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:

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.

Teething. Babies nourished by healthy breast milk cut their teeth earlier than those who are bottle fed. When the teeth begin to come the gums are apt to be red and swollen. Special care should be taken at this time to keep the mouth clean. It is a mistake to dread the teething period and to feel that the baby is sure to be sick. Sickness at this time usually attributed to teething is more apt to be due to faulty feeding or to some other condition, and the family physician should be consulted at once.

Diet. Good teeth in a baby depend largely on his diet. During the first few months of his life, in addition to milk he should be given fruit juice and meat juice (see Appendix B). As his teeth develop he should be given food that requires chewing; this is necessary to keep the teeth and muscles of the jaw strong and healthy.

Teeth and their care. By the time the child is two and a half years old the temporary teeth should be fully developed. These are replaced by the permanent teeth, which usually begin to appear about the sixth year. Their condition will largely depend upon the care given to the first teeth; neglect of the temporary teeth is a frequent cause of decay in the permanent teeth.

After the teeth come they should be cleansed with a soft brush in the morning and after the evening meal. A good mouth wash consists of a two per cent boric acid solution or a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda and water (one-half teaspoonful to a glass of water).

Care of the toothbrush. After being used the toothbrush should be cleansed with soap and warm water, thoroughly rinsed, and completely dried. Each day it is well to place the brush in the sunshine.