Si, OSd The teeth and their care. 3 1924 003 479 668 >ntario Department of Agriculture WOMEN'S INSTITUTE BRANCH BULLETIN 181 The Teeth and Their Care Prepared by the Educational Committee of the Ontario Dental Society Piinted by L. K. CAMERON, Printer to the King's Most Etcellent Majesty, ■- ' TORONTO, ONT., June, 1910. Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003479668 BULLETIN 181.] [JUNE, 1910. Ontario Department of Agriculture WOMEN'S INSTITUTE BRANCH. The Teeth and Their Care Dental Hygiene and its Relation to Health. FOREWORD. This pamphlet is written with the object of showing (i) the import- ance of the teeth, (2) the advantages to be gained by an intelligent knowledge of these organs, and (.V) how to care for them. Air, water and food are the three reqnisites to hnman life. Air and water almost in the states in which they come from nature can be used to nourish life. Food, on the other hand, must undergo many complex processes before it can become a part of the human body. It follows that the organs which are provided to change food from that condition in which nature supplies it, into the condition in which it can be used to nourish the body and sustain life, must be able to do their work properly, otherwise health is impossible. Therefore it is plainly seen that the condition of the teeth, standing at the very gateway of life and health, is a matter of vital importance. In tlie following pages this subject is treated briefly in a general way. Should demand arise, the Department may issue further bulletins dealing n.ore extensively with the various phases of the subject that are of par- ticular public interest. The general subject of "Prevention of Decay," for instance might well be dealt with in a separate bulletin. GOOD TEETH AND A SANITARY CONDITION OF THE MOUTH A NECESSITY TO HEALTH. Few people realize how bodily health depends upon a clean, healthy condition of the mouth and teeth. When the world learns that neglect of the mouth turns the crevices of the teeth into foul receptacles for decaying matter, containing many disease-producing germs such as those of tuberculosis, diphtheria and pneumonia, then there will be a great awakening to the vital importance of h3'giene of the mouth, and people will be properly trained to care for their teeth and to keep their mouths in a sanitary condition. The month presents ideal conditions for the development of germs of disease. Here they find food, heat and moisture, and little crevices where they may remain quietly lodged, a myriad army, bent on their errand of disease and death. The opportunity for which they wait is the inevitable lowering of vitality which in many cases results from an unsani- tary condition of the mouth. A healthy body possesses means by which to fight, conquer and destroy the germs of disease, which can only thrive on ground weakened to their attack. When germs are carried iiitci the stomach and intestines and find the vitality already lowered through faulty digestion, they thrive and carry on their work of destractuni. Tuberculosis, the Great White Plague, frequently ensues from the intro- duction of germs through the month as the direct result of uncleanliness. Proper sanitary care of the teeth aixl mouth will keep the oral cavity comparatively free from the germs of disease, and proper mastication will keep the vitality of the tissues such that the attack of the germs will be futile. In the mouth solid particles accumulate from the breath, saliva and food. These deposits become cemented to the teeth by a viscid mucus which exudes from the glands of the oral cavity. To mouth-breather? this condition of the mouth beconies a source of infection to their lung- by means of the air drawn into the lungs through the moutli. The oral cavity, then, when imjjroiierly cleansed, becomes infected witii bacterial formation, with particles of decomposing food, witli unhealthy saliva, with pus frominflamed gums, also from deca^'cd teeth, and odicr patho- logic conditions. In tliis is presented a true picture of the innumeral)le sources of infection inseparably connected with diseased teeth. Incred- ible as it may seem, these conditions obtain, not in one class of society alone, but describe the average mouth conditions of the race. DIv'^KASES OP THE TPRTPI. To some " disease " may seem too dignified a term to a]t|)ly to decav of the teeth. Smallijox and jmeumonia are widely recognized as diseases, but many peo])le regard decay of tlie teeth as a |nirely local dislurbance, distressing, but not alarming. It is liecause deca)- of tlie teeth seems on!\' to be an indirect cause of other diseases that so many regard it lightly. Decay is caused by an acid destroying the tooth substance. The acid is produced by a micro-organism which becomes attached to the tooth. Once the enamel or outer layer Is penetrated, the dentine or softer tissue underlying the enamel dissolves rapidly in the presence of the acid. The decay graduall}^ works its way towards the centre of the tooth, undermining the whole crown, and frequently leaving standing the appar- ently healthy enamel as a mere shell, while the destructive process is going on within. Thus it occurs that there often comes an unpleasant surprise when there is a sudden collapse of a tooth which was thought to be but slightly decayed. B — -A Molar tooth showing rhe progress of decay toward the pulp (nerve). A. Cavity of decay. B. Pulp. In the centre of the tooth is a very sensitive organ, the pulp (popu- larly called the r.erve), which normally is covered on all sides with tooth substance. When the tooth is penetrated by decay, heat, cold, or simple pressure (as in eating) irritates the insufficiently protected pulp and causes pain. Such a condition interferes with the function of the teeth for mastication. THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MASTICATION. The process by which food is changed into nourishing material, and rendered capable of being absorbed and built into the different tissues of the body, is called digestion. The first process necessary to digestion is mastication, which is per- formed chiefly by the teeth. Mastication consists in breaking up the food into small particles, and mixing it with saliva until it is a thick, creamy fluid, and in condition to be swallowed without etTort. It is necessar)'- for the food to enter the stomach in this condition, Otherwise the stomach cannot take up its work at the right stage and con- tinue the process of digestion in a proper manner, but rather is forced^ to pass the unwholesome mass into the intestines, where proper absorption is .impossible, and hence nourishment is not attained. Intestinal irrita- tion, and a process of slow starvation, frecjuentlv results, with a lowering of vitality and a consequent predisposition to disease. The food reaching the stomach in a more or less lumpy condition also acts as an irritant on the delicate lining membrane of that organ, causing dyspepsia or indigestion : if the irritation continues chronic catarrh of the stomach and dilatation of that organ may occur, leading to wasting chronic indigestion and invalidism. A very large number of such cases may be traced to deficient mastication due to diseased teeth. All food should be masticated until ground to the finest consistency, not alone for the purpose of reducmg it to fine particles, but to have it thoroughly incorporated with the salivary secretions. These secretions have a profound chemical action upon the food in its preparation for the stomach. The saliva enters the mouth through tiny canals leading from special glands. Of these openings some are found on the floor of the mouth under the tongue ; and two larger openings, one on each cheek opposite the first molar teeth. Hence it is important to use both sides of the mouth in chewing the food, not only to secure the maximum of mas- ticatory surface, but also to insure a perfect incorporation of the saliva with the food. The proper mastication of food is such an important factor in the maintenance of good health, that Horace Fletcher, a man who has demon- strated its value by practical methods, has been granted high scientific merit merely for directing the thought of the world toward the importance of the thorough mastication of food. Proper mastication will not only correct many diseased conditions of the general system, but will have a marked local effect on the teeth themselves, for exercise is just as necessary for growth and strength in the jaw and teeth as in any part of the body. Use develops strength — disuse results in an atrophy or wasting of the parts. To maintain a suffi- cient blood supply to the teeth they must be exercised regularly. There are two public monuments to decayed teeth in our land, built by our new-world civilization, " Prepared Foods " and the " Quick Tunch Counter." For the sake of your teeth, for the sake of humanit)', and for the sake of a longer length of life, avoid prepared foods, and chew your own food. It does not so much matter what you eat as how you eat it. Chew your food to a creamy consistency, and } our breath will be sweeter and your stomach lighter. Your appetite will not be an enemy of diges- tion. Do not expect the stomach to do the work of the teeth. 5 SOME FURTHER RESULTS OF DENTAL DECAY. The serious results of decayed teeth do not stop with the harboring of germs, nor with faulty mastication. The decay penetrates the tooth toward the nerve, and the resulting irritation causes the pulp to die, and with its death pain, for a time, ceases. The pulp soon decays, becomes putrescent and sets up an inflammation in the adjacent tissue, most frequently resulting in an abscess. The result is a swelling of the sur- rounding parts, throbbing pain, feverishness and loss of appetite- The tooth becomes very sensitive to pressure, the mere act of closing the teeth together causing intense pain. The abscess thus formed is commonly known as a " gumboil," but is more properly called an alveolar abscess. The pus makes, through the bone of the jaw, a small channel which usually opens into the mouth. Although the pain and swelling now subside, yet the pus continues con- stantly to drain into the mouth, and so affects the whole system. People with decayed teeth and diseased roots are thus frequently subjected to slovif poisoning, the health being undermined before the source of trouble is located. Many cases of pernicious anremia are found to originate in the con- stant draining of pus into the mouth from abscessed teeth. Other ail- ments resulting from the presence of these poisons are chronic tonsillitis and persistent inflammation of the membrane of the throat. THE LOOSENING OF TEETH. There are some people whose teeth decay very little who are often victims of a worse trouble. Their teeth become loose and drop out. One cause, among others, of this loosening is a deposit of tartar on the teeth which encroaehes on the gum tissue, acting as an irritant and caus- ing the gum to recede. The tooth becomes loose and sore to pressure. Showing tartar on the teeth, resulting in a recession of the gums and the ultimate loss of the tooth. Pus pockets frequently form under the free margin of the gum, and the consequent discharge of pus is not only offensive but dangerous. This condition is technically known as Pyorrhcea-Alvcolaris. Its progress is gradual and not accompanied by pain, and consequently its presence is not usually recognized until it has progressed to an advanced stage. This disease is amenable to treatment, and the tartar should be thoroughly removed at regular intervals. WHEN A TOOTH IS LOST. Teeth may be lost through deca_\-, or loosening, but from either cause the loss of one or two teeth seriously impairs the power of mastication, and the more extensive this loss the greater should be the time spent in chewing the food. "When, for instance, a lower tooth is lost, the service of the upper opposite tooth is lost as well, for want of an antagonizing surface. But this is not all, as there is a constant inclination of the teeth on either side of the resulting space to tip toward one another, and the result is, that instead of the whole broad surface of the teeth being used in mastication only the corners of the teeth are used. Showing results of loss of tooth: A. Remaining teeth on either side ■of space tipping over. B. The elongation of the tooth in the opposite arch, and its ulti- mate loss. The permanent teeth in normal occlusion, showing a perfect masticating apparatus. Thus the loss of a single tooth greatly impairs the amount of grinding surface for crushing food, and it follows that more time and care is necessary to reduce the food to a proper consistency for digestion. THE TEETH OF THE CHILD. The conditions that have just been described are applicable to the case of the child. As a rule a child's mouth is a hotbed for disease germs. Fully ninety per cent, of school children have been found to have decayed teeth. Such statistics should impress upon thinking people the great need for derital inspection of school children. The average child begins to clean its teeth about the time its vanity is awakened, usually after all the permanent teeth have erupted, at twelve or thirteen ^•ears of age. It is not a wonder the teeth decay. It is a marvel they ever escape. The best results in properly caring for the teeth are olatained by teaching the child at an early age how to keep the mouth in a clean condition. It is commonly considered that the temporary teeth of a child are not worth caring for, or filling, if decayed, because a set of new ones will soon take their place. 8 This attitude towards the temporary teeth is very universal, and also verv inconsistent witli the best interests of the child. A diagram showing ttie method of eruption ot the permanent set ot teeth and the way they replace the temporary ones. Note particularly that the tooth 6 (behind the black line) is the most important tooth in the mouth. Notice also lit erupts independently at 6 years ot age and does not replace a temporary one. The Tempokaky Teeth: A. Central \ lucis B. Lateral / C. Cuspid. D. 1st Molar. B. 2nd Molar. PEEjrANENT Teeth: / Incisors. Central Lateral Cuspid. 1st Bicuspid. 2nd Bicuspid, Ist. Permanent Molar. Snd Permanent Molar. There are twenty temporary teeth and thirty-two permanent. Thus a normal adult has twelve more teeth than a child. These come in back of the temporary teeth, three on each side bclovv-, and three on eacli side above, and are known as the molars of the permanent set, which erupt at the ages of six, twelve and twenty respectively. The first permanent molar (and let it be urged to remember that it appears when the child is only six years old) is the most im])ortant of the permanent sot. and yet, because it does not displace a temporar_\' tooth, i)arents seldom recog- nize it, and it is allowed to decay. The fact that it erupts painlesslv behind the last temporary tooth makes its chance of observation all the less. The neglect of this tooth is a serious mistake. It may be located bv counting from the median line, and will be found to be the sixth tooth. This first permanent tooth frequently decays about the time of its erup- 9 tion because of defects in the enamel, and so it is badl}- decayed before its presence is realized. The temporary teeth should be given the same strict attention the permanent ones demand. The child should be sup- plied with a child's size tooth brush that it may early learn to keep the teeth clean. With proper dental attention there is no reason why the temporary teeth should not be preserved for their natural length of time. The order and time of eruption of the teeth is as follows : TEMPORARY TEETH. PERMANENT TEETH. Central Incisors from 6 to 8 months. First Molars 5i to 61 years. Lateral " " 7 " 9 " Central Incisors from 6 "8 First Molars ... " 14 " 16 " Lateral Incisors .... 7 "9 Cuspids " 17 ■' 18 " First Bicuspids 9 "10 Second Molars . " 18 " 24 " Second Bicuspids ...10 " 11 Cuspids 11 "12 Second Molars 12 " 14 " Third Molars 17 "2.3 (wisdom teeth) These periods may vary slightly. As a rule, the upper teeth erupt a little later than the corresponding lower ones. IRREGULARITY OF THE TEETH. The appearance of many people is marred, amounting in some cases to positive deformity, as a result of the teeth being out of place, or the jaw distorted by irregularity. One of the most frequent causes of irregu- larity of the teeth is the premature loss or extraction of a temporary tooth, thus allowing the remaining teeth to close up the space that ought to have been retained for the permanent one. The correct time for the removal of a temporary tooth is precisely the period of eruption of the permanent one which is to replace it. When the temporary teeth are properly retained, not only are places reserved for the permanent ones, but the development of the jaw is not interfered with, as the permanent teeth, being larger than the temporary ones, are then compelled to literally force their way into the arch, and it is this lateral pressure that causes a proper development of the dental arch, and without which the jaw is usually undersized for the teeth, with consequent irregularity. The teeth, unlike other organs of the body, are fully developed as to size at the time of their eruption. The pressure exerted by these large permanent teeth is nature's method of forcing the jaws to that state of development which is necessary to accommodate without irregularity the teeth of the adult. Another frequent cause of irregularity is the loss of the " sixth year " or first permanent molar. Th;s tooth is the most important tooth in the arch, being frequently referred to as the " King Tooth." It locks the other teeth in position, and its absence or loss results in an irregularity which is difficult to overcome. lO Profile of child before treatment. Teeth of rhild before treatment. Deformity frequent]}" results frririi the pernicious haljit of brcatliing through the mouth, owing to some C)bstruction in the nasal passages. J\Inutlt-l;>reathing causes the ujiper anterior teeth to protrude and the lower ones to recede, giving a weak and undeveloped appearance to the Profile of same child as above after Teeth of same child as above after treatment. nient reat- II BAD DENTAL HABITS. The avoidance of bad habits is of as much importance as the forma- tion of good ones. Bad dental habits formed in youth yield evil results which may persist throughout life. Biting Thread. — The habit of biting hard substances, and grinding the teeth together as in biting thread, is very injurious. Mouth Breathing. — Breathe through the nose. Nature never intended people to go about with their mouths open. An open mouth exposes the teeth to cold and the throat to disease. Do not take ex- tremely hot or extremely cold substances into the mouth, as sudden changes of temperature are injurious to the teeth. Gum Chewing. — Gum chewing is another bad habit which can bring on a chain of very serious results. It injures the expression of the face and distracts the mind. Teachers know well that gum-chewing children are the poorest students. The Candy Habit. — There is no doubt that sugar is a valuable food, but its excessive use produces a surplus of acidity which is injurious to both the teeth and the stomach. The evil of candy eating is increased wh.en the particles of sweet matter are allowed to remain in the crevices and between the teeth, especially during the Might. It is not necessary to be continually chewing and eating to maintain the strength of tl e body. GOOD DENTAL HABITS. The importance of proper care of the teeth becomes manifest when it is remembered that tooth tissue does not repair itself. The old adage that " Prevention is better than cure " is particularly applicable to Dental Caries. Use the Teeth. — One of the very best wa3-s of taking care of the teeth is by using them. In the present day and generation this is probably one of the most difficult things to do. It is the old question of soft and prepared foods. Hard substances that recpiire mastication j:.reserve the teeth best, because the hard substances act as abrasives which clean the teeth and massage the gums. Cleanse the Teeth. — ^^Clcan the teeth properly twice a day, that is to say, before breakfast in the morning and before retiring at night. In most cases it is a distinct advantage to cleanse them as well after each meal. It is during the night (a period of quiescence) that the begin- nings of decay occur if the mouth he not properly cleansed. Selection oE a Tooth Brush. — Select a small tooth brush, so that as much space as possible may be left between the clieek and teeth for the movement of the brush. The brush should reach the last tooth. It 12 should have short bristles with serrated tufts arranged in rows. The handle should have rounded corners. It is not necessary to use a denti- frice more than once a day ; use plenty of water and rely upon the mechan- ical cleansing of the brush as well as upon the dentifrice. Avoid soaps, acids, and harsh, gritty substances. Use a tooth paste, or preferably a powder, that is a standard preparation, and remember that^ your object is not alone to clean your teeth, but to clean them without injury either to themselves or the gum tissue. There is a common-sense method of using a tooth brush which will give the best results. When a good housewife sweeps the floor, she does not sweep across the cracks, but with them ; so in brushing the teeth, do not brush across the crevices, but with them. This permits the bristles to pass between the teeth and cleanse the spaces. The best method is to place the bristles on the gum and with a rolling motion brush towards the crowns of the teeth. This is done on the surfaces of the teeth exposed to the cheek as well as those exposed to the tongue. A faithful practice of one week will tlemonstrate the utilit_\- of this method. Care; of tiiij Gums. — The health of the tooth is -vitally dependent upon the health of the gum tissue. Therefore do not injure the gums by crowding large toothpicks between the teeth, or b\- using coarse tooth powder. If a toothpick must be used, a small quill is best. Do not use a mouth wash as a substitute for brushing the teeth. Periodical Ex.\mination of the Tf.i-.th. — A periodical examina- tion of the teeth is indispensable. It will lead to the discovery of decay in its initjal stages. By far 'the greater factor in the light for good teeth is the daily faithful care on the part of the indiviilual. PrFservation of the Teeth. — The prcservalinn of the teeth de- pends more upon tooth environment than upon any inherent quality in the tooth itself; therefore abstain from dissipation, that the saliva may be kept in a healthy, normal condition. The teeth are among our most ])recious natural possessions and can only be sa\ed b\- persistent care and attention in the maintenance of a sanitary condition in the oral cavity. It is a truth, that the beauty, vigour and health of the human body and mind are greatly dependent on the possession of a soiiiul, useful masticating apparatus. LIST OF BULLETINS Published by the Ontario Dkpaktmekt of Agrioultcke, Toronto. Serial No. Date. 148 Mar. 1906 149 150 July Aug. 1906 1906 151 152 153 Oct. Dec. Feb. 1906 1906 1907 154 Feb. 1907 155 Feb. 1907 156 157 Mar. Mar. 1907 1907 158 June 1907 159 July 1907 160 161 1G2 July Oct. Dec. 1907 1907 1907 163 Mar. 1908 164 Mar. 1908 165 166 Mar. June 1908 1908 167 Oct. 1908 168 Oct. 1908 169 Feb. 1909 170 Mar. 1909 171 April 1909 172 173 174 175 176 May Oct. Dec. Dec. Dec. 1909 1909 1909 1909 1909 177 Dec. 1909 178 Dec. 1909 179 Feb. 1910 180 April 1910 181 June 1910 Title. Author Experiments with Nodule-forming Bac-f F. C. Harpison teria \ B. Barlow. The S'wine Industry in Ontario The Common Fungus and Insect Pests of f Wm. Lochheai Growing Vegetable Crops \ T. D. Jarvls. Farm Poultry (Revised Nov., 1907) W. R. Urahan Gardening for Schools S. B. McCreadi Fertilizers and tileir Use R. Harcourt. »• J ^ T^ ■ ., r R- Harcourt. Insecticides and Fungicides -! jj ^ FulmerJ Farm Forestry (Second Edition, Dec. 1907) E. J. Zavitz. Tillage and Rotation W. H. Day. ; Remedies for the San Jose Scale, San Jose Scale Act Insects and Fungus Diseases Affecting < C. J. S. Bethti^ iFruit Trees, Revised Dec, 1907 \ T. D. JarvlS. ,..,, . ,, , . r H. H. Dean. Milking Machines | g_ j,_ Eflwar The Production, Care, and Uses of Milk The Sheep Industry in Ontario Breakfast Foods: Their Ohemiical Com-/ R. Harcourt. position. Digestibility and Cost \ H. L. Fulmer.l Incubation of Chickens O. A. C. Staff. J 'I^egume Bacteria { I/b,?*-''' Alfalfa or Lucerne C. A. Zavitz. Bee-keeping in Ontario Mitchell-Walker Moisture Test | ^^ Wa?ke The Perennial ^ow Thistle and some other Weed Pests J. E. Howitt. Legume Bacteria: Further Studies of ( g p EdwardiS Nitrogen Accumulation in ,the Legu- < W n' _j__, minosae ( J^ariow. Mitchell-Walker Test Battle | ^ ^- ^^^^1 Insects Affecting Vegetables C. J. S. Beth* Fungus Diseases Affecting Vegetables../ j' ^'howIU Dairy School Bulletin (No. 143 Revised) Dairy School,); Birds of Ontario C. W. Nash. Farm Underdrainage: Does it Pay? ... W. H. Day. Farm Drainage Operations W. H. Day. Bacterial Blight of Apple, Pear and Quince Trees D. H. Jones. lUme-Sulphur Wash { ^- cae^ar™*'"* Character and Treatment of Swamp orr W. P. Gamble Muck Soils \ A. E. Slater. Fruits Recommended for Ontario Plant- ers • Fruit Ex. Sta^ Flour and Breadmaklng | ^- ^^p °'^i''" The Teeth and Their Care Ont. Dental Si