View report page

265
3. The consumption of sloppy food-stuffs and the
sequent 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,
abcess 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. Thirty-one per cent. of the children
medically inspected during 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.