The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-09-24
SIX YEAR MOLARS SHOULD
BE CARED FORCAREFULLY
They Aid in Proper Formation
of Dental Arch, Doctor States

OU0dhlIlk VI tllC OLA JSOA AAANAS%ASS
DR.. Richard C. Leonard, Chief of the
Division of Oral Hygiene of the State
Department of Health, said: ITO
proud parents the cutting of the first
baby tooth is an important event.
The cutting of the first permanent
teeth, the so-called six year molars,
should be an even more important
event.
"The six year molars are Of I'M
portance NOT because they are the
first of the permanent teeth but for
other reasons. Here are four OF
them: 1. The six year molars aid
materially in the proper formation
of the dental arch; 2. If lost, they
cannot be replaced by nature; 8. If
neglected, the way is opened for sys-
tematic infections; 4. The efficien-
cy of the remaining teeth in perform
ing their normal Notwithstanding
the food and preparing it for diges-
tion-is greatly reduced when these
teeth are lost.
"The formation of the six year
molars is started before the child's
birth. In some instances they are
not completely formed until the child
is eleven or twelve years of age. This
long period of growth necessitates
special attention to the diet, first on
the part of the mother and later in
regard to the diet of the child. Foods
containing lime salts and vitamins
are needed for the formation Of
strong six year molars. This means
that the diet must necessarily include
milk and green leafy vegetables, and
whenever possible, fresh fruits or
fruit juices. Sunlight, as we know, is
necessary for all growing things in
GLIDING teeth. Cod liver oil also con-
tains elements that help in the for
nation of strong teeth.
"The six year molars erupt back Of
the first baby molars. They are so
named because they are cut when
the child is about six years of age.
They are often mistaken for baby
teeth. No baby teeth are She'd to
make way for them. Normally, at
six years of age child should have
all (2O) baby teeth plus their newly
erupted permanent six year molars.
Sometimes, because of faulty diet
or because of faulty assimilation the
six year molars erupt with minute
defects. These defects are often too
small to be discovered by the eye,
but they can become the seat of de-
cay. If this is unchecked, it can
spread until the entire tooth is des-
troyed. To safeguard against such
loss these teeth should be given a
careful examination by your family
dentist soon after they are cut. Early
discovery of such defects permits
protective correction that will insure
a life time of service.
"Of course, the six year molars
should be kept clean. They erupt at
an age when child is most apt to
be careless about his or her mouth
cleanliness. But with a little patience
on the part of the mother almost any
child can be taught to form the habit
Of brushing the teeth before break
fast and when getting ready for bed
at night. This twice daily cleansing
of the mouth must be carefullysuper-'
vised and especial attention should be
paid to the thorough brushing of the
six year molars. 4.
San insurance policy for continued
mouth health is priceless. This in
surance is offered to those who will
pay the following premiums: 1. Eat
the right foods; 2. Have teeth ex-
amined twice yearly; 8. Clean the
teeth properly twice daily"