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182 Importance of the Teeth
mouth often severely affect the constitution, and are con-
ducive to several diseases of the general system: this
will not appear supprising, when we consider the intimate
connexion existing between the teeth and their relative parts,
and between these and the general system—the great irrita-
tion that is frequently going on in the mouth, from extensive
disease in the teeth, gums and sockets—the immense quantity
of morbid matter discharged—the great pain often experi-
enced—the imperfect manner in which the function of masti-
cation is performed, and the importance of this function to
digestion, and the peculiarity of constitution in different indi-
viduals. That the local diseases of the mouth have consider-
able effect upon the general system, is sanctioned by some of
the best medical writers, and is amply proved by the many
cases on record, and the many occuring every day to the ob-
servation of the physician. Every one is aware of the violent
constitutional derangement that so frequently occurs fiom
tooth ache, swelled face, gum-biles, &c.
The exciting causes of the malignant diseases of the jaw
bones, of such frequent occurrence in this country, and always
requiring a formidable operation, (no less than the partial or
complete extirpation of the jaw affected,) to prevent a fatal
termination, are undoubtedly local diseases of the teeth.
There is always something constitutional that predisposes to
malignant diseases, yet they generally remain dormant, unless
some local injury bring them into action. So with the diseases
of the jaws; they do not often make their appearance, unless
there be local irritation from dead teeth and stumps, from dis
eases of the gum and sockets, or injury done to the jaw by the
operation of extracting the teeth.
That distressing malady, tic-douloureux, or nerve ache of the
face often, according to dental writers, and even some medical
writers, (and they cite an abundance of cases to prove it,) are
often produced by the diseases of the mouth. We have seen
two well marked cases of this disease, and that it was
caused by the diseased state of the teeth and gums, is proved