p. 11 | Teeth and Digestion

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 21, 1904

Teeth and Digestion

THE close connection between decayed teeth and diseases of the digestion is pointed out by a writer in Guy’s Hospital Gazette.

The presence of free acids in the mouth is particularly harmful. These may come from various sources, but most commonly from the acid fermentation of the carbohydrate food lodged on or between the teeth at the gums, and due to the action of micro-organisms present in the mouth.

Normally the saliva is alkaline, and any acids produced in the crevices of the teeth are thus neutralized and decay prevented. There are two conditions under which the saliva is unable to neutralize the acids produced locally, namely: (1) when it is deficient in alkalinity, and (2) when it is deficient in quantity. As to the former, it is well known that the saliva becomes less alkaline, or even acid, in any condition of prolonged gastric digestion, a phenomenon which occurs in nearly all cases of dyspepsia. Moreover, the teeth when decayed further tend to keep up the state of chronic dyspepsia by rendering mastication imperfect. A vicious circle is thus established.

To obviate this form of dental disease the teeth should be washed frequently with a solution of which one of the ingredients is bicarbonate of soda. This may prevent one of the most disagreeable results of the disease—facial neuralgia.—The Commoner.