The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-06-20


connecting with larger nerves and blood
vessels by means Of the channel in the
tooth root.
The foundation for . good sst Of teeth
il undoubtedly started in the embryonic
state. Concealed in each infants jaw at
birth are the ten temporary teeth, the
crowns of which are already formed Of
hard tissue. Besides these and in pro-
cess Of formation are the permanent
teeth which in tho course of seven years
are 10 replace the milk teeth, and in ad-
dition on the back of the jaw are the
beginnings Of the six permanent molars.
Thus in various stages Of development
the jaws Of the new born child contain
hfty-two teeth, twenty-six In each Jaw.
The growth and well-being of the child
4. depend largely on rhe proper develop
ment OF the teeth. Of the strength Of their
formation and the way they are placed in
the Jaw This later condition which II
most important In mastication Il not q
matter of chance or haphazard. II the
teeth are not properly placed in the jaw.
they will not meet properly ana food win
be insunaciently masticated. Artificial
feeding rubber ''picifiers," thumb suck
ing 1t II believed by the best physicians
are causes OF deformities in tho forma-
ton Of the jaw and position Of the teeth.
Proper food for bono development, pure
air and cleanliness are the important fac
tors in the nutrition and therefore in
the development Of the teeth.
First Teeth Should ee Guarded.
It Is q mistake to assume that the first
teeth are not important and to neglect
ed. decay will set up early. tho enamel
win be pierced and an aching tooth win
be the result. These teeth fall away nat
urally at the beginning of the eighth
year. The roots become absorbed grAdu-
ally. the crown Of the tooth becomes
1n0QcnQd a nd univ q a110ht q
sary to detach 1t from tho gums. When
the tooth becomes 1ooGened naturally, It
10 = sign that the permanent tooth IL
ready to take its place In the jaw.
care Of the teeth 1t may be useful to fol-
low the process OF decay. Dental carries.
or decay, invariably attacks the outside
Of tho tooth and II due entirely to the
presence OF outside agents. As explained
In an earlier part of the lesson. acid,
even . weak acid. has q disintegrat1ng
effect on even the haxd enamel of the
tooth and after this 10 penetrated affects
very rapidly the softer dentine beneath
the enamel. This acid IL constantly
found In the mouth.
Lookout for the Acid Mouth.
In q healthy mouth the acid secreted
by the mucous membrane of the gums IL
Immediately neutralized by the saliva.
amples OF 'acid mouths.' cases whore
the saliva shows an acid reaction. In
such cases the teeth are peculiarly liable
to decay and need constant and expert
care.
The principal source Of acidity. how
ever. IL found in tho fermentation Of par
ticles Of food about the gums and teeth.
The mouth IL an ideal breeding place for
bacteria, and the production of decay in
the teeth Is due to the bacteria formed in
this way.
The flrst stage of decay u the wearing
away of the protecting covering OF
enamel until the dentine beneath IL
reached II this process IL located before
the enamel IL worn through. . protecting
covering can be affixed and the decay ar
rested At this period there is no pain
or discomfort and therefore. unless . dem
list examines tho mouth. no notice IL apt
to be taken Of tho condition until the
dentine has been attacked which subjects
the nerve tissue and blood vessels In the
center of the tooth to irritation and after
wards to Inflammation.
Tooth Ache Signals.
The signal Of this stage II tooth ache,
constant or intermittent, and varying In