three months, after which time
the big teeth or the four posterior molars appear, which completes the
first set of twenty teeth--the milk teeth. When baby is twenty months
old the milk teeth are often all in. The complete set should appear
not later than the thirtieth month.

During the life of the milk teeth the child should be taken to the
dentist at least once a year, better once in six months, for all
defective teeth must be properly and promptly cared for. Inexpensive
but sanitary fillings should be placed in all decayed teeth, for the
roots of the first teeth are very soft and infection readily spreads
to the jaws and the permanent teeth and serious trouble often begins
thus early.

If dentition is seriously delayed, investigation should be started
concerning the general condition of the child, for this delay often
accompanies ill health.

When the child is six years old, the mother should be watchful, for it
is at this time that the first permanent teeth appear just behind the
last molar of the milk teeth. They do not replace any of the teeth
present, and many times they come through and decay without receiving
any attention. It is seldom necessary to assist these milk teeth as
they come through the gum, and should the gums become highly colored
and swollen it is not wise to lance them, for if the teeth are not
ready to come through immediately, the gum only toughens the more and
makes the real cutting still more painful.

This is the time to cut down the baby's food as well as to look for
other digestive disturbances, for the number of stools may increase
and vomiting may occur, and by reducing the quantity and quality of
the food and encouraging abundant water drinking, much trouble may be
avoided. Under no circumstances urge the baby to eat when he refuses
his food, when the gums seem swollen and red during the teething time.
You will find that he will enjoy orange juice, pineapple juice, or
prune juice. All of these digestive symptoms are simply the result of
"feeling bad," and if heavy food of his regular feeding is greatly
diminished he will get along much better than if fed his regular
allowance of food.

APPEARANCE OF THE TEETH

The normal child has:

Six teeth at one year.
Twelve teeth at one and one-half years.
Sixteen teeth at two years.
Twenty teeth at two and one-half years.

When the child is six years old the first permanent tooth appears just
back of the last of the milk te