HEALTH SCIENCES STANDARD HX64069362 RK61 H992 The teeth and their >V^£ iulll Hi?* Columbia Stotoetsttp mU)eCftpof3SfttJgork COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS LIBRARY j^+vOc&Oo Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Columbia University Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/teeththeircareOOhyat THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE The Teeth and Their Care BY THADDEUS P. HYATT, D.D.S MEMBER SECOND DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. C°f3 Brooklyn-New York King Press 1906 ~RKU Entered at Stationer's Hall, London, 1906 and Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1906 by Thaddecs P. Hyatt, D.D.S. of New York, X. Y.. U.S.A. In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. For sale by The Dental Publishing Co. 44 Court St. Brooklyn, N. Y. U. S. A. TO MY WIFE BY WHOSE SUGGESTION THIS WORK WAS STARTED^XD WITH WHOSE CONSTANT AID AND ENCOURAGEMENT IT WAS COMPLETED THIS LITTLE BOOKLET IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED PREFACE IMPERFECT teeth do not permit of perfect mastication; imperfect mastication leads to mal-nutrition, and mal-nutrition is one of the great- est factors in all diseases. It is my purpose in publishing" this little booklet to bring to the attention of an intelligent public a few facts about the teeth, their connection\vith various diseases and their intimate relation with the whole body struc- ture — facts of vital importance to all who would have sound teeth and, therefore, sound bodies. CONTENTS PAGE Chapter I.— Structure of the Teeth 9 Physical Structure 9 Chemical Structure 12 Effect of Acids on the Teeth 13 How Acids Enter the Mouth 13 Chapter II.— Care of the Teeth 14 Greater Care Before Retiring 15 Massaging the Gums 16 Tooth B^rush 17 Tooth Picks and Floss Silk 18 Tooth Powders, Pastes and Mouth Washes 19 Tartar 20 Care of the Teeth During Sickness 20 Extremes of Heat and Cold Harmful 21 Chapter III.— Children's Teeth 23 Eruption of the Temporary Teeth 23 Never Apply Force to Children 24 Sixth Year Molars 25 Eruption of the Permanent Teeth 26 Irregularity of the Teeth 27 Decayed Teeth Source of Much Sickness 2S Food and Exercise 29 Thumb Sucking 31 Mouth Open During Sleep 32 PAGE Chapter IV.— Relation of the Teeth to the Rest of the Body 33 Blindness 33 Insanity 34 Gastric Troubles 34 Health Dependent Upon Conditions of the Mouth 35 Examination of the Teeth of Children in Public Schools 35 Army Dentist 37 Chapter V.— General Remarks 38 Prenatal Influence 38 Unnecessary Pain 39 Swollen Face 40 Chapter VI— Conclusion 42 Floss Silk 42 Dark Lines or Spots 42 Brush 42 Visiting the Dentist Regularly 43 THE TEETH AfiD THEIR CARE THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE Cljaptcr (But STRUCTURE OF THE TEETH AS the human teeth are constant- ly exposed to those elements which are most detrimental to their integrity, they require more attention than is needed by any other portion of the bod}'. That the}' do not re- ceive this care is a self-evident fact. To enable one to gain a better ap- preciation of the teeth, and thus make a more intelligent use of the methods advocated for their preservation, a short description of their physical and chemical structure will be given. Physical Structure. —The teeth are small, bony, compact organs, each being- differently shaped so as to best tit it to fulfill the requirements of its 9 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE position in the jaw. We thus find that the four front teeth or incisors are chisel-shaped, that they may serve the purpose of biting or cutting ; this shape also, enables better enunciation. The next in the arch going towards the back of the mouth on either side are the cuspid teeth, which, owing to their position and closer proximity to the motor power, are used for heavier biting or cutting purposes. Their shape makes of them the proper link between the small half molars, or bicuspids, on the one side, and the in- cisors on the other. Following the cuspid are the two bicuspid teeth, which are used to break the food into small pieces, preparatory to being ground by the molars. The three molars are broad-faced teeth, with corrugated surfaces, which make them valuable for grinding and pulverizing the food. The upper and lower sets of teeth being the same as regards location and 10 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE number, give us thirty-two in all, classified as follows : Four central incisor teeth, Four lateral incisor teeth. Four cuspid teeth, Eight bicuspid teeth, Twelve molars. A tooth is divided into two parts, viz : — the Root, or that part which is imbedded in the gum ; and the Crown, or that part which is visible and is outside the gum. A cross-section will show the tooth to be composed of : i. The enamel, which is the densest and hardest substance in the human body and covers all that ex- posed portion of the tooth called the crown. It also extends below the free margin of the gum. 2. The cementum which covers the root or roots. 3. The dentine, which composes the larger portion of the tooth and con- tains the pulp chamber. The dentine, 2 11 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE though hard, contains from six to nine times more organic tissue than the enamel, and, when exposed, offers less resistance to the influence of decay. 4. The pulp, which is within the pulp chamber, and which is commonly, though incorrectly, called the nerve. The pulp performs its most important duties during the early life of the tooth, as it produces the dentine prior to the eruption, and afterwards in- creases its density. Chemical Structure.— The chemical structure of the tooth is made up of calcium phosphate, calcium carbon- ate, and magnesium phosphate. In the enamel there is a little over ninety-six per cent of inorganic mat- ter, and in the dentine about seventy- two per cent. As the percentage of lime salts or inorganic matter is so great, those elements which are an- tagonistic to it must prove to be most detrimental to the teeth. 12 /* ~~~—~ — . *\ IS* * y ^X~^^\ rS -^-""~ 4 x--^rW&-' v — 3 ^-^-^^ fBr-^ €~~ 1 CROSS SECTION OF A TOOTH. f.-ENAMEL; C MENTUM; /). — DENTINE; N. — SERVES: A r ARTERIES; /'.-VEIN; PT.-VVI.V TISSUE THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE Effects of Acids on the Teeth.— Acids decompose the carbonates or lime salts, and when present in the mouth are a source of constant dan- ger to the teeth, as they attack the lime structure, which in time breaks down, and thus we have decayed teeth. How Acids Enter the Mouth.— Acids enter the mouth in many different ways, viz. : By decomposition and fermentation of foods present in the mouth ; By acid drinks, medicine and acid fruits ; By acidity of the stomach, and By the unnatural acidity of the saliva. The preventative for the first is, necessarily, to have absolute cleanli- ness ; for the second, to at once rinse the mouth with some antacid. Acidity of the stomach and saliva must re- ceive the attention of the physician and dentist. 13 Chapter CARE OF THE TEETH. UPON rising- in the morning", scrape the tongue clean with a small whale-bone, and thoroughly rinse the mouth with tepid water into which has been poured a few drops of some alkaline antiseptic mouth wash. After meals carefully see-saw floss silk between the teeth, removing all particles of food. Gentleness and avoidance of hurry will prevent the silk from cutting the gums and mak- ing them bleed. The brush, with tooth powder,* should be used., and a circular motion be given to the brush which will cause the bristles to follow the curvatures of the gums and the interspaces be- tween the teeth. It is more difficult to thoroughly cleanse the inside surfaces of the teeth, especially the lower ones, 14 *Or tooth paste. THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE and the corrugated crowns of the mol- ars, therefore greater care and more time should be given to these parts. Follow this by rinsing the mouth with some alkaline mouth wash, such as Phillip's Milk of Magnesia, which will keep the mouth in an antacid condition for several hours afterwards. The Milk of Magnesia, or other al- kaline mouth wash, should be kept in the mouth for at least one minute, and efforts made to force it between the teeth by the aid of the tongue, as though in the act of spitting. Nat- urally, the lips and teeth are kept closed while this is being done. Greater Care before Retiring.— Before retiring greater care must be given to the use of floss silk and tooth brush (it is not necessary to use powder oftener than once a day), and the alkaline mouth wash should be re- tained for at least three minutes in the mouth. During sleep, while the body 15 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE is in a state of rest, any acidity of the saliva has better opportunity to injure the teeth ; hence the importance of thoroughly cleansing them and having the mouth in an antacid condition be- fore retiring. Massaging" the Gums, etc.— Mas- saging the gums with the fingers dipped in cold water aids the circula- tion of the blood and proves very bene- ficial. This should be done once a day, preferably before breakfast. At least four or six times a year the teeth should be cleansed and polished by the dentist, and the gums treated. This operation, which is thought lightly of by most people, is in reality one requiring the greatest care and skill on the part of the dentist, and is entitled to all the respect and con- sideration bestowed on other work which seems to give larger returns. "The placing of the teeth and ad- jacent parts in a perfectly clean and 16 ' THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE healthy condition requires more real skill and practical knowledge than the placing of a filling. This statement may be regarded as an exaggeration, but it- is certain that a careful con- sideration of all that this operation re- quires will convince the thoughtful mind that this is not an over statement. * * * To clean the teeth and place the adjacent structures in a normal, healthy condition means not only an expert ability in the use of instru- ments., but a quite thorough knowl- edge of special pathology and thera- peutics, and this can be only acquired by long months and may be years of training." — Editorial in International Dental Journal. Tooth Brush.— Care should be taken in the selection of a brush. A small one which permits freedom of motion is better than a large one which simply fills the mouth and prevents sufficient action to properly cleanse the teeth. 17 __ THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE Many persons are in the habit of se- lecting soft brushes, claiming that the stiffer ones make their gums bleed. In the majority of cases it will be found that the cause of the bleeding- is the presence of tartar under the gums, which is unsuspected by the pa- tient. If the gums are in good condi- tion, and a fairly stiff brush is allowed to soak for a few minutes in water, it will be found that not only the teeth can be better cleansed, but the gums also can be thoroughly brushed with- out causing them to bleed or give any discomfort. The bristles of the brush should not be close together, . and it is better to have them of uneven length. After the brush has been used it should be washed and a few taps given on the handle close to the bristles on the side of the basin ; this will remove particles of food that have become entangled among the bristles. 18 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE Tooth Picks and Floss Silk.— Metal tooth picks are not beneficial to the teeth, while the wooden ones often cause splinters to penetrate between the root and the gum, which in many cases result in the loss of the tooth, with great pain and suffering. A quill tooth pick is preferable to any other form of pick, but the best method of removing food from between the teeth is the use of floss silk. Persons be- come so skilled in the use of floss silk 4 that they can run it between all the teeth in a few minutes. When it some times happens that a particle of food fails to become dis- lodged, if a small double knot be tied, and the silk slipped in between the teeth at a point about an inch from the knot, it will be found upon gently pulling the silk sidewise that the bit of food will come with the knot. Tooth Powders, Pastes, and Mouth Washes.— Consult your dentist about 19 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE brushes, powders, pastes and mouth- washes, as different conditions require different treatment. Tartar.— Tartar is a calcareous or chalky substance deposited upon the teeth, and is an absolute preventative to perfect cleanliness. Its speedy re- moval is a duty not to be neglected or postponed. The gradual increase of masses of tartar causes the gums to recede, be- come inflamed, diseased, and finally the teeth loosen and fall out. The odor from a mouth with much tartar is most objectionable. The tartar should at once be removed by the dent- ist, and the brush used thoroughly night and morning, which will to a great extent prevent any new forma- tion. Care of Teeth During Sickness.— During sickness, if the patient is un- able to cleanse his teeth, the nurse 20 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE should be requested to do it for him. When a patient is unable to rise, it has been suggested that the ordinary feeding cup for invalids should be used. "The patient takes the solution into his mouth through the long spout., and having rinsed thoroughly, closes the lips about the spout and forces the liquid back into the cup, all done with- out raising the head from the pillow." If the patient is unable to do this, •'then the nurse should carefully wipe out the mouth with a small piece of soft cloth, wet with some alkaline an- tiseptic solution. Extremes of Heat and Cold Harmful. — As the density of the enamel and dentine differ, the contact of very hot drinks or food produces an unequal expansion, which causes the enamel to crack. No unfairer usage could be in- flicted upon the teeth than the habit of eating ice cream and drinking hot 21 the teeth and theik care coffee. The presence of any metal fill- ing in the teeth adds to the dangers because of the difference in contract- tion and expansion between the metal and tooth substance. 22 Chapter t\)itt THE teeth of our little ones are too often neglected, and the amount of suffering endured is en- tirely unnecessary. Eruption of the Temporary Teeth. — When the gums show the slightest 4 signs of being swollen or inflamed, do not delay, but at once request your dentist to lance them ; also ask for directions as to what is best to be done. Borax and honey are very good to rub the inflamed gums (one part borax and three parts honey). When the little teeth come through, watch them, and if they keep perfectly clean leave them alone. If, however, it is noticed that they become coated, then a small, soft brush should be used with tepid water and bicarbonate of soda (one- 23 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE half teaspoonfnl of soda to a glass of water.) If this does not cleanse them, it is best to consult your dentist and ascertain the cause and remedy. There are twenty temporary teeth, ten upper and ten lower, which make their appearance in the following order : Four central incisors 6th to 8th month " lateral " 7th " 9th " " 1st molars " 14th " 16th " " cuspids " 16th " 18th " " 2d molars " 20th ''24th " It is time enough, as a rule, to wait until the child can walk and use its hands in feeding before encouraging it to use the brush. Let the little ones watch you cleanse your teeth, explain why you do it, and promise them a tooth brush for their teeth, and in the vast majority of cases they will be only too eager to begin its use at once. Never Apply Force to Children.— Force should never be used with children in connection with their teeth, 24 S E T O F TEMPORARY TEETH. C I, C E N TRAL INCISOR ; /. /. LATERAL INCISOR: C, CUSPID; 1st M. FIRST MOLAR; 2d .1/, SECOND MOLAR; A, ABOUT THE SIXTH YEAR THE FIRST MOLAR OF THE SECOND SET WILL APPEAR HERE THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE and the sooner they learn to go to the dentist the better : for it will, as a rule, save them from the horror and dread that comes to older children who have overheard terrible stories about the chair, engine, forceps, etc. A wise plan is to take the children to have their teeth cleansed with the engine ; this will accustom them to the chair and dental outfit. Sixth Year Molars.— Many parents •* make the mistake of believing that the large molars which make their appearance about the sixth year be- long to the first set, and thus allow them to become so badly decayed as to make it almost if not quite im- possible to save them. But even if they should belong to the first or temporary set, it is not only unwise, but almost criminal to allow them to decay. The little temporary teeth should receive most careful attention, as there is no work that requires more 25 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE skill and care at the dentist's hands than the filling of than. Every child should have his teeth examined at least once in six months, and in many cases oftener. Eruption of the Permanent Teeth. — The second or permanent teeth make their appearance in the follow- ing order, and should be carefully looked for by the parents. 1st molars 6th year Central incisor.. 6th to 7th " Lateral " 7th " 8th " 1st bicuspids 10th " 2d " 11th " Cuspids 11th " 2d molars 12th " 3d " ISth " 30th " The permanent molars are often named according to the year in which they usually erupt. 1st molars... being called... 6th rear molars 2d " ... " " ...12th ' " 3d " ... " " ...18th " 3d ... "also" ...Wisdom-teeth 26 PERMANENT TEETH. C I.~ "CENTRAL INCISOR; LI. — LATERAL INCISOR: C.— CUSPID: 1st B. —FIRST BICUSPID: 2d B. — SECOXD BICUSPID: 1st M— FIRST molar; 2d M — SEC- OND molar; 3d M. — THIRD MOLAR THE TEETH AND THEIR CAKE The lower teeth of both the tempo- rary and permanent set usually make their appearance first. With the ex- ception of the molars, all the perma- nent teeth refill spaces previously filled by temporary teeth. It is therefore most important that the first teeth be retained as long as necessary, for if the)' are neglected and become de- cayed, and are compelled to be ex- tracted before their time, the bony structure of the jaws fails to expand properly, with the result that the sec- ond set is crowded into an unnatur- ally small space. This irregularity prevents the teeth from being kept properly clean, with all the accom- panving decay and pain which logic- ally follows such conditions. Irregularity of the Teeth.— Irregu- larity of the teeth can be corrected, and though needing much time, labor and expense, should be attended to as soon as possible. Patients should real- 21 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE ize the great importance of co-operat- ing with the dentist in carrying out his instruction, and in promptly keeping all appointments. Irregular teeth not only prevent proper mastication of food, but are also extremely difficult to keep clean. A clean mouth greatly reduces the chances of taking diseases. Decayed Teeth Source of Much Sickness.— The presence of decayed teeth in a child's mouth not only di- rectly impairs the digestion, but also poisons the food which should give nourishment to the little growing bodies. The breaking down of these teeth through decay also diminishes the child's masticating ability and leads him into the habit of bolting his food, which is very injurious. Should these little teeth become badly decayed, abscesses, or what are called gum boils, form. The gums become much in- flamed, and the building process of the 28 Courtesy of Haskell Post- Graduate School. THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT TEETH IN A CHILD OF ABOUT SIX YEARS OF AGE. NOTE THE PRESENCE OF THE FULLY CALCIFIED CROWNS OF THE SECOND SET BACK OF THE ROOTS OF THE TEMPORARY TEETH THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE second teeth is interfered with, so that their power to resist decay is much impaired ; and in some cases the sec- ond teeth are so weakened that they decay almost as soon as they make their appearance. Therefor, take the greatest care of the temporary baby teeth, as nature has provided them so that more time may be had to properly build the second set, which set is in- tended to last as long as the person lives. Food and Exercises.— Just as the health of the body depends upon a strong and sound set of teeth, so the strength and beauty of the teeth de- pend upon the food given babies and children. Discretion must be exercised in making any radical change in an in- fant's diet, or that of children, and it is best and wisest to consult your phy- sician. Plain and simple food should 29 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE be used, and those which contain the elements which go to build the teeth and bones are always needed. These are the cereals. Whole wheat flour, such as is prepared by the Franklin Mills, should be used in the place of white flour, as the latter is white only because the phosphates and mineral salts have been removed. It is from phosphates and mineral salts that the nerves and bones receive their nour- ishment. It is particularly valuable to have the temporary teeth well exercised, which causes good circulation of blood and a plentiful supply of material for tooth building, also expanding the jaws so that room is provided for the larger teeth. Hard crusts, stale whole-wheat bread, shredded wheat biscuits, or any wholesome hard biscuits will help to develop the teeth, strengthen the gums and prove a valuable preventative of decay. 30 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE Chewing gum is beneficial if done under the parent's direction. It should only be used directly after a meal and not continued for a longer time than from fifteen to twenty minutes. It will greatly help the removal of food from the crevices of the back teeth and the flow of saliva will wash out the food from between the teeth. Children should be kept out in the open and permitted to play in the earth and grass, and sleep in well- ventilated rooms. Windows should never be closed in the children's sleep- ing rooms. Thumb Sucking-.— The habit of thumb sucking tends to force out the upper front teeth and push back the lower front teeth. This, if allowed to continue for any length of time will cause a facial disfigurement which is hard to remedy. 31 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE Mouth Open Duping Sleep.— Often children sleep with their months open, which is injurious to both child and teeth. This is frequently cured by ap- plying one drop of sweet oil at the back of the tongue, which, as it gently flows down, causes an unconscious act of swallowing and thus the little one will close its mouth without waking. If it is noticed that the child is in the habit of breathing through its mouth during the day and experiences diffi- culty in getting his breath when the mouth is closed, it were wise to at once to consult the family physician or dentist and ascertain the cause. The remedy is usually quite simple. 32 Cljaptrr f-om RELATION OF THE TEETH TO THE REST OF THE BODY. IX SANITY, blindness, deafness, neuralgia and headaches are often caused by decayed teeth. Blindness.—" In the Courier Medical for 1890 will be found the report of a lady, age thirty, who complained of failing vision in the left eye, accom- panied by severe toothache in the sec- ond left upper molar tooth. In one week from the onset of the attack the left eye became entirely blind, without any ophthalmoscopic evidence of dis- ease. The diseased tooth was extracted and pus immediately flowed from the alveolar cavity and in a few days there was complete restoration of vision." Dr. Fenner reports two cases of temporary blindness caused by de- 35 'THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE cayed teeth, which were completely cured by their removal. Insanity.— Dr. Savage relates the circumstances of a man who was more or less insane for six months, being" sometimes quite dangerous. As he was also suffering from toothache, some decayed teeth were extracted and there was no return of the insanity. Gastric Trouble.— In a paper read before the Royal Medical and Surgi- cal Society in England, Dr. R. Godlee shows forcibly that a diseased condi- tion of the teeth and mouth is a most potent and prevalent cause of gastric trouble, and that the "catarrh set up is not simply irritant but actually infect- ive, and may lead in time to other more permanent effects, namely, atrophy of the glands and chronic gastritis. Oral sepsis is of a particularly virulent character, for it is connected with dis- ease of the bone. No physician or sur- 34 Afi'enor Dental Artery \ u ■< Anterior Dentil Nc 'inches of Infraorb'i Artery and \'etn Anterior Dental Vein Inferior Dental Vein Inferior Dental Artery Mental Branches. Intel Dental Vein? and Artenc isal and Labial Branches of Infraorbital Ner\ ■ Loop formed by Anterior and Posterior Dental Nerves Interim Dental Nerv Mental Branches of Inferior Dental Nerve Incisive Nerve Incisive Vein Courtesy of Haskell Post-Graduate School. THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS THE BLOOD AND NERVE SUPPLY TO THE TEETH THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE geon would tolerate for a moment that a patient with a foul septic ulcer, say on his forearm, should apply his lips to the ulcer to cleanse it, yet this is pathologically, precisely what happens in the case of patients with decayed teeth. Moreover, the swallowing is constant and goes on for years un- heeded by both patient and doctor." Health Dependent upon Condition of the Mouth.— As the healthy and continued life of the whole body de- pends upon the air it breathes and the food it assimilates, and as both of these are directly effected by the con- ditions of the mouth, it is not an ex- aggeration to say that two-thirds of the ills of mankind would be — no, will be — banished as soon as the teeth and mouth receive the care and attention they require. Examination of the Teeth of Chil- dren in the Public Schools.— One of the most promising signs of the past 35 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE few years is the awakening pi our leading physicians and dentists to the importance of systematic investigation of the teeth of the children in the pub- lic schools. Instruction by a compe- tent dentist should be given to the chil- dren so that they may understand how to take care of their teeth. Professor Limberg, of St. Peters- burg, in a paper read before the Third International ^ Congress at Paris, showed that ninety-five per cent of the children needed dental attention. In many parts of Belgium, Ger- many, England, France, Sweden, Hol- land and other countries, the teeth of school children receive attention from dentists appointed for this purpose. In this country there are over fifteen million children in the public schools, and as yet no organized attention is paid to their teeth. The National As- sociation of Dentists has taken this question up and hope to gain sufficient data to present to the government that 36 . THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE will show the importance of this sub- ject. The examination of the teeth of 559 children in two or our public schools revealed 2,708 cavities and over 30 abscesses. Only 13 out of the 559 chil- dren did not need dental attention. Not more than one-third had tooth brushes, and many of these had to share them with the whole family. Army Dentist.— After years of hard work on the part of the dentists of America, Congress has passed a bill authorizing the appointment of den- tists as officers in the United States Army. Should a system be devised whereby uniform work with the same material be done and detail reports made of every case, the statistics thus compiled would prove invaluable. 37 Ctjaptcr jftor GENERAL REMARKS. Prenatal Influence.— A most impor- tant subject, but which can hardly be given full justice in so small a booklet, is the prenatal influence governing the future welfare of the teeth. Very little attention is given to this matter, and yet too much care and thought can- not be bestowed upon such an import- ant factor, in the psychological, phy- siological and anatomical development of the future man. Naturally the wel- fare of the teeth is included and, as a rule, it is these dental organs which, though last to be completed, are the first to become impaired or destroyed. This is owing largely to the fact that most, if not all, of the foods that the mother eats are deprived of the natural phosphates through the artificial methods of preparation. 38 Courtesy of Haskell Post-Graduate School. IX THIS ILLUSTRATION- A PORTION OF THE ALVEOLAR PROCESS AND ROOTS HAVE BEEN REMOVED SO AS TO SHOW THE PULP CANALS THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE During the period of nursing in particular, the mother should feed upon those foods which have an abundance of lime salts. The time is not. far distant when those who expect to be blessed by the title "Mother" will at an early date consult their family dentist with regard to the best foods, etc., that should be taken. Unnecessary Pain.— Patients often suffer an unnecessary amount of pain at the dentist's, through their own want of knowledge. Because some tooth is tender and hurts, or the gums bleed when the brush is used, patients give up all attempts to cleanse their teeth, with the result that the decom- position of food not only increases the amount of acid in the mouth, thus making the teeth more sensitive, but also causes an inflamed condition of the gums, with accompanying increase of sensitiveness of the nerve supply of the teeth. What should be done is to 39 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE give greater care to cleansing the teeth and to thoroughly rinse the mouth three or four time a day with Milk of Magnesia. About six or ten days before going to the dentist's, take one teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda (cooking soda ), in half a pint of water, and drink one-third of it three times a day. This will greatly reduce the acidity of the mouth and thus mini- mize the amount of pain necessary to be inflicted. It will also prove of help to the dentist, as it is harder to work when pain is being caused. Swollen Face.— When a tooth aches and the gums become swollen, many persons apply a hot water bottle, thus increasing the swelling, with the danger of making the abscess break on the oustide of the face and leave a scar for life. Even if this did not happen, the increased swelling makes the work more difficult and painful. What should be done is to apply hot figs or 40 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE seedless raisins to the gum direct ; keep the outside of the face cool, and go at once to the dentist. The hot ap- plication inside the mouth more quick- ly brings the abscess into a condition to be operated upon with success, and prevents any disfigurement of the face. 41 Chapter %>ix CONCLUSION. Floss Silk.— If in the use of floss silk it constantly becomes cut or broken between the same teeth, one may rest assured that something is wrong and needs attention ; either it is a filling not polished and trimmed enough, or it is a new cavity. Dark Lines op Spots.— If in the cor- rugated surfaces of the molars and bicuspids there are noticed dark lines or spots, which cannot be removed by cleansing, it is wise to consult your dentist. Brush.— If the brush be put into a glass of tepid water about ten minutes before using, it will be found that while the bristles have lost their harsh- ness they still retain sufficient firmness 42 THE TEETH AND THEIR CARE and elasticity to properly cleanse the teeth without injury to the gums. A circular motion should always be given to the brush. Visiting the Dentist Regularly.— If the practice be made of going regu- larly every six months and having the teeth carefully cleansed, and examina- tion made for any weak spots in the teeth that would eventually decay, having these cut away and filled, the teeth will never require large fill- ings with the advantage of retaining the maximum amount of sound tooth substance to resist the minimum amount of foreign substance, with a corresponding lessening of pain at op- erations, and, as a result, the dentist's bill will be smaller. 43 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES This book is due on the date indicated below, or at the expiration of a definite period after the date of borrowing, as provided by the rules of the Library or by special ar- rangement with the Librarian in charge. DATE BORROWED DATE DUE DATE BORROWED DATE DUE C28U 140) Ml 00 H992 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES (hsl.stx) RK61H992C.1 The teet 2002339013 WJ^S^m .^AVJL^>' ^kWtoJAW