A baby's first tooth erupts into the mouth around the age of six months. The complete primary dentition (baby teeth) consists of 20 teeth. Your child should have all of these teeth between 2.5 and 5.25 years of age. 

Although the timing of eruption can usually be predicted, its occurrence often surprises new parents. Teething is a natural phenomenon that usually occurs with no problem. Although, some infants may show signs of systemic distress including a rise in temperature, diarrhea, dehydration, increased salivation, skin eruptions, and upset stomach. 

Teething rings can be used to apply cold and pressure to the affected area in the mouth. This may help to reduce the symptoms and result in a happier baby. 

Your child should get his/her first examination no later than 18 months following eruption of the first tooth for infants not at a high risk for development of dental disease. Otherwise 6 months. 

Start brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. 

How to brush your child's teeth: 

(1) Use a small soft bristle brush 

(2) Use a toothpaste with fluoride (the size of a pea) because children may swallow the toothpaste and at this early age their other teeth are still developing and excess amounts of fluoride may cause brown spots (mottling also known as dental fluorosis) on the developing teeth. 

(3) You should be helping your child brush their teeth and gums (especially before bedtime!). Make this a happy time. This supervision should be in effect until the child is 6 years old.

WARNING: BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY:

This is a severe decay of baby teeth of infants and young children caused by bottle feeding at bed time. The bottle contains sugar from the drink that it is filled with. Bacteria in the mouth turns the sugar in these liquids into acid. The acid eats away at the enamel (outer coating of the teeth) causing tooth decay. 

During the day, saliva in the mouth helps to wash away the sugary liquid in the mouth. At nap time the flow of saliva slows down. Bacteria have more time to turn the sugar into acid that cause the decay. 

It is best to give your baby water in his/her bottle at nap time if needed instead of other drinks. 

You can begin to wean your baby when they are able to sit up without support. 

Keeping your Baby ‘s Teeth Healthy is important because:

They help your child talk more clearly; They help the child eat and chew more easily; Baby teeth hold spaces for permanent teeth to come in; Baby teeth help to form the shape of the face. 

Below is a diagram that shows when your baby's teeth should come in: