Most 10-month-olds have two to four teeth, though some have more and others still have none. The lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth) typically appear first, between 6 and 10 months, followed closely by the upper central incisors between 8 and 12 months. By 10 months, many babies are also starting to cut their upper lateral incisors, the teeth on either side of the top front pair.
Which Teeth Come In First
Baby teeth follow a fairly predictable sequence, even if the exact timing varies widely from child to child. The lower central incisors are almost always the first to break through, generally arriving between 6 and 10 months. The upper central incisors follow, typically between 8 and 12 months. So at 10 months, a baby who’s right on schedule might have all four of these front teeth or just two.
The next wave involves the lateral incisors, the smaller teeth flanking the front pair. The upper lateral incisors tend to emerge around 9 to 13 months, while the lower lateral incisors come through around 10 to 16 months. A 10-month-old who started teething early could have as many as six teeth if some lateral incisors have already appeared. A baby who started later might have just one or two. Both scenarios are perfectly normal.
No Teeth at 10 Months Is Usually Fine
If your 10-month-old hasn’t cut a single tooth yet, that’s not a reason to worry. Some babies don’t get their first tooth until close to their first birthday, and the range of normal is broad. The threshold most pediatric dental guidelines use is 12 months: if your baby has no teeth at all by age 1, it’s worth bringing it up with a dentist. Even then, many late teethers are simply on their own timeline, with teeth appearing shortly after.
Genetics play a big role. If you or your partner were late teethers, your baby likely will be too. Premature babies also tend to teethe later when measured by birth date rather than due date.
Signs a New Tooth Is Coming
At 10 months, your baby may be working on cutting multiple teeth at once, which can make for some rough days. Common teething signs include red, swollen gums where a tooth is pushing through, extra drooling, constant chewing and gnawing on objects, one flushed cheek, and general fussiness. Some babies rub or pull at their ears on the same side as the emerging tooth, and sleep can take a hit for a few days around each new eruption.
A mild temperature below 38°C (about 100.4°F) can accompany teething, but high fevers are not a teething symptom. Diarrhea, vomiting, and rashes on the body are also commonly blamed on teething, but there’s no evidence linking them to tooth eruption. If your baby develops those symptoms, something else is going on.
Caring for Those First Teeth
Even if your baby only has two teeth, they need cleaning. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, just barely enough to color the bristles. Brush twice a day, making one of those times right before bed so sugars from milk or food aren’t sitting on the teeth overnight. For babies under 3, that tiny smear is the right amount of toothpaste; you don’t need a pea-sized amount yet.
Before any teeth come in, you can wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to get them used to the routine. Once teeth are present, a soft-bristled infant toothbrush does the job. Pay particular attention to where the gum meets the tooth, since that’s where plaque collects first. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as pooled liquid against new teeth is a leading cause of early cavities.
The First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. For a 10-month-old who already has a few teeth, that first appointment is right around the corner. These early visits are brief and low-key. The dentist checks for any signs of decay, looks at how the teeth and jaw are developing, and can answer questions about pacifier use, bottles, and brushing technique.
What to Expect Over the Next Few Months
Between 10 and 14 months, most babies gain teeth quickly. The lateral incisors fill in on both the top and bottom, bringing the total to eight teeth. After that, there’s often a brief pause before the first molars arrive around 13 to 19 months. By age 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. The pace can feel uneven, with several teeth popping through in one month and then nothing for weeks. That stop-and-start pattern is completely typical and not a sign of any problem.