Page 227 - My FlipBook

keeps that part clear which is near to the edges and
grinding surfaces; and as the motion of the lips in some
measure retards its growth outwards, it accumulates on the
parts ahove mentioned, till it rises almost as high as the
Gum ; its growth being now retarded in that direction, it accu-
mulates on the edge next to the Gum, so that in time it
passes over the Gum, of which it covers a greater or less
portion. When it has encreased so much as to touch the
Gum, (which very soon happens especially in the angle
between the Teeth) it produces ulceration of that part, and
a train of bad consequences. Often the Gums, receding
from this matter, become very tender and subject to hemor-
rhage.
The Alveolar Processes frequently take part with the Gums,
and ulcerate, so that the Teeth are left without their sup-
port, and at last drop out, similarly to the diseases of
these parts already described.
All our juices contain a considerable quantity of cal-
careous earth, which is dissolved in them, and which is
separated from them upon exposure, which continues mixed
with the mucus; so that the extraneous matter consists of
earth and common secreted mucous."
This disposition of the juices of the mouth to abound
so much with earth, seems to be peculiar to some people,
perhaps to some constitutions ; but I have not been able to
ascertain what these are. We find persons who seem to
have nothing particular, either in constitution or way of
life, so subject to this accumulation, that the common
methods of prevention, such as washing and brushing the
Teeth, have not the desired effect.
The disposition is so strong in some people, that the
concretion forms on the whole body of the Tooth ; 1 have

* Vide Natural History, page 155, in tin- Note, for a further descrip-
tion of this.