dentición
/dentiˈθjon/feminine
The English word 'teething' is translated into Spanish as dentición.
dentición refers to the biological process of the eruption of milk teeth. When speaking about this process, the noun is almost always preceded by the definite article la (e.g., la dentición). To describe the situation more descriptively, you might say los primeros dientes están saliendo (the first teeth are coming out) or el bebé está sufriendo molestias debido a los dientes que están creciendo (the baby is experiencing discomfort due to growing teeth).
Meaning: eruption of milk teeth (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
dentición is a feminine noun, so any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/dentiˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of 'baby teeth' is captured by the phrase dientes de leche, which literally translates to 'teeth of milk'.
- Because dentición is a technical term, you will find it in medical journals and pediatrician brochures rather than in casual conversation between parents.
- The word dentición shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dentist', as both stem from the Latin root 'dens' meaning 'tooth'.
Examples in context
- Durante la etapa de erupción dentaria, el bebé puede sentir molestias.During the teething phase, the baby may experience discomfort.
- Mi bebé está llorando mucho últimamente, creo que está en plena salida de dientes.My baby has been crying a lot lately. I think he's in the middle of teething.
- El bebé está sufriendo por la dentición.The baby is suffering due to teething.
- La dentición suele ser un proceso doloroso.Teething is usually a painful process.
- Los síntomas de la dentición incluyen irritabilidad.The symptoms of teething include irritability.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their baby's behavior.
- Javier¿Por qué está tan inquieto el bebé?Why is the baby so restless?
- MaríaCreo que es por la dentición.I think it is because of teething.
- JavierPobre de él, debe de tener molestias.Poor little guy, he must be uncomfortable.
- MaríaSí, la dentición lo tiene muy cansado.Yes, the teething has him very tired.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teething” translations and entries dentición, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dentición, CC BY-SA 4.0.
