THE CARE OF THE TEETH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5303, 6 July 1895, Page 3

THE CARE OF THE TEETH.

Teeth are loßfc by caries (decay) caused by the action of some acid upon the alkaline ealfcs, first of the enamel, then of the dentine, pulp and cementum. The acid may be used in the food or ea medicine, or may regurgitate from the stomach, or in Borne cases the saliva may be acid, but mainly the acid is lactic, which has been generated by the fermentation of minute particlea of food that have lodged in the crevices of the teeth. After eating through the enamel, the large proportion of organic matter in the dentine adds to the fermentation, while its softer structure affords lees resistance, hence the decay is the more rapid. Tartar is another causa of lose. This is an alkaline deposit from the salira, in itself incapable of corroding the enamel, but as it is deposited it contains many particles of organic matter which set up the acid fermentation, and at the deposit is at the base of the teeth, it ultimately inflameß the gums and causoa the absorption of the alveolar processes (the bony prominences of the sockets) the loss of which causes the teeth to loosen and work out. The green tartar on the outer surfaces of the front teeth of young - people, unlike the other, is acid, and in its own nature extremely destructive. Notwithstanding these agents of decay nearly all teeth may ba made to last until late in life. The methods of preservation are, firßfc, protec- , tion from acida, by the use of an alkaline solution with which to rinse the mouth before and after the use of acidi, as mcdi- ! cines, the thorough brushing of the teeth with a suitable powder on rising, cleaning them with a sofb piok after each meal, followed each time and at bedtime with a vigorous rinsing and brushing with an alkaline solution. When the brush is ÜBed it should not be across the fissures but up and down through them. Use every tooth in mastication. If practicable put them in the cara of a good dentist for frequent examination and all necesaary cleaning and treatment. A teaapoonful of bicarbonate of soda in a cup of water is a good anti-acid for use before and after taking acid medicines. For a tooth powder, menthyiiios, prepared chalk, and orris root is inexpensive and of superior merit. To prevent further deposits of tartar, arrest the absorption of the alveoli, restore health to the gums, disinfect the breath and shield the stomach from germinal infection. Use the brush twice a day, sprinkled with pure mentbymos. Of course the accumulated tartar should be first removed. The influence of the first Bet of twenty teeth over the character and durability of the second set of thirty-two requires that this process of protection shall begin before the first set has decayed or been removed.