Caring for your child's teeth should begin before they ever have their first dental visit. It should start before your child even has any teeth. A baby is born with 20 primary teeth under its gums. These begin to erupt around six months of age. Before these baby teeth erupt, it's advisable to clean their gums with a damp washcloth to wipe away any harmful bacteria. Once their teeth begin to emerge, that's when you should gently brush them with a soft baby toothbrush and plain water. Otherwise, at least, you should visit a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth and no later than 12 months of age.