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86 Diseases of the Teeth.
are productive of internal caries, by inducing immediate in-
flammation of the bony structure of the teeth. No part of the
system is so much exposed to the changes of temperature
as the teeth, and the low degree of vitality which they possess,
ill fits them to bear its extremes. Whenever we take any
thing hot or cold into the mouth, we experience a painful sen-
sation, which would seem a monitor that such extremes are in-
Mr. Fox supposes, that this is a reason why savages
jurious.
and people of tropical regions, have belter teeth than the in-
habitants of cold or temperate climates. This is undoubtedly,
one reason, but a greater, we think, is the habits of the sa-
vage, and the climate of tropical regions, which are not subject
to the great and sudden changes of cold regions.
DIET.
Different kinds of food, can only be productive of caries, as
of diseases of the general system, by inducing an inflam-
matory diathesis, deranging the digestive organs, or by being
of too high or low a temperature. As luxury, indolence and
ease, are condusive to diseases of the general system, so are
they equally condusive to those of the teeth. Hence savages, in
their native forests have good teeth, while those who live near
their white brethren and participate in their luxuries and vices,
are subject to their diseases, and among them, to the diseases of
the teeth. Hence also, our forefathers had better constitutions,
and fewer diseases than we have.
The negroes in the West Indies are said to have very sound teeth,
though it mav be supposed, they eat much sugar.
The use of'too much sugar may be productive of caries indirectly, by>
deranging the disrestive organs.
Tobacco.—The use of this plant is considered by fome authors, and by
many persons, very obnoxious to the teeth. We do net think it at all
productive of decay, if used in moderation, but rather preventive than
otherwise, as it is a most, powerful sedative, and tends to allay irritation.
It possesses no principle, that can act chemically on the teeth, though its
constant use generally discolors them, or gives them a yellowish cast. If
its use be carried to such an extent as to derange the digestive apparatus,
it will probably prove injurious to the teeth, aa well as the general
system.