Although the literature clearly presents information on the estimated ages of eruptive and exfoliative history for the life span of each primary tooth, there is little information available to describe the 'typical' clinical eruptive history for each tooth. The majority of information available regarding the rate of eruption has been derived from studies on the permanent dentition with the results extrapolated to describe the primary dentition. The aim of the present study was to describe the emergence phase of eruption of the primary teeth, including the length of time individual primary teeth take to emerge through the soft tissues, and the association of soft tissue changes with the stages of tooth eruption palpable- enlargement of tissues suggesting imminent eruption (incisor).