Twice a day if possible, but always just before bedtime, the baby should be placed on a large bed in a warm room with all his clothing removed, and should be encouraged to kick and play for ten or fifteen minutes. He may be played with at this time, but must not be permitted to become excited.
CHAPTER X
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 | } | 12 to 18 months |
| Four anterior molars | ||
| 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.
