The timing of primary tooth eruption varies individually among children. Some infants cut their first tooth as early as 4 months after birth, while others do not erupt primary teeth until 10 months of age. Generally, primary teeth begin to emerge at around 6 months. If no teeth have appeared in the mouth by 12 months old, consult a pediatrician or pediatric dentist to check for systemic diseases such as rickets, severe malnutrition, or congenital missing tooth germs.

Healthy infants usually start teething at approximately 6 months. By one year old, 6 to 8 primary teeth have erupted. The total number of primary teeth roughly equals the infant’s age in months minus 4 to 6. For example, a 14-month-old baby will have 8 to 10 teeth. A full set of 20 primary teeth normally erupts before the age of two.

Some children develop mild fever, drooling, irritability, poor appetite, or the urge to bite nipples, pacifiers and toys during teething. These reactions stem from mechanical irritation of the oral mucosa by erupting teeth and generally require no special treatment; symptoms fade naturally once the tooth breaks through the gum. Before eruption, local gum congestion causes slight redness and swelling. Maintain infants’ oral hygiene gently without over-scrubbing, to avoid gum injury or secondary infection.

The primary dentition stage is critical for children’s growth and development and carries a high risk of dental caries. Strict oral hygiene is essential: cultivate the habit of drinking plain boiled water after meals, milk feedings, as well as morning and night time to act as a mouth rinse. Avoid candies and pastries before bedtime.

A balanced nutritious diet is equally important. Increase intake of soybean products, fresh vegetables and milk to ensure sufficient calcium, phosphorus and vitamins from food, supporting healthy tooth development.