THE TEETH 



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point, and bi means two, and each of the bicuspids 

 has two noticeable points or projections. A glance at 

 the twelve largest teeth in the permanent set shows 

 how well they deserve the name of molars, which means 

 grinders or crushers. The last molar on each side of 

 both jaws is often called a "wisdom tooth/ 7 because it 



Form and names of permanent teeth. 1 , 2, incisors ; 3, canine ; 4, 5, bicuspids ; 

 6, 7, 8, molars. 



usually appears when one is from sixteen to twenty- 

 three years old, several years later than the others. 

 How fine it would be if our teeth always kept as 

 white and healthy as they are on making their first 

 appearance ! How much more pleasing they would 

 look, and what a vast amount of bother and discom- 

 fort might be saved ! Let us see what causes teeth 

 to decay and how we may help to prevent it. But 

 surely this is too difficult for any one but dentists 



