Your Teething Baby

The emergence of a baby's first tooth is an exciting milestone. From the early appearance of the first tiny tooth to caring for the new set, learn what to expect from your baby's new arrivals.

1. Most infants have their first tooth erupt between 6 and 8 months of age.

2. Teeth usually come up in pairs.

3. Bottom front teeth (central incisors) typically emerge first, followed by the top ones. Then the molars and the canine teeth (the pointy ones) appear. Last come the back molars.

4. Although parents usually associate "teething" with the few days of discomfort and swelling before and after a tooth erupts, tooth development actually begins in the womb. Primary or "baby" teeth begin to form under the gums during the fifth month of pregnancy and slowly emerge as your infant grows older. But it's not until the teeth start breaking through the gums that things get uncomfortable for baby.

5. Baby should have her full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. Her permanent teeth won't begin to replace them until she's 4 to 6 years old.