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TARTAR. 21

found collected upon the superior molars, just in the
vicinity of the orifices of the ducts-of-Steno, where
the saliva cannot be retained for any considerable
time, by reason of the position, but must very soon
pass along upon the surfaces of the contiguous teeth,
on which we generally find it deposited in much

smaller quantities. Indeed, this calcareous material
has been sometimes found in the salivary ducts them-

selves. >
Its Effects.—It exercises no directly injurious influ-
ence upon the substance of the teeth ; but it is highly
prejudicial to the parts immediately in connection
with them, upon which they depend for support. It
encroaches upon the gums and alveoli, and causes an

absorption of these important surroundings ; and as
they become absorbed, its encroachments are con-
tinued and accelerated. In some constitutions this
process goes on with little or no annoyance to the
patient; while in others, irritation, inflammation, and
even suppuration of the gums occur ; and thus their
destruction is effected in a twofold manner. This
irritation and inflammation may extend to the mucous
membrane, and involve all the adjacent parts. The

dental periosteum, will usually become implicated in
the difficulty periostitis will ensue, and often sup-
;
puration, thus' breaking up the attachments of the
teeth even before the surroundings are removed.