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214 HUNTER ON THE TEETH.
We may observe that people who eat a good deal of
salad or fruit, have their Teeth much cleaner than common
which is owing to the acids in those fruits ; and for the
same reason people's Teeth are commonly cleaner in sum-
mer than winter, in those countries where there is a great
plenty of fruit. When the accumulation has been consider-
able, the Teeth and Gums will feel tender on the removal
of this matter, and even be affected by cold air ; but this
will not be of long continuance, (b)
(&) [According to Berzelius, tartar consists of—
Earthy phosphates 79-0
Salivary mucus 12'5
Ptyalin 1*0
Animal matter soluble in hydrochloric acid . . 7"5
This deposit is*derived from the mixed saliva of the mouth ; it col-
lects principally behind the lower incisors and canines, and between the
first and second molar teeth of the upper jaw. The first situation is the
most dependent part of the mouth ; it is were the saliva accumulates,
and it is at this part that the ducts of the salivary and submaxillary glands
open. The duct of the parotid gland opens opposite the second molar
of the upper jaw. In persons who have a great tendency to the forma-
tion of tartar, it collects on all the teeth, but still to a much greater
extent in localities mentioned than elsewhere.
Removal of the tartar by proper instruments, and by the use of
a moderately coarse powder, which exerts no chemical action either on
the deposit or on the teeth, are the only means which should be used.
All acids must be avoided, since what would act upon the tartar would
also affect the teeth. When the gums are spongy, vascular, or
ulcerated, after removing the tartar, they should be freely lanced for
the purpose of unloading the vessels, and an astringent gargle used two
or three times in the course of the day.]
214 HUNTER ON THE TEETH.
We may observe that people who eat a good deal of
salad or fruit, have their Teeth much cleaner than common
which is owing to the acids in those fruits ; and for the
same reason people's Teeth are commonly cleaner in sum-
mer than winter, in those countries where there is a great
plenty of fruit. When the accumulation has been consider-
able, the Teeth and Gums will feel tender on the removal
of this matter, and even be affected by cold air ; but this
will not be of long continuance, (b)
(&) [According to Berzelius, tartar consists of—
Earthy phosphates 79-0
Salivary mucus 12'5
Ptyalin 1*0
Animal matter soluble in hydrochloric acid . . 7"5
This deposit is*derived from the mixed saliva of the mouth ; it col-
lects principally behind the lower incisors and canines, and between the
first and second molar teeth of the upper jaw. The first situation is the
most dependent part of the mouth ; it is were the saliva accumulates,
and it is at this part that the ducts of the salivary and submaxillary glands
open. The duct of the parotid gland opens opposite the second molar
of the upper jaw. In persons who have a great tendency to the forma-
tion of tartar, it collects on all the teeth, but still to a much greater
extent in localities mentioned than elsewhere.
Removal of the tartar by proper instruments, and by the use of
a moderately coarse powder, which exerts no chemical action either on
the deposit or on the teeth, are the only means which should be used.
All acids must be avoided, since what would act upon the tartar would
also affect the teeth. When the gums are spongy, vascular, or
ulcerated, after removing the tartar, they should be freely lanced for
the purpose of unloading the vessels, and an astringent gargle used two
or three times in the course of the day.]
