SECOND DENTITION.
197. When does a child commence to cut his SECOND set of teeth?
Generally at seven years old. He begins to cut them at about that time: but it should be borne in mind (so wonderful are the works of God) that the second crop of teeth, in embryo, is actually bred and formed from the very commencement of his life, under the first tier of teeth, but which remain in abeyance for years, and do not come into play until the first teeth, having done their duty, loosen and fall out, and thus make room for the more numerous, larger, stronger, and more permanent teeth, which latter have to last for the remainder of his existence. The first set is sometimes cut with a great deal of difficulty, and produces various diseases; the second, or permanent teeth, come easily, and are unaccompanied with any disorder. The following is the process:—One after another of the first set gradually loosen, and either drop out, or with little pain are readily pulled out; under these, the second—the permanent—teeth make their appearance, and fill up the vacant spaces. The fang of the tooth that has dropped out is nearly all absorbed or eaten away, leaving little more than the crown. The first set consists of twenty; the second (including the wise-teeth, which are not, generally cut until after the the age of twenty-seven) consists of thirty-two.
I would recommend you to pay particular attention to the teeth of your children; for, besides their being ornamental, their regularity and soundness are of great importance to the present as well as to the future health of your offspring. If there be any irregularity in the appearance of the second set, lose no time in consulting an experienced and respectable dentist.