Most 9-month-olds have two to four teeth, though some have none at all and others may have more. The first baby teeth typically appear around six months of age, and by nine months, most infants have at least their two lower front teeth (central incisors) with the two upper front teeth either already through or on the way.
What’s Typical at 9 Months
Baby teeth follow a general pattern, but the timing varies widely from one child to the next. The lower central incisors almost always come in first, usually between six and ten months. The upper central incisors tend to follow shortly after, between eight and twelve months. So at nine months, two to four front teeth is the most common count.
Some babies don’t get their first tooth until closer to 12 months, and that’s perfectly normal. Others are early bloomers with a tooth poking through at four months. The timing is largely genetic. If you or your partner teethed late, your baby likely will too. As long as teeth start appearing by around 18 months, there’s no cause for concern.
The Order Teeth Come In
Children eventually get 20 baby teeth, and they tend to arrive in a predictable sequence even if the timing shifts:
- 6 to 10 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front two)
- 8 to 12 months: Upper central incisors (top front two)
- 9 to 13 months: Upper lateral incisors (on either side of the top front teeth)
- 10 to 16 months: Lower lateral incisors (on either side of the bottom front teeth)
- 13 to 19 months: First molars
- 16 to 23 months: Canines (the pointed teeth)
- 23 to 33 months: Second molars
By age three, most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth. Teeth usually come in pairs, with left and right versions of the same tooth appearing within weeks of each other.
Signs a Tooth Is Coming
You’ll likely notice teething before you see the tooth itself. The most common signs include drooling more than usual, a swollen or puffy spot on the gum, putting fingers or fists in the mouth constantly, and general fussiness. These symptoms can start days before the tooth breaks through the surface.
One important thing to know: teething does not cause fevers, diarrhea, rashes, or colds. This is a common misconception. If your baby develops a true fever or seems genuinely sick while teething, those symptoms should be evaluated on their own rather than dismissed as “just teething.” Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia emphasizes that teething can make a baby uncomfortable, but it doesn’t cause illness.
To ease discomfort, a clean, chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a cold washcloth to chew on works well. Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger can also help. Avoid teething gels with numbing agents for infants, as they can pose safety risks.
Caring for Those First Teeth
Even a single tooth needs care. Start brushing as soon as that first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled infant toothbrush. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Dental Association all recommend fluoride toothpaste from the start, but in a tiny amount: a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under three. That small amount protects enamel without posing any risk if swallowed.
Brush twice a day, especially before bed. Milk and formula both contain sugars that can pool around teeth overnight, so wiping or brushing after the last feeding of the day matters more than most parents realize. Baby teeth are thinner and softer than adult teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay.
The First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. For a baby who gets teeth at six months, that means a dental visit around their first birthday. For a baby who teeths earlier, the visit should happen sooner.
This first appointment is brief and low-key. The dentist checks for early signs of decay, evaluates how the teeth and jaw are developing, and gives you guidance on cleaning and diet. It also helps your child get comfortable with dental visits before they’re old enough to feel anxious about them.
When Teeth Are Late
If your 9-month-old has zero teeth, that alone isn’t a red flag. The range of normal is wide. Most pediatricians and dentists won’t be concerned unless no teeth have appeared by 18 months. In rare cases, delayed eruption can be linked to nutritional deficiencies or genetic conditions, but the vast majority of “late teethers” are simply on their own timeline and catch up without any issues.