The pathology of dental caries / by C. Spence Bate.

  • Bate, C. Spence.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The pathology of dental caries / by C. Spence Bate. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    46/100 (page 42)
    extends to that with which it is in connection; and for the removal of every atom of lime so much more of the animal structure becomes ex- posed to decomposition : for so low is the vital force within the enamel, that unless the normal balance between the organic and inorganic constituents of the tissue be preserved, both are subject to the full force of chemical laws. This, which takes place over the smooth surface of the incisor or other teeth, is more frequent and rapid in its progress in the deep abnormal crevices and fissures of molar or other teeth. In these crevices, I believe that the membranous tissue that overlies the enamel is generally present, and that the enamel is fre- quently so imperfectly developed that it passes gradually into the cement tissue. I do not consider that it is absolutely necessary that a fragment of cementum should be retained in any position in order to induce decay. The presence of dead animal matter is sufficient; and I believe that this is generally the case in those mouths where there is a large flow of thick stringy saliva. It is well known that the presence of this condition of saliva is a certain indication of a very considerable extent of dental caries. I attribute this circumstance to an increased amount of animal matter in the saliva arising from some constitutional cause and a deficient quantity of bone-earths. The following analyses from Simon