TARTAR DEPOSIT
Chemists Find Cause f.N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) CHICAGO, Sept. 8. Chemists today reported finding the chemical substance that causes “tartar.” the hard irritating deposits than form on teeth. This may open the way to means of preventing tartar and the destructive gum and mouth troubles it can inspire. Dr. Albert Sobel,, of Beth Israel Hospital, New York City, said today. He and associates found an organic ingredient in saliva, which seems to be the guilty agent, Dr. Sobel told the American Chemical Society. This material is apparently deposited as a thin film on the teeth, then is calcified or hardened by calcium and phosphate in the saliva, he said. Tartar can penetrate and irritate the gums, causing loss of bone structures that support the teeth. Gum or periodontal diseases are the major cause for loss of teeth after the age of 40. Before that, tooth decay is the main destroyer. The chemists found that calcification of the tartar agent eould be prevented by tiny amounts of beryllium chloride. But this chemical is too poisonous to be used as a preventive in human mouths.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 25
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184TARTAR DEPOSIT Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 25
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