|
The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called,
are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the
lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The
first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh
month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to
the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first
dentition may be estimated at a year and a half to two years. The
process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole
duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their
appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.
Their development is a natural process. It is too frequently, however,
rendered a 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 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. We 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 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
relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of
the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the
child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given
often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the
gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the
stomach being overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, at
this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or
drinks.
From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to
be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the
pain. For this purpose coral is usually employed, or a piece of orris-root,
or scraped liquorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and
better, for there is no danger of its being thrust into the eyes or
nose. Gentle friction of the gums, also, by the finger of the nurse, is
pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in
allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In
France, it is very
much the practice to dip the liquorice-root, and other substances, into
honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in
Germany, a small
bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant
to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething. The
constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients must do
injury to the stomach, and renders their employment very objectionable .
Note: While every care
is taken to provide medically accurate and up to date information in
this web site, it is to be noted that this advice is not intended to
replace the advice of your physician. Before undertaking the advice
contained in this web site, you should consult a medical professional.
Privacy Policy
|
