TEMPORARY TEETH 



37 



Two lower lateral incisors.* at 12 to 15 months. 



Four first molars, i right, i left in each jaw.... at 12 to 15 months. 



Four canines, i right, i left in each jaw at 16 to 22 months. 



Four second molars, i right, i left in each jaw., at 24 to 30 months. 



Twenty teeth in the temporary set at two and one-half years of age. 



Thus, at one year of age the average child will have six teeth; 

 at two years, sixteen; and the full number before it is three years 

 old. Many exceptions occur, for example: the dentition of arti- 

 ficially fed children may be delayed; and it is oftenest late in 

 children affected by rachitis or " rickets." 



The upper canines are known in the nursery as "eye-teeth"; the lower 

 canines as "stomach teeth." 



Clinical points.- "Teething" or " cutting" of the temporary 

 set occurs while the digestive tract is still in process of develop- 

 ment and very easily disturbed; therefore special care should be 



Incisors 



Canine 



Premolar 



Molars 



Wisdom tooth 



Upper 

 or max- 

 illary 

 teeth 



P V 



FIG. 30. THE TEETH OF AN ADULT. (Morris 1 Anatomy.} 



given to the child's diet both as to quality and quantity. Like- 

 wise, the always delicate nervous system is at this time most easily 

 irritated and excitement and fatigue should be avoided. These 

 two points are equally important. 



Meanwhile the permanent teeth are forming (Fig. 30). They 

 gradually push toward the surface, cutting off the blood supply to 

 the temporary teeth which become loose and fall out. 



