Teething in Babies: A Parent’s Guide from a Glen Iris Dentist

Many parents think teething only begins when a baby’s first tooth appears, but tooth development actually starts before birth. Baby teeth begin forming in the jaw around the sixth week of pregnancy, well before your child is born. Even permanent teeth start developing during pregnancy alongside primary teeth.

Supporting healthy tooth development begins early. Following your doctor’s advice and maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium, including foods like yoghurt and dark leafy greens, can help give your child’s teeth a strong foundation.

When Does Teething Start?

Teething can begin as early as 4 months of age, although most babies get their first tooth closer to 6 months. Teeth usually erupt in pairs, following a general pattern:

Bottom front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first
Top front incisors follow
Side front teeth (lateral incisors) erupt next
Molars come through after that
Canines (eye teeth) appear near the front teeth
Second molars erupt last

By around 3 years of age, most children have their full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.

Is It Normal for Teething to Vary?

Yes. The timing and order of tooth eruption can vary from child to child. Some babies may not get their first tooth until 12 months, which is usually nothing to worry about if your child is otherwise growing well. In rare cases, delayed eruption may be linked to medical conditions, but these are typically accompanied by other developmental concerns.

If you have worries about delayed teething, your family dentist in Glen Iris can provide reassurance and advice.

Common Signs of Teething

Early signs of teething often include:

Increased drooling
Chewing or gnawing on objects, bottles, or breastfeeding more than usual
Irritability or fussiness
Swollen, bumpy gums, sometimes lighter or darker in colour
A bluish-red blister on the gum line before a tooth erupts

Occasionally, a small amount of bleeding can occur when the tooth breaks through. If a blister lasts longer than a week, or your baby develops a fever, contact your dentist or paediatrician for advice.

How to Relieve Teething Discomfort

There are several safe ways to help ease teething discomfort:

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly around the mouth to protect skin from drooling irritation
Use a cold or frozen teething ring to numb sore gums
Let your baby chew on a clean, damp washcloth
Use topical teething gels as directed to temporarily numb the gums
For pain relief, paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) may be used at age-appropriate doses—always follow medical advice

If you’re unsure which option is best, your Glen Iris dentist can guide you.

Supporting Healthy Baby Teeth in Glen Iris

Early dental care helps set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Regular advice from a trusted local dentist ensures teething issues are managed safely and comfortably.

If you would like personalised guidance on baby teething, oral hygiene, or children’s dental care, Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

Our friendly team proudly supports families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern, Ashburton, Camberwell and Hawthorn East communities.