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14
A scrutiny of the above table shews that about 64 per cent,
of all the children examined had carious or decayed teeth. In
some cases the number of decayed teeth was very large, and in
others abscess formation was going on in the gums or at the roots
of the teeth. In only four instances, so far as I could ascertain,
had skilled dental interference been sought.
The decay of teeth is due to several causes:—
(1). Failure to keep the teeth clean.
(2). Chipping of the enamel by hard or gritty substances
in the food-stuffs, thus allowing the entrance of bacteria.
(3). Septic conditions of the throat, or mouth or passages
communicating with the mouth, e.g. tonsillitis, abscess of
gums, etc.
(4). Over-lapping, irregularity, or too close an arrangement
of the teeth in the gums preventing the teeth being
thoroughly cleansed.
(5). Mouth breathing due to adenoids or other nasal
obstruction.
(6). Rickets leading to early decay of the teeth.
(7). 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.
(8). The consumption of sloppy food-stuffs and the consequent
decay of the teeth as they become functionless.
To this list of causes may be added many others, but it is
easy to see from the above that much dental mischief and decay
may be prevented. It is also important to remember, that all
material for the upkeep and growth of the body must pass
through the mouth. If then the oral portal is not kept fit and
clean the other organs of the body are bound to suffer.
Enlarged Glands.
The glands to which attention was directed were the submaxillary
and neck glands. Enlargement of these glands is due
as a rule to infection passing along the lymph ducts from some
inflammed focus, e.g., decayed teeth, enlarged tonsils, adenoids,
abscess of the gums and so on.