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3. The consumption of sloppy food-stuffs and the consequent
decay of the teeth as they become functionless.
4. Chipping of the enamel by hard or gritty substances
in the food-stuffs, thus allowing the entrance of
bacteria.
5. Septic conditions of the throat, or mouth, or passages
communicating with the mouth, e.g., tonsillitis,
abscess of gums, etc.
6. Mouth breathing, due to adenoids or other nasal
obstruction.
7. Rickets leading to early decay of the teeth.
8. The retention of decayed first teeth without
adopting means to prevent the spread of the decay
to the second teeth upon their appearance in the
gums.
To this list of causes may be added many others, but
it is easy to see from the above list that much dental mischief
and decay may be prevented.
Importance of Sound Teeth.—The importance of having
sound teeth cannot be exaggerated. Decayed teeth
allow food-stuffs to accumulate 'in their cavities, which
thereby become breeding grounds for the bacilli of disease,
including tuberculosis. 31 per cent. of the children
medically inspected Suring 1912 were found to be suffering
from enlarged glands, and there is little doubt that this condition
in a large number of cases is due to the condition of
the teeth. Indigestion and dyspepsia, foul and suppurating
conditions of the mouth, such as abscess, tonsillitis, or sore
throat, and tuberculosis, very frequently are caused by
decayed teeth.
Early Treatment.—Early treatment of the teeth would
prevent a large number of cases of these diseases, and to
that extent would be a direct means of prolonging life.