How long teething lasts (and what to expect at each stage)

How long teething lasts (and what to expect at each stage)
Reassuring guidance from the dentists behind MamaSmiles

Teething doesn’t happen all at once. It arrives in little waves, with bursts of discomfort followed by stretches of calm. That’s why many parents feel unsure how long teething “should” last - because it rarely feels consistent from week to week.

I’m Jack, one of the practising dentists behind MamaSmiles, and this is the timeline I talk through with parents in clinic. Every baby moves at their own pace, but there are clear patterns you can look out for. Knowing the stages helps you understand what’s normal, why your baby’s behaviour changes, and how to support them without feeling overwhelmed.

The build-up: 3 to 5 months

This stage often surprises parents. Even before the first tooth appears, the gums begin to soften and prepare.

You might notice:

• more chewing
• hands constantly in the mouth
• occasional fussiness
• mild sleep disruption
• drooling starting to increase

These changes come and go. They’re the early signs that teething is getting ready to begin, not that something is wrong.

First teeth emerging: 5 to 8 months

This is when most babies get their first tooth - usually one of the bottom front ones. Discomfort often rises for a few days, then eases once the tooth breaks through.

Common changes include:

• pink, raised gums where the tooth is coming
• more dribbling
• clinginess or wanting to be held
• chewing becoming more intense

The discomfort is usually short-lived. Once the tooth appears, babies often settle quickly.

Teeth arriving in waves: 8 to 18 months

Teething becomes more predictable here. Teeth tend to come in small groups, with calm periods in between.

Typical experiences include:

• a few unsettled nights during each wave
• short-term feeding fussiness
• biting or gnawing on anything available
• mild behaviour shifts when gums are sore

Upper and lower teeth may come in a different order, that’s perfectly normal.

Molars: 12 to 24 months

Molars are larger and take longer to push through, which is why this stage can feel tougher. Babies often seem more unsettled, even if the first teeth didn’t bother them much.

You may see:

• more intense chewing
• hands in the mouth often
• brief periods of irritability
• gums appearing lumpier at the back

Even though molars feel bigger, the discomfort still happens in short phases, not constantly.

The home stretch: 24 to 30 months

By the time the second molars arrive, most babies develop easier habits around teething. They know how to chew for comfort, settle more quickly, and tolerate brushing better.

What “end of teething” looks like:

• fewer sudden outbursts
• longer calm periods
• more predictable sleep
• a full set of 20 baby teeth over time

This phase is less dramatic for most families.

How long each tooth takes

Each tooth usually causes discomfort for a few days while it’s pushing through. Some babies show almost no signs; others feel each tooth more strongly. Both are normal.

What varies:

• gaps between teeth
• order of eruption
• how dramatically your baby reacts
• how sensitive their gums are

There’s no “correct” timeline. What matters is that your baby’s overall behaviour fits the stop-start rhythm of teething.

How to support your baby through each stage

Offer safe chewing
Cool teething rings, soft cloths, or baby-safe toys help relieve pressure.

Try gentle gum massage
A clean finger and light circular pressure can help immediately.

Keep routines calm and predictable
Small, familiar steps give babies a sense of security.

Introduce brushing calmly
When the first tooth appears, use a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of mild toothpaste or our teething gel. At MamaSmiles, ours is made with hydroxyapatite to support early enamel without strong flavours.

Give comfort when they need it
Closeness, cuddles, and upright holding all help your baby regulate.

If something doesn’t feel right, or your baby seems unwell in a way you can’t explain, speak to your GP, health visitor or NHS 111.

Quick summary

• Teething comes in phases, not one long stretch
• Early changes begin around 3-5 months
• First teeth typically appear around 5-8 months
• Teeth then arrive in waves through 8-18 months
• Molars take longer and can feel more intense
• Most babies complete teething by around 30 months
• Short bursts of discomfort are normal; long periods of distress usually aren’t

Teething is a journey with small challenges and big milestones. Once you understand the stages, it becomes much easier to recognise what’s normal - and to support your baby through it with confidence. At MamaSmiles, we’re here to guide you at every step, one tiny tooth at a time.

Dr Jack
Dentist and Co-Founder, MamaSmiles