Page 281 - My FlipBook

CHAPTER X.

THE BUCCAL SECRETIONS AS CARRIERS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND OF
PARASITIC EXCITANTS OF DISEASES.

It is a well-known fact that the inflammatory processes in the
tooth-pulp, pericementum, and gums, brought about by a dis-
eased condition of the human teeth, lead not only to obstinate
neuralgias, but also to severe diseases of the eye and ear, to erup-
tions of the skin, spasm of the muscles, etc.
Cases of spasms of the facial muscles, lockjaw, convulsions,
spasm and paralysis ofthe ciliary and other muscles of the eye, stra-
bismus, ptosis, lagophthalmus, epiphora, ectropium, asthenopy,
amaurosis and amblyopia, mydriasis, myosis, glaucoma, cataract,
keratitis, retinitis, conjunctivitis, panophthalmitis, etc., otitis,
thrombosis ofthe sinuses of the brain, eczema of the face, indiges-
tion consequent on imperfect mastication, nervousness, epileptic
attacks, paralysis, etc., proceeding from decayed teeth, come to
our notice, many of them repeatedly, in dental and medical
literature. These are secondary affections caused by reflex
action, in which the mouth-bacteria participate only in so far as
they are to be regarded as the excitants of the primary diseases
of the mouth. As is well known, similar phenomena very fre-
quently occur during dentition, in obstructed eruptions of wis-
dom-teeth, in exostosis of the cement, formation of pulp-stones,
etc.
The intimate connection of the quiutus through the ganglia
ciliare, spheno-palatinum, oticum et submaxillare with other
cranial nerves and with the sympathicus, easily accounts for
them.
We have, however, at present to occupy ourselves with the
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