The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-11-02

caped the blame for causing our teeth to decay pr. w D. Miller of the Uni versty of Berlin. in his work on the '.Miero-organism of the Oral Cavity has shown that the mouths of even ap- parently healthy individuals contain bac- teria In profusion, the character and number of which are greatly, if not en- tirely controlled by the degree of clean Illness of the parts. In a neglected mouth the conditions for their growth are ideal. The production of acids by fermentation Is due to their presence and as teeth de- cay only in the presence of acids, we have the final cause of nearly all decay in conditions which favor the develop ment of these micro organisms. Probably the only exception to this Is when acid Is taken directly into the mouth, either in medicine or acid fruits
 The evils which result from neglect of the mouth are too well understood by ev- cry intelligent person to be dwelt upon to any great extent here; however, the attention of every one should be called to some of it's harmful effects. An emf neiu physician writing on the stomach, says. For the proper performance of its functions, 1t should be in healthy condi- tivn; but this may be seriously deranged and the whole economy thrown into dis
 
 from intense pain shooting and vibrating along the nerves from the swollen and infiamed pulp of a single tooth.''
 Where there are cavities in the teeth proper mastication Is rendered difficult and indigestion Is sure to result from in- sufficiently mastieated food and swallow ing the vitiated fluids of the mouth When the system is thus attacked at the very source of its nutrition the results may be grave indeed
 The frequency with which neuralgia Is caused by decayed teeth Is too often seen to need discussion. The effluvia from diseased teeth and gums poisons the breath, and entering the lungs, becomes a potent factor in thes cause of chronic lung troubles. The lamented Dr, J, Ma rion Sims of New York. says: "Decayed teeth, with matter exuding from around the teeth, are the means of producing more nervous disorders, and more terri ble consequences to the general health than most any other cause, and 1t is a matter of regret that medical men gen. orally have so little knowledge oil this subject"
 Dr. Samuel Sexton, who has been en- gagged in an investigation of the teeth of school children, with special reference to the influence of decayed teeth on the sight and hearing. testifes that he has found an almost constant association of near sightedness and impaired hear ing, with decayed teeth. He has also found them responsible for deep-seated cerebral trouble-progressive dementia Cor insanity) having been often arrested by "repairs on the teeth"
 Instances could be multiplied showing that more toothache, terrible as it is in itself, forms but a minor part in the evils resulting from decayed teeth, though pain itself is very exhausting of nervous energy and is capable of de- ranging the whole economy and inducing serious and even fatal disorders.
 We have seen the importance of good teeth to health; yet they are all necessa- " as an important element of expression and beauty. The mouth is one of the most expressive features in the human countenance, and it's expression depends largely on the teeth
 In giving general directions how to pre- vent the teeth from decaying, I will sim plify them as much as will be consist ent with thoroughness, so that even the busiest of men shall not be discouraged from undertaking what would appear to be a hopeless task.
 Of course it is first necessary to have all the cavities which already exist, prop erly filled, and every particle of tartar which may have accumulated about the necks of the teeth removed, leaving all of the surface of the teeth beautifully polished From what we have learned of the causes of decay 1t Is self-evdent that cleanliness Is the secret of success in its prevention. The teeth should be brushed at least twice day, the most important time being just before retir- ing so that nothing be allowed to re- main on the teeth or in the spaces be- tween them during the hours of sleep, as it is then the conditions are most favor able for decay.
 The selection of the proper kind of brush is very important; for if 1t be too large, it will be impossible to reach all parts of the mouth; and if too stiff great injury may be done the gums, causing them to recede by destroying their de icate attachment to the necks of the teeth A brush of medium size and stiff ness, with the bristles arranged in irreg- ular tufts which will clean between the teeth, is the proper one to use. The teeth should be lightly brushed towards their cutting edges, thus cleaning between them and encouraging the growth of the gums in the right direction.
 But the most careful use of the brush fails to properly clean between the teeth, the very place we must guard with the greatest care. Picks of various kinds have long been used for this purpose and they answer very well. The best