DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 



45 



■of Benzoin. Syringe the mouth with a solution of tannin and gly- 

 cerin, 1 to 20. Chlorate of potassium, 1 to 35, may also be used 

 with safety, as Frohner has demonstrated that this drug is com- 

 paratively harmless in the dog. Clinical experience has shown, how- 

 ever, that it must be used with caution. 



Fig. 14. 



Diseases of the Teeth. 



Dogs are frequently subject to various dental disorders, such as 

 accumulations of tartar, caries of the teeth, and, rarely, fistula of 

 the gums. 



"We understand by tartar of the teeth a calcareous deposit on 

 the neck of the tooth at the border of the gums. This tartarous 

 substance is deposited chiefly around the 

 canine or molar teeth, and, constantly 

 accumulating, gradually pushes the gums 

 back and often loosens the tooth, which, 

 acting as a foreign body, causes great 

 irritation. 



The tartar can be removed by scraping 

 it off with a small cup-shaped instrument 

 or a sound with a leaf-shaped tongue. 

 Some remove it with a hook-shaped pair 

 of pincers. If there is a large amount of 

 tartar, it is best to put the dog under 

 «ther, as it can be easier removed and 

 avoid struggling oq the part of the animal 

 {see chapter on Removal of Tumors). 



Caries of the Teeth. This condi- 

 tion has been observed by a number of 

 authors (Moller, Hoffmann), but is of 

 very rare occurrence. 



By caries dentum we define an active 

 process of molecular destruction of the 

 enamel and bone of the teeth. This process always begins on 

 the upper surface and mainly in the cavity of the crown of the 

 tooth, forming a grayish or blackish spot. This spot, which is the 

 decaying part of the tooth, advances deeper into the tooth, going 

 on toward the pulp. This penetrates into the tooth until it reaches 



Longitudinal section througli 

 an incisor tooth : a, cement ; 6, 

 enamel ; c, ivory or dentine ; d, 

 pulp cavity and alveolar dental 

 membrane ; e, maxillary bone. 



