The Children's Teeth.

Early dental decay in children may be a sign of some constitutional disorder, such as rickets, or some other condition in which the absorption of calcium from the food is deficient; but often the seeds of dental caries are sown in early life by lack of attention to the teeth.

It is essential to cleanse the teeth thoroughly before the child goes to bed, as otherwise fragments of food which may be lodged between the teeth will undergo fermentation and undermine the dental enamel. Certain foodstuffs, particularly those containing starch or sugar, are especially prone to ferment. These should, therefore be avoided at the child's last meal, if this is given shortly before bedtime. — Dr. E. M. Anderson.