The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-05-26
Care of the Teeth in Childhood

tinues often until the body is fully ma
tured. First is the development OF the
decidous, or temporary teeth. The
first teeth are adapted to the size of the
jaws. As the child grows and the
jaws become larger. these teeth of frail
structure are replaced by larger and
stronger ones, which are intended to
last through life. 1t is a mistake to sup
pose that the temporary teeth are only
of temporary Importance. The teeth
are too often neglected during the first
ten or twelve years of child's life.
The irregularity of the teeth SO common
in adults is generally caused by the ex-
traction of the child's temporary teeth
before the permanent ones take their
places. The jaws, consequently, con-
tracted. and the teeth came through in
a crowded condition.
The teeth are the hardest portions of
the human body. and yet they soon be-
come useless through decay. 1t can
be safely estimated that in a city of
30. 600 people there are not 100 of the
native inhabitants between the ages of
and IA whose teeth have wholly es-
capped decay, and if the decay were to
continue unchecked, most of the inhab;-
tants would be toothless by the time
they were 30.
If the future men and women are to
have goon teeth. the care of them
must begin in childhood. 1t is a mis-
take to have the temporary teeth ex-
tracted when they decay and cause
pain. 1t is best to preserve the first
teeth until the permanent ones are
ready to be erupted. To do this it is
necessary to have filed the temporary
teeth that show signs of decay. AS
children do not understand the impor-
lance Of retaining their teeth, it be-
comes the duty of parents to examine
their children's teeth frequently and
see that the laws essential to health and
comfort are obeyed. The nerve of
temporary teeth is near the surface.
easily exposed, and easily destroyed.
When this is done. and the entrance
to the nerve channel closed-with food
or otherwise-the enevitable. gum
boil makes its appearance. The boil
is not disease of the gum; its cause is
in the centre of the the tooth.
The predisposing cause of decay is
not fully known. The structure and
density Of the child's first teeth is de-
pendent largely upon the health of it's
mother. Some foods rich in phos-
phate, when partaken by the mother.
are supposed to be conducive to dense
development and perfection OF bone in
the child that is to be born. 1t is es-
pecially important that children at an
early age should be taught to clean
their toeth--taught the use of the
toothbrush and its Importance. When
decay makes its appearance. consult a
conscientious and skillful dentist If
there are unmistakable signs of soft
ness in the teeth, spoonful of lime
water three times day will be bene-
fetal. It is harmless and not un.
pleasant and children will readily take |
1t. That the food we eat has much in
fiuence in the formation of our teeth is
apparent in the results of the general
use of oatmeal in Scotland, roast beef
in England. black bread in Germany,
and maccaroni in Italy. Each nation
al fare produces marked character
istic in the formation of the teeth.
Toothache may arise from sensitive
dentne, recession of the gums wear
ing down. Of the teeth, chemical
abrasion, and decay. Decay is most
the cause and the one most
effectually remedied. To prevent decay
the use of the toothbrush and tooth
pick are earnestly recommended. Begin
early in childhood. The brush should
be of moderate stiffness and should be
used twice day at least, upon arising
In the morning and before going to
bed at night. Care should be taken to
clean the surface next to the tongue
and between the teeth. The use of
rag for this purpose. common in some
parts of the country, is almost without
value. The toothpick should be used
IS often rs food is eaten. 1t should be
hin and pliable; goose quill makes
he best. Even picking the teeth with
pins is not as harmful as eating
emon and failing to clean the teeth
.fterward. Eating sugar will not
make any more inroad on the teeth
han the same amount of apple. At
east once year the teeth should be
by dentist. Here. as else
where. the ounce of prevention is
worth more than the pound OF cure.
W II. Gtlkyson, D. D. s., tn Practical
Farmer. |!
y Il