The pathology of dental caries / by C. Spence Bate.

  • Bate, C. Spence.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The pathology of dental caries / by C. Spence Bate. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    39/100 (page 35)
    homotype of that which overlies the enamel. We therefore perceive that caries here also commences in the same tissue: between the teeth we see that it is this same tissue which is first attacked by decay; and not unfrequently it may be ob- served, in well-developed organs, that decomposi- tion may proceed no deeper, but remains during the existence of the tooth as a discoloured spot on the surface of the enamel only,—demonstrating that a position which may be favourable for the commencement is not always that which is most favourable for its further progress. By a parity of reasoning, we may infer that in the deep crevices, in which we know by observa- tion (Plate 8, Pig. 14) that this same membranous tissue exists, it is the first to perish. Assuming, therefore, that in these crevices the decomposition of the cementum admits of the same deleterious influences on the underlying enamel as we per- ceive it to have on the surfaces of the upper incisor teeth, it follows, since these crevices are invariably the result of a defectively-developed tissue, that the enamel underlying the cementum is in a condition most favourable for the rapid progress of its decomposition. I have seen some of these filled with tartar, as has been noticed by Mr. Tomes, but I am inclined to think that this deposit seldom occurs in this position. I think so, because in those mouths where the teeth are in their defective development, the