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35
very shortly before weaning to the time when growth
permits the maintenance of a larger and more powerful
grinding machine, which should last for the remainder of
life. The eruption in systematic order of the temporary
teeth is a vital function during early childhood and ensures
the full develpment of the jaws and adjacent
structures.
Interference with this natural sequence of events by
disease causes a trend of circumstances, the full consequences
of which have not yet been fully assessed. That
they have a profound psychological as well as physical
effect is, however, certain, the association of teeth with
early feelings of aggression being of evident importance.
Parents who minimise the importance of temporary teeth
and condone their neglect may derive some comfort from
the fact that modern dental knowledge can do much to
remedy any physical damage that may ensue.
The following amplification of Table IV, pages 44-45
indicates the wide scope of the scheme:—