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330 THE MICRO-OROAMSMS Oh' THE HUMAN MOVTB.
I suceeeded, consequently, in cultivating a large number of
bacteria of pyorrhcra alveolaris which possessed p^'ogenic prop-
erties, but was not able to determine the constant occurrence of
any particular one which might be defined as the speciiic micro-
organism of pyorrhoea alveolaris. Xor is it evident from Ga-
lippe's communication whether he found the -/^ or ^9 bacterium
in all eases examined or but once.
The microscopical examination of stained sections revealed
masses of differeiit bacteria, eoeei and bacilli, more seldom
leptothrix, on the surface of the cement, and where there were
microscopic cavities in the cement, or the dentinal tubules were
exposed in consequence of resorption, the micro-organisms were
found to have penetrated for a short distance (Fig. 120).
In my opinion three factors are to be taken into consideration
in every case of pyorrhoea alveolaris: (1) predisposing circum-
stances, (2) local irritations, (3) bacteria.
Every factor must be regarded as predisposing which impairs
the power of resistance of the i)arts in question,—constitutional
or local complaints, abnormal composition of the blood, digestive
troubles, unfavorable hygienic conditions, etc. Different authors
have mentioned as such particularly rhachitis, rheumatism, gout,
tuberculosis, scorbutus, scrofula, chronic constipation, exanthe-
matic diseases, malaria, diabetes, tabes dorsalis, dyspepsia,
rheuma, syphilis, repeated pregnancy, anaemia, chlorosis and
wasting diseases of any kind, bad lodgings, lack of exercise,
improper food.
Rhachitis seems to furnish an especial predisposition for
pyorrhoea alveolaris. It is w^ell known that the milk-teeth of
rhachitic children are shed at an early age. I have seen many
rhacliitic children of the age of four to six years who had but a
few teeth left. When, therefore, authors designate the disease
as peculiar to mature age (thirty to fifty years), they are unques-
tionably mistaken.
During the years 1888-89 I examined twenty-six cases of
rhachitis in children under twelve years ; seven manifested
pronounced symptoms of pyorrho-a alveolaris, i.e., intensely
bluish-red gums, suppurating when pressed, teeth loose, a deep
pocket between root and gums, loss of pericementum and alve-
330 THE MICRO-OROAMSMS Oh' THE HUMAN MOVTB.
I suceeeded, consequently, in cultivating a large number of
bacteria of pyorrhcra alveolaris which possessed p^'ogenic prop-
erties, but was not able to determine the constant occurrence of
any particular one which might be defined as the speciiic micro-
organism of pyorrhoea alveolaris. Xor is it evident from Ga-
lippe's communication whether he found the -/^ or ^9 bacterium
in all eases examined or but once.
The microscopical examination of stained sections revealed
masses of differeiit bacteria, eoeei and bacilli, more seldom
leptothrix, on the surface of the cement, and where there were
microscopic cavities in the cement, or the dentinal tubules were
exposed in consequence of resorption, the micro-organisms were
found to have penetrated for a short distance (Fig. 120).
In my opinion three factors are to be taken into consideration
in every case of pyorrhoea alveolaris: (1) predisposing circum-
stances, (2) local irritations, (3) bacteria.
Every factor must be regarded as predisposing which impairs
the power of resistance of the i)arts in question,—constitutional
or local complaints, abnormal composition of the blood, digestive
troubles, unfavorable hygienic conditions, etc. Different authors
have mentioned as such particularly rhachitis, rheumatism, gout,
tuberculosis, scorbutus, scrofula, chronic constipation, exanthe-
matic diseases, malaria, diabetes, tabes dorsalis, dyspepsia,
rheuma, syphilis, repeated pregnancy, anaemia, chlorosis and
wasting diseases of any kind, bad lodgings, lack of exercise,
improper food.
Rhachitis seems to furnish an especial predisposition for
pyorrhoea alveolaris. It is w^ell known that the milk-teeth of
rhachitic children are shed at an early age. I have seen many
rhacliitic children of the age of four to six years who had but a
few teeth left. When, therefore, authors designate the disease
as peculiar to mature age (thirty to fifty years), they are unques-
tionably mistaken.
During the years 1888-89 I examined twenty-six cases of
rhachitis in children under twelve years ; seven manifested
pronounced symptoms of pyorrho-a alveolaris, i.e., intensely
bluish-red gums, suppurating when pressed, teeth loose, a deep
pocket between root and gums, loss of pericementum and alve-
