coHEx] DEXTAL HYGIEXE • 113 



coating of the teeth, and thus create an easier route for the in- 

 gress of the bacteria into the teeth and their onslaught upon them. 

 The accumulation of tartar, which frequently results in injury 

 and infection of the gums, is also the direct result of uncleanli- 

 ness. 



In addition to the large numbers of many varieties of bac- 

 teria causing general disease of the teeth, there have been found 

 the germs of tuberculosis, diphtheria and other specific con- 

 tagious diseases. The pus producing bacteria abound in un- 

 healthy mouths. The teeth are subjected to many physical irreg- 

 ularities and deformities. Bottle-fed babies, children who have 

 suttered from rickets, hereditary blood diseases, or have their 

 breathing passages obstructed by large tonsils or adenoids : chil- 

 dren who have suffered from scurvy, or whose health is under- 

 mined by constitutional disturbances, show it in their poorly de- 

 veloped, malformed and un symmetrical teeth, jaw bones and 

 arches. The associated organs and functions suffer indirect 

 injury. 



THE RESULTS OF UNCORRECTED PATHOUXilC COXDITIONS. 



Through the action of the acids and bacteria the dentine be- 

 comes worn out, the pulp becomes diseased, cavities form, pus 

 and other irritating substances begin to exude, adding fuel to 

 the destructive fire. The tartar accumulation alxjut the necks of 

 the teeth force back the gums and injury and infection of the 

 gums result, the jaw bones frequently become infected and ab- 

 scesses form. The teeth are sensitive and painful, the breath 

 is fetid, the food cannot be well chewed, the nerves howl with 

 pain, the mouth becomes a crucible of destruction. A well man 

 with sick teeth will soon go the way of his teeth — to decay. 



The first of the general functions of the body to suffer is 

 that of digestion. Much stress is now laid on proper and suffi- 

 cient chewing of food. This stress is soon turned into distress if 

 the teeth are in bad condition. Sound teeth bite the food and 

 make no noise. Decayed teeth bite the nerves and shout the 

 sufferer's woes. A mouth littered with decayed teeth is the 

 gateway to dyspepsia and decrepitude. When the teeth are dis- 

 eased and painful the food is not properly chewed and is bolted 

 in lumps. This causes disturbances in the stomach. In addition 

 to the food not being properly chewed it is also contaminated 

 with large quantities of pus and a great number of bacteria, 

 which further irritate and hinder proper action of the stomach 

 on the food. The general nutrition of the bodv suflFers and in 



