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PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT OF THE MOUTH 183

of the serumal form of calculus, it may be exposed to view, or
mixed with the mass of salivary calculus.
Serumal Calculus in Appearance is of a much darker color than
salivary of a harder constituency, and generally adheres to the
surface of the tooth more tenaciously.
Serumal Calculus Is Also Found on unexposed portions of roots
of teeth which approximate inflammatory exudates, or, are bathed
in escaping blood plasma associated with chronic conditions of the
apical space. It also appears in other portions of the body as
about the joints subjected to chronic inflammations as well as in
the glands continually gorged with blood.
The Bulk of Serumal Calculus is comparatively small, owing to
its formatioji in restricted spaces and is generally found in small
nodules, naiTow bands and thin scales, not always easy of detec-
tion or removal.
Stains Upon the Teeth are of varying degrees of shade in several
colors and from cosmetic reasons stand for immediate removal
when detected. HoAvever the green stain found upon teeth is so
closely connected Avith the first stages of caries on surfaces so af-
fected that it deserves special consideration.
Green Stain Is Generally Confined to the labial surfaces and
particularly the gingival third of the anterior teeth. It is most
frequently found upon the teeth of children and may be seen
either upon the temporary or permanent teeth. When it persists
for a considerable time upon these surfaces of the permanent
teeth the enamel Avill be found to be etched by a dissolution of the
cemental substance evidenced by the whitened surface.
The Color Is Due to the bacteria present.
The Injury to Tooth Substance is due to the acid Avhich these
bacteria produce.
The Reason for Their Presence is the favorable place for lodg-
ment aff'ordod by the persistence of the cuticula dentis.
Sordes Consists of a mixture of food, epithelial matter and
micro-organisms collected upon the teeth.
Neglect in the Removal of Sordes results in tooth caries, partic-
ii-larly in localities habitually so unclean.
The Removal of Salivary Calculus is accomplished by two prin-
cipal i)lans, the push-cut method and the draw-cut method, each
with its advantages.
By the Push-Cut Method the blade of the scaler, Avhich has a
blunt chisel edge, is forced between the calculus and enamel trav-