---
title: "What Is Teething? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Teething is the normal process in which a baby's first teeth push up through the gums, which can make a child fussy and drool more."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/teething
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Pediatric

# Teething

Teething is the normal process in which a baby's first teeth push up through the gums, which can make a child fussy and drool more.

Teething is a normal part of infant and child development. The ADA says babies are born with all 20 primary teeth below the gums, and that they typically start to come through between 6 and 12 months, though timing varies. A child usually has the full set of baby teeth by age 3. Signs include drooling, chewing on objects, tender gums, and being fussy. A cool, clean teether or a gentle gum rub with a clean finger can help. Talk with your child's dentist or doctor before using any gels or medicines. Wipe the gums and brush new teeth as they appear. See [primary teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/primary-teeth-baby-teeth) and [tooth eruption](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-eruption), or our page on [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids).

[Town Center Dental can helpDentistry for Kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids)

## Related terms

-   [Tooth eruption](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-eruption)
-   [Primary teeth (baby teeth)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/primary-teeth-baby-teeth)
-   [Dental home](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-home)
-   [Early childhood caries](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/early-childhood-caries)
-   [Space maintainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/space-maintainer)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Teething](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething)

## Ready when you are

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