Page 177 - My FlipBook

175
rary exciting causes of the change from the chronic to the
acute state of the disease, such as have been just mentioned,
are frequently considered the original and proximate causes
of the painful symptoms.
This mistaken notion frequently leads to an entire neglect,
not only of the proper treatment, but also of the necessary
regular attention to cleanliness.
The individual, supposing the teeth to be secondarily
affected only, under a constant apprehension of disturbing
them too soon, puts off this attention until the tender state of
his mouth shall have been cured by the removal of the mis-
taken cause. In consequence of this removal not being
effected, the disease, together with the tenderness of the
affected tooth is constanly increasing; much tartar is depos-
ited, and a diseased state of the gums is produced, by which
the breath is rendered very offensive ; efiejcts productive of
no little inconvenience, and excitement of the diseased ac-
tion in the parts affected, as well as of the general system.
This morbid state of the mouth, which would be more
distressing, were it to seize upon the patient suddenly, is, from
its supposed insignificant origin and slow progress, sometimes
supported by habit, and even left altogether unobserved ; and
often while the individual considers himself in a state of tol-
erable local and general health, he is under the influence of
many disgusting diseases, which are not only destroying the
teeth, but impairing the constitution : and which, with any
other unexpected general disease are likely to become the
means of a premature death.