THE TEETH by F. E. McKinnon

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 14, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 33.

THE TEETH.

By F. E. McKinnon

Almost everyone can, with ordinary care, preserve his teeth as long as he lives, and preservation may mean a longer life, surely better health and an immense amount of comfort, also a saving from a financial standpoint.

To accomplish this two things are necessary; first visit a skillful, competent dentist, at least twice a year and oftener if necessary. Keep the mouth clean, by removing all foreign deposits.

The mouth is a neglected spot by most people. Organic matter left in the mouth, is surrounded by the most favorable conditions for decomposition. Remember, if the mouth is not clean, food put into such a mouth is contaminated by the decomposing matter, and, with its germs, is not fit to be introduced into the stomach.

In my estimation, there are more deranged stomachs from this one cause than any other.

The cavities of the teeth are perhaps the chief breeding place of disease germs, and should be given great care. Pyorrhea alveolaris is the name applied to a disease of the gums. In this disease the gums become swollen and of a bluish color, with engorged

capillaries, and ready to bleed at the slightest touch. These are primary symptoms. The secondary symptoms are recession of the gum and a loosening of the tooth in its socket.

To wait for the toothache before consulting the dentist is a common mistake. It is often too late then to save the tooth without some suffering and considerable expense.

Do not use a pin or wooden toothpick to clean the teeth. Use only a common quill, waxed silk dental floss, or a good brush. It is far more important to clean the teeth after eating than at any other time. Clean them invariably, however, after breakfast or supper.

No doubt it was the intention of our Creator that the two sets of teeth He has given us would be sufficient to last us our lifetime, and if properly treated they certainly will.

It is a mistake to have a tooth extracted just because it has a little cavity in it. What would you think of a surgeon who would amputate a finger or hand, just because there was a felon or a little sore of some kind on it? I am sure you would think it very unwise. When a permanent tooth is extracted, it is gone forever, therefore we should be more careful about our teeth. If we carefully follow out these directions, there is no reason why we should resort to artificial teeth.—F. E. McKinnon, D. D. S.