READ AND LEARN. THE HUMAN TEETH, THEIR DEVELOPEMENT IMPORTANCE TO HEALTH, AND MEANS OF PRESERVATION: (. . ■\j ■■"■■ oil,-- DR. S. O. GRAY, Formeily Professor of Natural Science in Mississippi College, DENTAL SURGEON. OFFICE AND RESIDENCE, Removed from No. 25, East Fourth Street, to No. 79 West Fourth St.,fourth door from South-east corner of Fourth and Vine. "Dental Surgery can only he faithfully und even honestly dispensed with a I high practical exceltrnc- in iis mechanical manipulations, guided by a knowledge of the functions of the human economy, during health and disease." CINCINNATI: DUMAS * LAWYER PRINTERS, N. W. CORNER MAIN ic FIFTH. PROFIT BY WHAT YOU READ. PREFACE. It is a truth unforlunately too well known, that comparatively few retain their teeth in a sound and healthy condition even to middle age: while many, ere they have passed the bloom of youth, loose their teeth. That they were intended by an All-wise Creator to endure and fulfill their office as long as the other parts of our physical organization, is obvious, for the simple reason that they are not only necessary, but indispensable, to the maintenance of the system in full and healthful vigor. That the science of Dentistry is adequate to the grand achieve- ment of the preservation of the human teeth, we believe—when its resources are fully tested, and applied in time—In Time,—as soon as disease makes fts appearance, however minute. The ob- ject of the present pages is to give you such information as shall enable you to take care of your own teeth, and when the assistance of art becomes necessary, to distinguish between the scientific, honest operator, and the pretender, the pseudo dentist. The qualifications of a Dentist, are, Anatomy, Physiology, Sur- gery, Pathology, and Therapeutics, particularly so, for as the teeth, gums, and alveoli are concerned, together with all the dis- eases to which they are subject, and the best course of treatment, the mechanical resources of the science, and acute manual dexter- ity in their application to the teeth, to which if we add that he must be a skillful chemist, and a good and honest man, we have his character in full. Whilst the writer would return his unfeigned thanks to a gener- ous public for the very liberal patronage heretofore bestowed upon him, he would also say that he has made such additions to his me- chanical appliances* for the construction of artificial teeth, as to en- able him to promise a speedy completion after commencement, thus avoiding delay so annoying to those without teeth. DOCTOR GRAY CAN BE FOUND, AS^HERETOFORE, AT HIS RESIDENCE, ^"J^lFourth Street, _ nvmplmmpar% ^&r*,>rja£y dis- agreeable, and often dangerous symptoms arise, implicating the health, and very often the life of 'the child. Bui, as you will, un- der any, or all of them, need the aid of an experienced and scien- tific Dentist, it will be unnecessary to transgress upon your time and patience with a description of them, but simply suggest as a preventive of much suffering, that you consult your dentist fre- quently during first dentition, and permit him to do what may C«] be necessary, Upon the proper management of the temporary de- pends, in a great degree, the health, regularity, and beauty of the second. Yet there are many parents, who from a misguided sym- pathy for their children, defer the necessary attention until it is forever too late, and thus, for want of a little determined care on the part of the parent, the child is sent into life with an unsightly, scraggy set of teeth, far more liable to disease, ffom the impossibil- ity ef keeping theq^clean, than if they were regular. Just before the time, (about the fifth or sixth year) that the shed- ding of the temporary teeth commences, if the mouth of the child is examined, four new teeth will be found, one on each side in each jaw, just behind the temporary teeth. These are the first permanent Molars, but they are so often confounded with the temporary teeth that I wish to direct special attention to them, as if suffered to decay and be lost, they will never be supplied again by nature. It is more particularly necessary to distinguish and watch over these teeth, as the mouth at this time is filled with the dead and decaying teeth of the first set, and the fluids of the mouth vi- tiated thereby, so that the closest attention to the cleanliness of the mouth is necessary to ward off the insinuating attacks of decay.— At the very first appearance of decay, no time should be lost in using the very best means known, filling with gold foil, to arrest it, more especially, as decay progresses with a greater rapidity at this time than at any subsequent period in the life of an individual. Some persons are disposed to regard the loss of two or three teeth as a matter of comparatively small importance, but when it is known that they are all necessary for the work designed by nature for them, and that with the loss of each tooth, the work must be less perfectly performed, and that as a natural and inev- itable consequence, the healthy functions of the body must suffer in proportion to their loss — the subject will be seen in its true light. Moreover, the teeth are the natural supports of the cheeks,— their loss allows the cheeks to drop, causing a wrinkled counte- nance, and the appearance of premature age. With regard to parents,-how much soever they may disregard the health of their own teeth, that of their childrens'' is a religious du?,., ty imposed upon them by Him who gave them, and one which they cannot innocently neglect. During the shedding of the temporary teeth, great watchfulness is requisite to secure the regular and symmetrical appearance of the second. That parents may exercise the needed care, and pre- vent irregularity in their children's teeth, I will mention the peri- ods at which the several classes generally make their appearance: The First Molars, previously noticed, fifth or sixth year. The Central Incisors, between the sixth and seventh year, [4] The Lateral Incisors, between the seventh and ninth year. The First Bicuspides, or small jaw teeth, between the ninth and tenth year. The Second Bicuspides, between the tenth and eleventh year. The Cuspidate, between the eleventh and twelfth year. The Second Molars, between the twelfth and fourteenth year. The Dentes Sapientia, or wisdom teeth, from the eighteenth to the twentieth, or even thirtieth year, • Whenever the temporary teeth remain in the jaw after the time above specified for the displacement of the different classes, they should be removed, particularly, if on examination, the gums seem inflamed or swollen. It would be the preventive of much evil, if parents would fre- quently, both during first and second dentition, submit their chil- dren to the examination of an experienced and skillful dentist.— It is much cheaper, if that is the object, to pay for what is neces- sary at the proper time, than to repair the damages after nature's laws are broken. If unpleasing irregularity was the only bad consequence of neglect of this kind, we might stop—but it is the source of so much evil, that no censure would be too severe upon parents who willfully neglect the interests of their children. Irreg- ularity not only disfigures the face, but is an impediment to speech and the fruitful cause of decay and loss of these organs. CHAPTER II. Coktekts. Diseases of the Teeth—Causes of—Treatment of Decayed Teeth—Anatomy of the Teeth—How decay appears—Never wait till the Teeth Hurt—Reasons for early Attention—Cheap Dentistry—Scaling—Fileing—Plugging—No pain in Plugging— Extracting Teeth—Artificial Teetk—Tooth powder and Brushes. It is a melancholly fact that few persons now arrive at the age of maturity, who can boast of that priceless ornament—a perfectly sound and regular set of teeth. Unless they have watched'over them with the most scrupulous care, and promptly used the best means known for their preservation as soon as disease made its- ap- pearance. Some writers have drawn out a long list of diseases as incident to the teeth: but without speculating upon unimportant theories, I shall at once give you a description, together with the means of arresting, of that disease, which is the most common and from which you have Jhe most to fear, namely : caries, decay, or rotting of the teeth, and but for which, and we may add the ex.- [5] Iraneous collection of matter around the sockets of the teeth, called tartar, the teeth would be the most healthy portion of our system. Decay implies a destruction of a part or the whole of a too ih. It commences on the outside of the tooth and progresses inwa idly and is the result of some chemical or mechanical action. This action is brought about by various causes, such as extrane- ous matter resting upon the outside or in the interstices bet ween the teeth, usually called tartar. The formation of this sub stance is so general that there are few who do not secrete some, par ticularly upon the inside of the lower front, and the outside of th e upper back teeth. Its accumulation, however, may be prevcnte d, after having the teeth thoroughly cleansed from any old sedime nt that may be upon them, by the constant, careful, and thorough use of the tooth brush with a good and safe tooth powder, one th at you know will not only not injure, but that will benefit your teeth. (See tooth powder noticed on another page.) The reason why this course will prevent its accumulation, is, that this substance forms from the saliva, and when first deposited is of a soft, slimy nature, and easily removed by the means men- tioned, but when suffered to remain for some time, it acquires a hardness almost equal to the tooth itself. This, in turn, each day receives a new deposit, which runs down the root of the tooth, separating it from the gum, causing it to become livid and swollen, vitiating the saliva, causing fetid breath, producing the disease called scurvy of the gums, and finally, if not timely removed with suitable instruments, by a careful, skillful hand, the teeth will loosen and drop from their socket. Strong acids administered as medicine which act upon the enamel, and many of the quack nos- trums administered as cures for the tooth ache, are also among the general causes of decay, The thousand and one dentrifices and washes sold for cleansing and beautifying the teeth, are also, too often, active agents in the destruction of the organs they arc repre- sented to preserve. This they do, because, either through igno- rance or design, they are composed of substances which act chem- ically upon the enamel, which is thus eaten away, tooth ache fol- lows, and extraction is the result. There are also predisposing causes which operate very materi- ally upon the health of the. teeth, such as a weak and sickly con- stitution during the eruption of the second set of teeth, causing them to be imperfectly developed, soft and friable. The effects of mercurial medicines arc also a very powerful cause of decay. But the mi!.f frequent, perhaps, is hereditary predisposition, frequently extending to every member of a large connexion. Under any of these causes the advice and aid of a skillful and scientific dentist becomes indispensable, and if timely application is made, he can render services which you in after years cannot fail to appreciate. 1* [•J TREATMENT OF DECAYED TEETH. Decay commences on the outside and progresses inwardly, but that you shall understand its effects, we will give the anatomical division of a tooth, which is the crown, neck and fang. The crown is that portion seen above the gum. The neck is the point of union with the gum, and the fang that part below the gum, usually called the root. The crown is covered with an exceed- ingly hard pearly substance calied enamel, possessing no vitality, of course not subject to inflammation, differing in density,and thick- ness both in the different classes of teeth, and in different individuals. The ivory or bony portion is next within, constituting the inner portion of the crown and ihe whole root, this possesses consider- able vitality, from the extensive diffusion through its substance of small ramifications or branches of the nerve unseen by the naked eye, but revealed by the microscope, and which when exposed by decay of the enamel cause pain. The nerve, blood vessels, and internal membrane are enclosed in a cavity in the centre of the crown and root, from which the the tooth receives its life, and from the inflammation of which by decay of the outer parts that excrutiating pain, tooth ache is caused. Decay makes its appearance sometimes by a dark line running across the crown of the tooth, or by several lines converging to a point in the centre of the crown, this shows decay in the enamel which opens the way for decay in the bony portion, which being softer, decays much faster than the enamel, so that it frequently happens that decay is unnoticed, until by some external pressure the anamel is broken through, showing the lull extent of the evil, often too late to be remedied; hence the advantage you may derive by submitting your teeth frequently, at least every three months, to the examination of a careful, honest, scientific dentist, so that you may be warned of approaching decay. Decay often appears in the edges, where the teeth press against each other, particularly in the approximal edges of the front teeth, showing a dark or blueish spot or line, though frequently the color is not changed at all; hence the necessity for watchfulness, lest decay proceed.too far to be permanently arrested ere it is dis- covered. It is not in our power to change the laws of nature or alter our own constitution, but it is given to us to obviate the evils attached to our frail system, by attending to the causes which pro- duce them, and by a close attention to scientific principles, if we cannot in all casese ward off diseas from the teeth, we can most certainly arrest it after it has made its appearance. That decay shall be arrested, and the teeth permanently pre- served, there must be no delay, "no waiting till the teeth hurt," but treat decay in your teeth just as you would a fire in your house—apply the best means of arresting it immediately or they [7] will be as surely lost as your house will be burned if the fire is not quenched. For decay in the teeth, once commenced, never stops no more than the fire, until no more substance is left for con- sumption. The principal preventive of decay in the teeth is cleanliness— in early life—especially during second dentition, keeping the teeth regular, &c. A frequent and thorough application of a good bristle brush, with a good tooth powder—one that you know is com- pounded of materials that will not only not destroy, but that will add to the health and cleanliness of your teeth. Floss silk, or in the absence of that article, soft cotton thread drawn through the inter- stices of the teeth is an invaluable auxiliar)' to cleanliness of the mouth and preservation of the teeth. But if after all the care has been bestowed, decay*makes its appearance and you aranot desi- rous of enjoying the luxury of tooth ache, or the ecstasyvof ex- traction, then allow no other business or wants to interfere, the business can be accomplished and the wants supplied at another time, but you do not know that if you defer attending to your teeth at present that all the care you can bestow, or all the money you may expend can at a future period restore them to their for- mer health and usefulness. . Whilst every person, at all conversant with correct dental oper- ations does know that when they are resorted to at a proper period, the teeth can be preserved, and yet even in the" face of this knowledge are we called upon daily in the practice of our profession, to add numbers of these useful organs to the " list oj things that were," which if they had been attended to at an ear- lier period might yet have been filling their places as organs of use and beauty. For disease in the teeth like many of the other ills common to our system, can proceed so far that the best efforts of the most skilful can only mitigate the evil. When you do determine to attend to your teeth, seek the very best advice within your reach. Let your dentist be a man in whom you have the utmost confi- dence as a skilful, scientific, honest, careful operator, and you will never have reason to regret confiding the care of your teeth to him. Should you select or retain him for other qualities than the above, " your blood will be on your own head." Seek not too eagerly for cheap dentistry: it is now afforded by the best and most deservedly popular operators, as cheap as it can be, until by some California overflow, gold, the substance we use most, sinks below its present standard value. Whenever you have inducements of extreme cheapness held out to you, you may rest assured that it is made up in the quantity and quality of the material used. The principal means of arresting decay are three, viz: Scaling, Fileing, Plugging. [8] SCALING. By this term I mean the removal by instruments, of that earthy substance usually called tartar, which becomes encrusted around the roots of the teeth next the gum, and when suffered to remain, engenders disease of the gems, and by extending down the roots of the teeth causes absorption of their sockets and their final loss. The presence of this substance upon the teeth is productive#of so may evils of so disagreeable and disgusting a nature, that none affected hi this way, should hesitate a moment about having it remeved. There is but one method, viz: its removal with instru- ments by a careful, skilful hand. It must be thoroughly done and the teeth left smooth and polished. A mere attempt will be.of little service, as the small particles left adhering to the teeth, form a nucleus around, which a fresh accumulation soon commences. FILEING, Is an operation against which there unfortunately exists a pre- judice, which has originated more from its abuse than from its judicious use. Any instrument, however good, may be rendered one of evil by improper use. But there is not an instrument in the operating case of the dentist, as invaluable as the file. It is most generally, applicable .to the front teeth when decay exists between them, and when the decay has not been of long standing it can be eradicated by the file alone. But in order that no inju- rious result, shall follow, the parts filed must be polished and bur- nished, and so left that they cannot close against each other, and of course kept free from any extraneous matter. When this is done and the operation skilfully, performed otherwise, there is no more probability that the teeth will decay at the parts filed, than at any other. This experience, that truthful teacher has learned us. PLUGGING OR FILLING. This becomes necessary whenever decay lias formed a cavity too deep to be eradicated by the file. That tiiis operation shall be successful, several conditions are necessary. First, disease must not be ion deeply seated ; second, all diseased parts must be cut away ; third, the cavity so shaped as to retain a filling, then made perfectly dry and filled so compactly in every part as to exclude every fluid except Electricity, that being a fluid which pervades all substances however dense. The filling should come up even with the walls of the civity and be burnished until its surface presents a smooth mirror like appearance. A tooth treated thus skilfully may last a life-time, for daily in practice, do we meet with plug? that have been inserted for fifteen, twenty and thirty years, and the teeth preserved sound by thorn. For the purpose [9] of plugging, no other substance has as yet been discovered, pos- sessing all the requisite qualities in so high a degree, as fine gold foil. All others, if we except tin, prove not only useless, but inju- rious. Hence all mineral pastes, cements, amalgams, and soft fillings should be avoided, if you value sound teeth. With regard to amalgams, science has long ago, demonstrated that " where two metals differing in their affinity, for oxygen are in contact with each other in connection with a saline fluid, there is always more or less galvanic action." Amalgams as the name implies are always composed of at least two metals the fluid is always furnished in the saliva. This action and the consequent oxidation of the metals in the teeth has been the cause of so much evil and is Jknown by the sad experience of so many, that further notice may be unnecessary. No one who values comfort and hap- piness, will hesitate a moment about having" a decayed tooth filled, even if it should cost a small diminution for the present of patron- age to the tailor and milliner or any other luxury. Too many per- sons seem to forget, or otherwise act inconsistent with their knowl- edge, that the personal adornment of fine teeth, adds a greater charm to the appearance, and does more to arrest and rivet the attention of the beholder, than all the trappings in " Fashions latest cata- logue." This is worthy of a thought, aside from the more solid consideration of health, comfort and freedom from pain in these organs. In order to test the truth of the latter remarks upon your own feelings, you have only to look for a moment upon the sunken and furrowed linaments of one so unfortunate as to loose their teeth, and again behold it, after it has been restored to its full, noble and rotund appearance by the skilful and natural adaptation of arti- ficial teeth. Many persons labor under a very erroneous im- pression in supposing that there is pain to be endured in plugging. There may be unpleasant sensations, but no actual pain consequent upon the operation of plugging, when done at the proper period. But if from fear of pain or any other cause you delay attend- ing to your teeth, you increase by each day's delay the amount of pain you would be likely to endure and decrease the benefit you should derive from the operation. Furthermore, it is cheaper to attend to your teeth at the first appearance of disease. Hap- pily, I can illustrate this by some cases taken from my note book of the past year. Mr. B. is now forty years of age, a stout, healthy looking man, with a full and rotund countenance, and well marked lineaments, upon examination [ find that previous to the present time he has had about one-half his teeth plugged with gold, two more are also now necessary. On inquiry he states that from youth to the present, he has had a watchful care over his teeth, making constant use of a quill tooth-pick, brush and powder, calling upon his dentist, as at t|je present, every three months for examination 2* [10] and in all has expended about thirty dollars in small sums at dif- ferent intervals. Mr. R. is forty-three years of age, was formerly of robust health, is now in feeble health which he informs me commenced about the time his teeth failed, of haggard counten- ance and wrinkled lineaments, never applied to a dentist till his teeth hurt, has had more or less pain from his teeth for the last twenty years, has had two-thirds of his teeth extracted, and as a consequence his nose and chin have in contemplation a friendly greeting. On examination, the remaining teeth were so much dis- eased that I advised their extraction and their replacement with an entire set of artificial ones which was done, and though his cheeks have gained their natural rotundity, and his health mucti improved fronj the removal of the old teeth, and the improved mastication with the new, yet he lias purchased this cube and comfort at an expense of one hundre'cTaird fifty dollars, and some twenty years of suffering; judge which is the"cheaper. Many labor under, to them, a very fatal impression in supposing that the operation of plugging is one easily performed, and that it may be entrusted to almost any one, whereas it is one of the most difficult, and one in which, unfortunately, the fewest number of operators excel—and from the mal-performance of which thousands of teeth are yearly sacrificed. EXTRACTING TEETH. This is the last resort to get rid of organs rendered not only useless but injurious by disease. Few persons are aware of the injurious effect of a number of decayed teeth upon the system or they would not betray that hesitancy to having them removed «o often manifested. Where there are many diseased teeth or rotting roots their effect upon the beauty of the complexion is most fatal, as the fetid matter always engendered by them is taken up by the absorbents and thrown back upon the system, producing tawni- ness, pimples, blotches, &c, and that too upon the part of the system where such ornaments are least desirable, viz: the coun- tenance. Besides the pain of extraction with the improved instru- ments now in use by the writer is not one-third as much as that inflicted by the old style instruments, in this operation the writer has been peculiarly fortunate, never in the whole course of his practice having had any unpleasant consequences follow, and according to the universal testimony of his patients, bringing them away with much less pain than they anticipated, previous to hav- ing it done. Dangerous consequencs sometimes follow from re- taining diseased roots in the mouth, a case from my note book may illustrate this more clearly. Mrs. R. a lady of wealth called upon me for advice concerning the teeth of her only child, a daughter, after an examination 1 advised the extraction of a num- ber already diseased beyond redemption, and the plugging of the [11] remaining diseased ones. Though calling ostensibly for advice, she had determined before what should be done. I refused to operate, unlesss left to the free exercise of my professional judg- ment, knowing from the state of the mouth and teeth that no other " course could be pursued free from dangerous consequences, and the lady departed with her profered fees in her purse. The result was as I anticipated, in a few months a number of the decayed teeth suppurated at the root, (formed gum boil,) and one of them broke out through the cheek, and completely marred for life the beauty of a once lovely countenance—such cases are by no means rare. ARTIFICIAL TEETH. However unfortunate some may be in the loss of their natural teeth, yet iheir case is not entirely irremediable, for they can now be supplied from one to an eUtire set of an incorruptable material either with or without artificiar'gums, perfectly adapted and so arranged as to defy detection. In this department the writer from an extensive practice and close*observation has arrived at great perfection. Especially in constructing entire sefc mounted on gold plate has he been particularly successful, to this numberless unbought testimonials might be produced, but the writer chooses rather to be known, by the silent, but sure working of honest and useful operations, than ride side by side with quackery, in his favorite chariot, gilded with glaring testimony. TOOTH BRUSHES. Besides the use of the tooth pick, (quill,) and no other should be used, the teeth should be thoroughly cleansed twice or even thrice each day, with a good bristle brush and powder. The time thus spent will yield an ample reward to those who regard sound teeth. The utility of the brush should be taught to children, as early as they are capable of using one, that which at first may seem a task will soon become an agreeable habit, the benefits of which may be incalculable. '-In. selecting a t6atj\. brush, choose one thatis^hickly set with V^f&aA-atalji stif^$rfc?t%s : and in using it, applet not only to the front part of the teeth, but to every part that jhoTi can possibly touch by the brush, rubbing them thoroughly, so as to free their interstices from any particles of extraneous matter that may be lodo-ed between them. This with the ordinary formed brush is by°some found very difficult, particularly to reach the inside of the lower front and upper back teeth, fortunately however a brush so constructed as to reach these parts with ease can now be ob- tained, they can be had at the drug store of Dr. J. M. Brown, north-west corner of Fourth and Walnut, where also many other [12] useful and ornamental articles for the to-let are accommodatingly dealt out by the affable and gentlemanly proprietor. If the practice of careful cleanliness of the teeth was cultivated in youth and followed out in after life, we should instead of black and filthy teeth and foul breath, find white teeth and sweet breath; things most desirable to all, but most essential to the fair portion of creation. However prepossessing a countenance may at first sight appear to us, if on being provoked to a smile* it discloses a black and decayed set of teeth, it instantly looses its charm; while on the other hand, we often meet with a countenance possessing nothing particularly attractive while in repose: but if a playful remark should elicit a smile and disclose a clean and regular set of teeth, we instantly perceive ehaims that were before unnoticed, and are soon deeply interested. TOOTH POWDERS. *■; In no department has ignorance and quackery done more mis- chief, than in compounding tooth* powders and washes. The ob- ject in compounding a tooth powder should be to aid the brush in freeing the teeth from extraneous matter, and correct by the most suitable ingredients the unhealthy action of the fluids of the month, without injury to the enamel of the teeth or other parts of the mouth. From the great difficulty of, at all times, procuring such a pow- der, the writer was led some years since, to institute a series of experiments which resulted in the powder he now uses in his private practice, which by experience and close observation of its effects, he has brought to stand unrivalled for purifying the breath, whitening the teeth, and giving healthy action to the gums. But a single powder will not answer every individual, nor the same individual in different conditions of the mouth no more than a single medicine will cure all the ills to which poor human nature is subject, hence the writer has never offered his powders to the public, or established a depot for their sale, as until the condition of the mouth is known, we do not know what particular com- pound would rectify any diseased action. ^nY^u can (akfenxrifonX J my office No.^VFourth street, betAveen^fl^C^^ A/^^fff/ There is no nex*/ssity of printing in glaring capitals, beware of counterfeits, as you can obtain it at no other place. Finally.—I deem the influence of the teeth over beauty alone, is sufficient to justify the pre-eminence I give them over the other features of the face. This ornament is equally attractive in either sex. But it is to woman more particularly, that fine teeth are necessary since she must first attract the eye before she can captivate the heart, or enslave the soul * AROMATIC TONIC TOOTH P010IR, For Whitening the Teeth, Purifying the Breath, and Hardening the Gums, PREPARED BY DR. S. C. 'GRAY, No. 79 WEST FOURTH STREET, Fourth door from South-east corner of Fourth and Vine, Price..........50 and 25 Cents per Bottle. REMOVAL. DR. iirRAY, has removed from No. 25 East Fourth Mreet, to No. 79 West Fourth Street, fourth door from South-east corner of Fourth and Vine.