THE BABY’S TEETH
=Suggestions for demonstrations.= =1.= Demonstrate the preparation of
a baby’s mouth wash. =2.= Demonstrate the care of the baby’s first
teeth. =3.= Demonstrate the care of the toothbrush and explain the
necessity for such care.
The best way to secure sound, healthy teeth in a baby is for the mother
during her girlhood to see that her own teeth are in good condition
and to keep well and happy, because it is then that the foundations of
health for life are established. The mother must take the best care of
her teeth at all times and maintain her health in every possible way. A
sickly mother usually means a sickly baby.
The first teeth of the child are called the milk teeth and are twenty
in number. In a normal baby the first tooth usually appears about the
sixth month.
The teeth usually come as follows:
Two lower central incisors 6 to 9 months
Four upper incisors 8 to 12 months
Two lower lateral incisors}
Four anterior molars } 12 to 18 months
Four canines (the “eye” and
“stomach” teeth) 18 to 24 months
Four posterior molars 24 to 30 months
=Cleansing the teeth.= As soon as the first tooth appears, it should be
cleansed each day with a small piece of gauze or cotton saturated in a
weak solution of bicarbonate of soda and water. A teaspoonful of water
after each feeding or after taking fruit juice will help to cleanse the
mouth.
=Drooling.= When the baby is about four months old the flow of saliva
is increased. This is an indication that the salivary glands are
developing, and not, as is commonly thought, a sign that the teeth are
trying to push their way through the gums, although this may be the
case.
[Illustration: CHILD BRUSHING HIS TEETH]
=Teething.= Babies nourished by healthy breast milk cut their teeth
earlier than those who are bottle fed. When the teeth begin to come
the gums are apt to be red and swollen. Special care should be taken
at this time to keep the mouth clean. It is a mistake to dread the
teething period and to feel that the baby is sure to be sick. Sickness
at this time usually attributed to teething is more apt to be due to
faulty feeding or to some other condition, and the family physician
should be consulted at once.
=Diet.= Good teeth in a baby depend largely on his diet. During the
first few months of his life, in addition to milk he should be given
fruit juice and meat juice (see Appendix B). As his teeth develop he
should be given food that requires chewing; this is necessary to keep
the teeth and muscles of the jaw strong and healthy.
=Teeth and their care.= By the time the child is two and a half years
old the temporary teeth should be fully developed. These are replaced
by the permanent teeth, which usually begin to appear about the sixth
year. Their condition will largely depend upon the care given to the
first teeth; neglect of the temporary teeth is a frequent cause of
decay in the permanent teeth.
After the teeth come they should be cleansed with a soft brush in the
morning and after the evening meal. A good mouth wash consists of a two
per cent boric acid solution or a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda
and water (one-half teaspoonful to a glass of water).
=Care of the toothbrush.= After being used the toothbrush should be
cleansed with soap and warm water, thoroughly rinsed, and completely
dried. Each day it is well to place the brush in the sunshine.