CAUSES OF INDIGESTION 123 



mouths." This is a deformity, as the upper jaw 

 is placed a little too far forward with respect to 

 the lower one, so that a portion of the first upper 

 grinders and of the last lower ones do not come 

 in contact with opposing teeth. These are not 

 kept of normal dimensions by wear; consequent- 

 ly, projections are formed, which seriously in- 

 terfere with mastication, and otherwise injure 

 the mouth. Occasionally a broken or decayed 

 tooth is found, which also gravely interferes with 

 the grinding of the food. If from any cause the 

 power of mastication is impaired, it results not 

 only in waste, but the imperfectly prepared food 

 is liable to cause digestive derangement. If a 

 horse is found to slobber at the mouth and to 

 have difficulty in eating, the teeth should always 

 be carefully examined by an expert. 



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