A Clean Mouth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1910

Now and then one hears incredible stories of persons otherwise apparently intelligent and cleanly, going round for months, and even years, with their mouths full of germ-laden, aching, decaying teeth.

These persons will give the most ridiculous reasons for their unclean folly. They are too busy, or they have an insane dread of the dentist, or some such nonsense. In the very poor and very ignorant all this may be understood and forgiven, but in other classes it is unpardonable.

Very few of those who are children to-day will be able to say by and by that they suffer on account of neglect of their teeth in youth, but many adults can honestly say so now. The science of dentistry, and the mechanics by means of which that science is applied, have made enormous strides of late, and will undoubtedly continue to advance in the future.

It is universally accepted that a clean surface does not decay. All decay is caused by germs, and the germs can not multiply and work evil unless particles of food are left on, under, or between the teeth. When these particles are so left, they become softened by the saliva, and then afford lodgment for certain germs which excite an acid fermentation. The acid so formed attacks the enamel of the teeth, and this is finally perforated.

Now the door is opened for the germs of decay to enter. In this minute opening in the enamel they find a sheltered spot where they can increase, and by their action cause the destruction of the vulnerable dentine.

This whole process of the formation of the destructive acid may take place within a single day, if the toilet of the mouth is neglected.

Seeing how easy it is for this destructive work to be started, one should make trips to the dentist very regularly, that damage already done may be repaired, and that the deposits which settle on the teeth in the form of tartar may be cleaned away. This tartar does serious damage as long as it is allowed to stay, and it can not be removed by any home treatment.—Selected.