Page 93 - My FlipBook

Diseases of the Teeth. 73
examine the pathology of the teeth, and the eetiology and phe-
nomena of caries.
First—Is the peculiar structure of the teeth susceptible of
inflammation ?
Second—If it is, what will be the probable result of that in-
flammation ?
The two following laws in pathology (see Hunter on the
blood) most admirably illustrate the origin of internal «aries>
by showing that the teeth are liable to inflammation,* and that
this inflammation will be extremely apt to terminate in morti-
fication, on account of the low degree of vitality, which they
possess.
First law—Those parts of the human body, which are the
most vascular, and possess the greatest degree of vitality, are
the most susceptible of inflammation, and when attacked by
inflammation bear it best.
Second law—Those parts which are the least vascular, and
possess the least vitality; are the least susceptible of inflamma-
tion, but when attacked by it, bear it worst;
That the teeth are liable to inflammation, is made probable
by comparing the symptoms of inflammation in the other
bones, with those which many persons experience in their
teeth, previously io the appearance of internal caries.—See
Fox Natural History of the Teeth, paft 11, page 13 ; Thomas
Bell on the Teeth, page 124 ; and others.
Do the phenomena of internal caries-, bear out this conclu-
sion If
* "Every part of an animal body, the cuticle and hair excepted, is
subject to inflammation; and according to its structure, is inflammation
occurring in it, modified both in symptoms and termination."— Gre-
gory's Elements of the theory and practice of Physic. Vol. J. p. 280.
t " A tooth which has been the subject of inflammation, will remain
without any diseased appearance, for weeks or months afterwards; but
at length the consequences which I have described become obvious, by
the occurrence of a darkened spot which shows itself through the ena;
mel ; and the gradual destruction of the tooth follows, if means be not
taken to arrest its progress. I have known a case in which inflamma-
tion had takan plaGe through all the molares of one side; both above
and below ; and notwithstanding it was speedily subdued by leeches
4