is needed.