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NECROSIS OF THE TEETH. 39

It has been supposed that the mucous follicles of
that part of the tongue which comes in contact with
the teeth at the affected part, are the agents that
produce the disease. Of this, however, there is not
evidence sufficient to warrant an adoption of the
theory. The cupping of the molars and bicuspids
bears strong indications of being an analogous pro-

cess, and yet no such influence can exist for its ac-
complishment. We have no theory on this subject
to present, regarding it as still an open field for in-
vestigation. There can be little doubt, however, that
the cause of denuding, of chemical abrasion, and of
cupping, has its origin in the constitution, is not
merely local, and may be removed, and the affection
arrested by constitutional treatment.

NECROSIS OF THE TEETH.

By this term is understood the death of the part
affected. It has been remarked that the condition is
similar to mortification in the soft parts of the sys-
tem. But in the latter there occurs a change of
structure; whereas, in the bones, and particularly in
the teeth, there is not necessarily any structural

change consequent on the loss of vitality. The teeth
have their organic connection with the surrounding
parts by the external and the internal periosteum