3 to 6 months - While babies drool for many reasons, teething is one of the most common causes at this age, since teeth commonly make their first appearance during these months. If your baby follows the typical pattern of teething (if there is such a thing), you'll likely see the bottom, center teeth erupt first, followed by the two upper front teeth and then the two on either side of them.
That said, for some babies it will be months before their first tooth erupts, and for others, they will show up in a completely different order. Some may come in all at once while others take their own sweet time and then poke through one at a time.
While parents often assume their babies' fevers are caused by teething, this is not a standardly accepted cause of fever by most health professionals - at least not for anything more than a low-grade fever.
It may help to give your baby hard things to chew. You should discuss the use of medicines or other teething treatments and remedies with your baby's doctor.
6 to 9 months - You'll likely see the appearance of several teeth during this time period, if you haven't seen some already. That said, some babies don't have their first tooth erupt until after their first birthday.
In addition to discussing the use of medicines or other teething treatments and remedies with your baby's doctor, be sure you discuss recommended dental care as well.
12 to 18 months - Getting your 12 to 18-month-old accustomed to brushing their teeth (and having you brush them as well) will help teach them good habits for the future. While toothpaste is not recommended for children this age because they inevitably swallow it, starting to take your child to see a dentist who is experienced in the care of children's teeth is definitely a good idea.
18 to 24 months - Since most 2-year-olds want to exert their independence at every turn, try not to make brushing teeth a battle at this age. And, while toothpaste is not recommended because toddlers are still young enough to want to swallow it, it's definitely a good idea to take your child to see a dentist who is experienced in the care of children's teeth.
2 years - It is definitely time to schedule a visit with a dentist who is experienced in seeing children, if you haven't already. Between 2 and 3, your child's primary teeth will most likely finish coming in, and home dental care becomes even more important as you help your child establish good lifelong habits.
Remember that this is the age of independence and let your child brush her own teeth before going over them yourself. Toothpaste isn't necessary at this stage, but if your toddler likes or insists on it, you can help to make sure that she puts only a very small amount onto the brush.
3 years - Make sure that you remember to schedule your child for regular dental check-ups, sometimes recommended as often as every six months at this age.
Between visits, make sure to teach your child to brush after meals and avoid excessive amounts of sugary foods.
4 years - Remember to schedule your child for regular dental check-ups, recommended as often as every six months at this age. Between visits, continue to encourage your child to brush after meals and avoid excessive amounts of sugary foods.
While it is likely to be another year or two before the baby teeth fall out and the permanent ones come in, it is just as important to learn to take care of this set as it will be to take care of the adult ones.
5 to 6 years - Regular dental check-ups are in order, both to teach good home care and to detect early dental problems. You might want to consider taking your child to a paediatric dentist who has two years of additional training in child behavior and dental health, or someone who is accustomed to caring for children.