Helping to identify the signs of teething, before advising on a range of products designed to help with the process, is a must for all good retailers. Parenting advice forum Teething-Babies.co.uk highlights the standard signs of teething: restlessness, irritability and disturbed sleep patterns; sore, red gums; flushed cheeks; loss of appetite; a slight rise in temperature; dribbling; a sudden desire to chew anything they can lay their hands on and an urge to bite. "Every baby is different and the start and duration of the teething process can vary greatly between individuals. It is thought that around 1 in 2000 babies are actually born with a baby tooth already, while others don't show any until they are around 12 months."

The British Dental Association recommends that children go to the Dentist as soon as possible: "First, or 'baby' teeth have usually developed before your baby is born and will start to come through at around six months. All 20 baby teeth should be through by around the age of two." It is insisted that all children up to the age of 3 years old use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm, with one containing 1350-1500 ppm recommended thereafter.

Talking to online resource Teething Babies, Dr Sarah Brewer offers this advice for babies under 6 months: "The simplest way to relieve pain is to rub a teething gel containing local anaesthetic to help numb the gum where a tooth is coming through. This can be re-applied every 3 hours as necessary. Keep wiping the dribble from her chin so she doesn't get sore and give her hard rusks or a teething ring to chew on. Offer her lots of reassuring cuddles to help her settle too."

In terms of tooth care, parents are advised to clean each tooth as it appears by wrapping a clean, non fluffy flannel around their finger and gently rubbing the teeth and gums to wipe away plaque, or to use a soft toothbrush especially designed for a baby's mouth. A full range of teething gels, teething rings and barrier creams for sore chapped skin will help cater for your customer's needs.

Research suggests that a baby's teeth play an important role in how a child eats and how her jaw and face grow, and will eventually influence how she speaks. Good dental health is therefore paramount and should begin at the teething stage. There are many types of toothbrush available on the market to encourage brushing says the British Dental Association, including brightly coloured brushes, some of which change colour or have favourite characters on the handles and others with timers, all of which only help a child to make toothcare an integral part of their daily routine.

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