painful and difficult one, by errors in the
management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the
coming of the teeth, and during the process itself.

Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the
most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of
mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been
stated; for it is rated as high as one sixth of all the children who
undergo it. Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a
period of great danger to the infant. It therefore becomes a very
important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the
dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished,
or, if possible, altogether prevented. A few hints upon this subject,
then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the
infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty;--and,
secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with
difficulty.

MANAGEMENT OF THE INFANT WHEN TEETHING IS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY.

In the child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that
is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms
attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of
the infant most simple and easy.

SYMPTOMS.--The symptoms of natural dentition (which this may be fairly
called) are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the
gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently
thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its
thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though,
from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. It
is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional
starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even
looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms often
precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that
what is called "breeding the teeth" is going on. In such cases, the
symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth
approaches the surface of the gum.

TREATMENT.--The management of the infant in this case is very simple,
and seldom calls for the interference of the medical attendant. The
child ought to be much in the open air, and well exercised: the bowels
should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently
re