Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1904 — Bad Teeth Cause Dyspepsia. [ARTICLE]

Bad Teeth Cause Dyspepsia.

The close connection between decayed teeth and diseases of the digestion Is pointed out by a medical writer. 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 carbo-hydrate 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: First, when it is deficient In alkalinity, and, second, yrhen 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 np the state of chronic dyspepsia by rendering masMcation Imperfect A vicious circle 13 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.