Page 163 - My FlipBook

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allowing the mouth and teeth to remain in an uncleanly state
—by the presence of tartar.
Predisposing Causes.—An imperfect organization of the
teeth, by which their perfect development is prevented, and
the vital powers of their organic structure is weakened—

febrile and irritable state of the system—exhibition of mer-
curial medicines—attacks of inflammatory and nervous
fevers—injudicious operations upon the teeth, as filing,
scraping, &c.
In the detail of these causes, I have omitted the consid-
eration of many particulars, but I know of none that may
not be clearly explained upon our foregoing principles.

Of Externafor Superficial Caries*

External caries differs considerably from internal caries,
particularly in its origin and remote causes. Each will there-
fore require a separate consideration.
Although external caries may be slower in its progress than
the other, it is not less certain of producing ultimate destruc-
tion, and I am inclined to consider it of more frequent occur-
rence than internal caries, and consequently a source of at
least, as serious apprehension.
All the teeth are quite as liable to this variety of caries, as
they are to the other ; but this not only extends its morbid
action, like the former, to the crown, but also to the neck
and roots of the teeth, whenever exposed to the ordinary
causes of the disease. Although all parts of the crown and
of the body of the teeth are liable to this disease, yet it is
apt most frequently to commence at those sides which are in
contact with the neighbouring teeth.

Koecker, pages 219 to 222.
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