HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1920, Page 7

HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE TEETH. (Published under the authority of the Education Department.) Tt is the object of this article to correct some erroneous opinions prevalent amongst parents, concerning children's teeth. It is commonly assumed that the first set of teeth are of little importance, as they are replaced later by the second set, and also that it is necessary for them to decay in order to make room for the permanent set. On the contrary, the first set are relatively more important. Tliey are in use during a period of life when growth is active and the constitution is being built up, when healthy and adequate mastication in a clean mouth, are so essential. It is more important to have a complete sound set of teeth during this period than at any other in the life of the individual.

Nature's method is that each tooth of tiie first set gradually loses its roots, which are absorbed by the pressure of the permanent tooth coming up beneath it. The first tooth being left without a root, becomes loose and painlessly shells off the gum. When these teeth decay early their roots not being absorbed 'in this way extraction may be necessary. It is unnatural for the'first teeth to deeay. That they do so is in a large measure due to the errors of diet which have been set forth in previous articles ol' this series. When they do decay they should receive careful attention from a dentist.

A third error, anil, one of serious consequence, is that/ the four large grinder, or molar teeth, which come through at about six years of age are temporary teeth, and belong to the first set. They are in consequence frequently neglected, ond allowed to decay in the belief that thev will soon be replaced by others. The first set of teeth, ten in each jaw, have all come through by the age of 2 years; or a little later. These large grinders of which we speak, appear one at each side behind the first set in each jaw. They do not displace any of the teeth of the first set. They come through about the same time as the front teeth of the first set are coming out. Thoy take the brunt of the work of mastication, and act as buttresses or outposts in die development jaw while the teeth of the first set are being shed and replaced by their successors. The importance of taking every precaution to preserve these 6th year permanent grinders cannot be overestimated.