The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1898-12-08
CHILDREN'S FIRST TEETH.
Some Information Which May Afford
Aid to Parents and Relic. TO
the Little Ones.

In the development and growth of
the teeth we see Illustrated one of the
many perfect laws of nature. Early
in embryonic life appears the germs
for the teeth, the first part to form be-
ing the enamel cap or crown, this be-
ing followed later by the dentine and
the root Of the tooth. For the first few
months after birth there is no need OF
teeth, but as the child grows stronger
and more solid food IS demanded the
teeth begin to appear and are ready to
do their part of the great work. At
about the sixth month after bicth the
lower incisors appear, and there is
great rejoicing in the home over the
fact that baby has a tooth. The sue
ceeding teeth appear in their regular
order, usually in pairs, until there are
completed about the twenty-fourth
month.
When HE teeth begin to appear the
root is only partially developed, the
sharp, Irregular edges of which are
partly in contact with the pulp or
formative organ of the tooth, which
is compose ed of blood vessels connec-
tive tissue and nerve fiber. When the
tooth meets with any unusual resist
ance in the gum tissue, the irregular r
edges If the root are forced back
against this sensitive mass. causing
many of the nervous disorders which
may be developed during first teeth
ing.
No remedy, in skillful hands, is more
efficient than the use of the lance.
This removes the pressure Immediate
ly. and where it is properly performed
it is not as difficult and painful an
operation as many imagine. Many
little lives are annually lost through
the neglect of this form of treatment.
In the more simple cases some relief is
afforded by rubbing with the finger
or the use of the familiar rubber ring.
Medication is of little value. but where
there is considerable inflammation a
light application of witch hazel might
be admissible.
When the teeth are once in their
proper position they should be regu-
larly cleaused and cared for. The
brush should be small and very soft.
If this is unpleasant TO the child. use a
soft cloth at first. Children will soon
learn that this operation is as i'm
portant rs to wash their face and
hands. With proper care there is
usually not much decay; still it will
come. and when it does the cavity
should at once be stopped with some
plastic filling and repeated as often
as necessary. If the parents and
dentist treat the children kindly they
will find them willing t o endure what is
necessary. Tell them the truth and be
patient and kind and they will do their
part. BY the law of nature, when the
second teeth are ready to come the
roots of the first ones absorb and the
teeth generally drop out. But this
does not always occur. in which case
extraction may be necessary. This
should be painless whenever possible.
During the time the temporary teeth
are being lost and the permanent ones
are taking their place. the visits to the
dentist should be frequent. Too early
or delayed removal of the temporary
teeth is responsible for much of the ir-
regularity of the permanent ones. re-
sulting in IN unsightly mouth, which
can only be relieved by expensive and
tedious operations.-N. Y. Ledger.