=Cleansing the teeth.= As soon as the first tooth appears, it should be cleansed each day with a small piece of gauze or cotton saturated in a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda and water. A teaspoonful of water after each feeding or after taking fruit juice will help to cleanse the mouth. =Drooling.= When the baby is about four months old the flow of saliva is increased. This is an indication that the salivary glands are developing, and not, as is commonly thought, a sign that the teeth are trying to push their way through the gums, although this may be the case. [Illustration: CHILD BRUSHING HIS TEETH] =Teething.= Babies nourished by healthy breast milk cut their teeth earlier than those who are bottle fed. When the teeth begin to come the gums are apt to be red and swollen. Special care should be taken at this time to keep the mouth clean. It is a mistake to dread the teething period and to feel that the baby is sure to be sick. Sickness at this time usually attributed to teething is more apt to be due to faulty feeding or to some other condition, and the family physician should be consulted at once. =Diet.= Good teeth in a baby depend largely on his diet. During the first few months of his life, in addition to milk he should be given fruit juice and meat juice (see Appendix B). As his teeth develop he should be given food that requires chewing; this is necessary to keep the teeth and muscles of the jaw strong and healthy. =Teeth and their care.= By the time the child is two and a half years old the temporary teeth should be fully developed. These are replaced by the permanent teeth, which usually begin to appear about the sixth year. Their condition will largely depend upon the care given to the first teeth; neglect of the temporary teeth is a frequent cause of decay in the permanent teeth. After the teeth come they should be cleansed with a soft brush in the morning and after the evening meal. A good mouth wash consists of a two per cent boric acid solution or a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda and water (one-half teaspoonful to a glass of water). =Care of the toothbrush.= After being used the toothbrush should be cleansed with soap and warm water, thoroughly rinsed, and completely dried. Each day it is well to place the brush in the sunshine. CHAPTER XI EMERGENCIES =Suggestions for demonstrations.= =1.= Describe the bath thermometer and illustrate its use with water at different temperatures. =2.= Demonstrate the preparation of an enema and show the correct position of the body when taking one. =3.= Show how to protect the baby from infection when the mother has a cold. Babies should be protected from excessive excitement. The brain grows as much during the first year as it does during the entire remainder of life. As the baby’s nervous system is easily upset, he should be kept free from disturbing influences.