Baby Talk
Lancing, also known as scarification, was a common practice in 18th century Europe to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with teething in babies. It involved using a sharp tool, such as a lancet, to make small cuts or incisions in the gums where the teeth were expected to emerge.
The belief was that this would allow the teeth to come through the gums more easily and relieve the pressure and pain associated with teething. The procedure was usually done by a physician or midwife and was often performed without anesthesia or pain relief, making it a very painful and traumatic experience for the baby.