Did your baby just sprout their first tooth on top instead of bottom? While most babies get their bottom front teeth first, some surprise parents by cutting their upper teeth first.
This unexpected order can feel concerning when it differs from what baby books suggest.
You might be comparing notes with other parents or searching for answers about what’s normal. Is this pattern actually something to worry about, or is there more to the story?
Let’s find out why teething orders vary, what’s considered normal, and when you should talk to your pediatrician.
Understanding Normal Teething Order
Most babies follow a predictable pattern when teeth appear. The lower front teeth usually come in first, between 6 and 10 months old. By age three, your child should have all 20 baby teeth.
A tooth eruption chart from your pediatrician shows which teeth typically appear when. Sometimes upper teeth appear before lower ones; about 10% of babies experience this variation.
Every child develops differently, so minor changes in teething order rarely signal problems. If you’re concerned, ask your dentist during your baby’s first checkup.
Why Do Some Babies Get Upper Teeth First?
Several factors influence teething order, from genetics to jaw development. Understanding these causes helps parents feel confident about their baby’s unique dental timeline.
1. Genetic Factors
Family history plays a major role in when and how your baby’s teeth appear. If you or your partner had early, late, or unusual teething patterns as an infant, your child might follow a similar pattern.
Dental development is inherited just like eye color or height. Ask grandparents about family teething stories ;you might find your baby’s upper-first pattern runs in the family.
2. Upper Jaw Development
Some babies naturally develop their upper jaw faster than their lower jaw. This anatomical variation is completely normal and doesn’t indicate developmental problems.
Each child grows at their own pace, and jaw development speeds vary widely among healthy babies. The upper jaw simply reaches teething readiness first in these cases.
3. Other Contributing Factors
Premature babies may experience different teething timelines than full-term infants. Overall health, nutrition, and environmental factors also influence tooth eruption.
Babies who receive proper nutrients usually develop teeth normally, regardless of the order. Certain medical conditions might affect timing, so discuss any concerns with your pediatrician during regular checkups.
Is It Normal for a Baby to Get Upper Teeth First?
Pediatric dentists confirm that upper teeth appearing first is completely normal. Teething orders vary widely among healthy babies, and these differences rarely signal problems.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes a broad range of normal tooth development. If your baby is healthy and meeting other milestones, upper-first teething is fine.
When no developmental concerns exist, and your child eats, sleeps, and grows normally, tooth order doesn’t matter. A family history of unusual teething patterns also confirms that this variation is natural for your baby.
Common Teething Symptoms
While every baby experiences teething differently, certain signs consistently appear during this developmental milestone.
Understanding these symptoms helps parents distinguish normal teething discomfort from illness requiring medical attention.
1. Physical Signs of Teething
The most visible teething indicators include excessive drooling that may cause chin irritation, visibly swollen or reddened gums where teeth are emerging, and an intense desire to gnaw on fingers, toys, or any available objects.
You might also notice your baby pulling their ears or rubbing their cheeks as they respond to referred pain from erupting teeth.
2. Behavioral Changes During Teething
Teething babies often become unusually fussy or irritable, especially in the evening when discomfort intensifies. Sleep disruptions are common, with frequent night wakings or difficulty settling down.
Feeding patterns may change; some babies refuse food due to sore gums, while others seek comfort through increased nursing or bottle-feeding. Extra clinginess and a need for more cuddles are also typical.
3. What’s NOT Related to Teething
Contrary to popular belief, teething doesn’t cause high fevers above 101°F, persistent diarrhea, severe diaper rash, or significant respiratory symptoms.
While a slight temperature increase (under 100.4°F) and mild congestion can occur, anything more severe indicates illness, not teething. If your baby experiences these symptoms, contact your pediatrician rather than attributing them to emerging teeth.
Caring for Baby’s Upper Teeth
Proper oral care should begin long before your baby’s first tooth appears. Establishing good dental hygiene habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
- Begin wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad after feedings to remove bacteria and get them accustomed to mouth cleaning.
- Once the first tooth appears, transition to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush designed specifically for tiny mouths and delicate gums.
- Use only a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste until age 3, then increase to a pea-sized amount for older toddlers.
- Brush twice daily; once in the morning after breakfast and once before bedtime; to establish a consistent routine your baby will expect.
- Gently lift your baby’s lip and brush the upper teeth in small circular motions, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line.
- Make brushing enjoyable by singing songs, making silly faces, or letting your baby watch you brush your own teeth to normalize the activity.
Starting dental care early and maintaining consistency help your baby develop strong, healthy teeth, prevent cavities, and establish lifelong oral hygiene practices.
Home Remedies vs OTC Relief for Teething
Parents usually start with simple comfort measures because they are low risk and work well for most babies. OTC medicines are an additional tool, but only when discomfort is stronger or persistent. This table helps clarify when each approach makes sense.
| HOME REMEDIES | OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) |
|---|---|
| Chilled (not frozen) teething rings provide soothing pressure and cooling relief | Acetaminophen can reduce pain when physical soothing is not enough, with a pediatrician’s approval |
| A clean, damp washcloth to chew gives texture and gentle resistance for sore gums | Ibuprofen may help with both pain and inflammation, only for babies old enough and with a doctor’s guidance |
| Gentle gum massage calms babies through direct pressure and parent contact | OTC options must follow exact dosing based on weight to avoid side effects |
| Age-appropriate cold foods offer comfort and distraction for older infants starting solids | OTC pain relief is intended for short-term use, not routine soothing |
When to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Regular dental visits help monitor your baby’s oral development and catch problems early. Schedule the first appointment by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing.
Contact your dentist if no teeth emerge by 18 months, if teeth seem too crowded, or if you notice decay or discoloration. Extreme teething pain that disrupts eating or sleeping also warrants a call.
Prepare questions about teething concerns, proper oral care products, fluoride recommendations, and potential orthodontic issues for future reference.
Long-Term Dental Considerations
Understanding how baby teeth impact your child’s future dental health helps you make informed decisions about early oral care and professional monitoring.
- Baby tooth order doesn’t predict permanent teeth order, so unusual eruption patterns in primary teeth typically won’t affect how adult teeth come in later.
- Baby teeth serve as space savers by holding space for permanent teeth, making it essential to keep them healthy even though they’ll eventually fall out.
- Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor tooth eruption patterns and spot potential problems before they become serious.
- Early intervention can prevent complications, ensuring your child’s permanent teeth have the best chance of coming in properly aligned and strong.
Wrapping It Up
Getting upper teeth first might be unexpected, but it’s rarely concerning. Your baby’s unique teething pattern doesn’t predict dental problems or delays.
What matters most is keeping those new teeth healthy with proper oral hygiene.
Start wiping teeth with a soft cloth and schedule a dental visit by age one. Every baby develops differently, and tooth order is just one normal variation. Trust your instincts, but call your pediatrician if something feels off.
