Page 34 - My FlipBook

30 INTRODUCTION.

The superior incisors are most frequently found with
atrophy, though the biscuspids and molars sometimes
exhibit it. The front upper teeth are attacked by it
only on the anterior surfaces.
Instead of the spots we sometimes find pits, or
indentations, into or through the enamel, which occa-

sionally run together, so as ultimately to form trans-
verse grooves of considerable extent upon the teeth.
In many cases, where on the eruption of the teeth
the spots only are presented, the organs are not
injured, except in appearance, the spots retaining
the smooth, enamel-like surface during life. In other
cases, the spot is of such a soft, friable texture, that
it early crumbles out, leaving the little pits above

referred to. These indentations, however, sometimes
exist at the first appearance of the tooth, but more

frequently afterward, being formed by the disintegra-
tion of the defective portion.
Atrophy usually occurs on teeth of good structure,
short, thick crowns, and rather yellowish color. The
long, thin, white tooth, of imperfect organization and
insufficient density, seldom or never presents an atro-
phied condition.
The Cause.—It may be difficult to point out the
precise cause of this affection, but some facts in re-
gard to it are very obvious. There is, in every case,
an obstruction in the development of the enamel at