Page 193 - My FlipBook

191

SECTION IV.

Of the removal of the enamel by the denuding process*

This is a disease producing a change in the teeth, by which
they acquire an appearance unlike that of caries, but attended
with a loss of substance.
The tooth does not, as in caries, become softer, nor, like
that disease, does it originate in inflammation, but it consists
in a removal of the enamel from the bone of the tooth, as if
by solution and gradual abrasion.
It affects the incisors much more frequently than any other
teeth, and, in all the cases which I have seen, its operation is
limited to the exterior surface of the teeth.
The first appearance is in the enamel of one or more
of the incisors becoming thicker, and appearing as if a small
portion had been scooped or filed out, occasioning a slight
depression. This removal of the enamel continues until so
much is taken away as to leave the bone exposed : as this
denuding process, according to Mr. Hunter's term, advances,
the tooth changes in its colour, gradually becoming yellower,
as the bony part is more exposed. When the whole of the
enamel is destroyed, part of the bone is also removed ; the
remainder acquires a brownish hue, is very highly polished,
and will often remain in this state for a number of years.
I have seen a few cases in which the teeth have been so
much wasted, as to have all the anterior part removed ; but
yet the natural cavity has not been exposed, for the bone has
remained in a prominent line, as if it were defending that
particular part, and thus preventing pain.

*Fox, pages 54 to 66.