Teething is a normal part of your baby’s early months, and it usually starts before their first birthday.
Teething can leave babies cranky, disrupt sleep, or make feedings more difficult.
Many parents ask, How long does teething pain last? because the answer is not the same for every child, and to be honest, it gets frustrating for both the child and the parents after a certain time.
In this guide, you will learn how long teething lasts, what signs to watch for, and how to make things easier.
The Teething Timeline
Teething begins and unfolds at its own pace for each baby, but there are typical patterns you can expect.
The Early Stage: Before Teeth Erupt
Birth to 6 Months
Although no teeth are visible, babies are born with a full set of primary teeth formed in their jaws.
During these months, you might see chewing, drooling, or signs of early gum discomfort.
It is all part of the lead-up to the first tooth appearing.
The First Teeth: Incisors
6 to 10 Months
Most babies get their first tooth, usually a lower central incisor, somewhere between 6 and 10 months of age.
You may notice swollen gums, more drooling, or fussiness right before the tooth appears.
8 to 12 Months
Upper middle incisors (front teeth) often erupt next, followed by their counterparts above or beside them.
The Middle Teeth: Lateral Incisors and First Molars
9 to 16 Months
Lateral incisors come in (the teeth on either side of the front teeth), both upper and lower.
This is usually followed by your child’s first molars, which often show up between 13 and 19 months on the top, a little later on the bottom.
The Canines (Cuspids)
16 to 23 Months
The sharp, pointy teeth called canines (or cuspids) fill the gaps between the molars and incisors.
The discomfort may be similar to previous stages, but your child may be more used to the process by this point.
The Last Teeth: Second Molars
23 to 33 Months
Second molars, the very back teeth, are often the last to arrive.
Eruption starts around 23 months for the lower set and may finish between 25 and 33 months for the top set.
These can be the most uncomfortable stage for some children, as these teeth are larger and take more time to come in.
Full Set Achieved
Around 2.5 to 3 Years
By the age of three, most children will have their full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.
Some children might finish a little sooner or later, and many differences are perfectly normal.
How Long does Each Teething Pain Last?
Teething pain from each new tooth often lasts just a few days, but some kids may have discomfort for a week or longer.
The pain is usually most noticeable right before the tooth pops through the gum.
In many cases, symptoms fade as soon as the tooth appears.
Some children have small breaks between teeth, while others seem to be teething often during this stage.
Signs Your Baby is Teething
As a parent of a toddler, these are some signs that may help you know if your baby is at the teething stage or not.
- Increased drooling
- More fussiness or irritability
- Urge to chew on objects or hands
- Rubbing cheeks or pulling at ears
- Not every sign of discomfort is due to teething; watch for other signs of illness
- Contact a doctor if your baby has a high fever, diarrhea, or any symptoms that concern you
What Makes Teething Last Longer for Some Babies?
Not all babies follow the same teething timeline, and some need a bit more time to get through it.
Family history can play a big part, as teething patterns often run in families.
Babies with certain health problems might teethe more slowly or have longer-lasting pain.
Sometimes, several teeth come in at once, which can make things seem worse for a while.
If a baby deals with swollen gums or frequent ear infections, teething may take extra time to resolve.
There is usually no need to worry, though it is helpful to talk with your doctor if teething seems unusually drawn out.
Easing Teething Pain and Discomfort
Everyone hates seeing their baby in pain and discomfort all the time due to teething; hence, here are some of the methods that will help you ease the pain of your baby.
- Cold teething rings or a clean, damp washcloth for chewing can provide relief
- Gentle gum rubs with your finger may help soothe sore spots
- Avoid hard or frozen objects, as these could hurt your baby’s gums
- If you consider medicine, always check with your child’s doctor first
Busting Myths and Stating Facts
Teething is surrounded by many well-meaning but mistaken ideas. Separating myth from fact helps parents understand what to expect and when to seek advice.
Myth 1: Teething Causes a High Fever
Fact: While some babies might have a mild temperature rise, a true fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C) is not caused by teething and needs a doctor’s assessment.
Myth 2: Teething is Often to Blame for Diarrhea
Fact: Many parents notice changes in stool during teething, but scientific studies show no direct link between teething and diarrhea.
Myth 3: Teeth Erupt in a Completely Random Order
Fact: While the exact timing varies among children, the order of tooth eruption usually follows a predictable pattern.
Myth 4: A Late Start or Delay in Teething Means Something is Wrong
Fact: Delays in teething are common and usually not a cause for worry. Some children don’t get their first tooth until after their first birthday, which can still be normal.
Myth 5: Teething causes ear infections
Fact: While teething and ear infections may happen around the same time, teething does not cause ear infections.
End of Tale
Teething can last on and off for two years, but each painful spell is usually short-lived.
Patience and simple comfort measures usually make a big difference for your child.
If something feels wrong or lasts too long, always ask your pediatrician.
Each tooth is a sign of your baby growing, and these rough patches soon pass.
