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Copenhagen, printed by Ludolph Henrich Lillie, who is residing in the great Violen Strasse, at the Gilded Ox.
This treatise is so much more useful to the audience, because it illuminates clearly the great difference between a righteous and honest dentist and thoseCharlatans, windmakers, and even impostors. And because this treatise can create various benefits, it is deemed equitable and fit that it is made public through printing. Copenhagen, Nov.25, 1755. B. J. v. Buchwald, D.
To the high and mighty king and lord, Friedrich the fifth, king of Denmark and Norway, of Wenden and Goths, Duke of Schleswig, Holstein, Stormarn and Ditmarschen, Count of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst.
To my most gracious king and lord.
His highness and most gracious king and lord!
This year, his royal majesty has condescended to appoint me court dentist and tooth surgeon.
In as much as nobody before has been graced in such a way by his majesty, nobody, as far as I know, has written anything lengthy in these royal countries about the art of dentistry before.
His majesty's ancestral and great love for all useful sciences and the highest grace shown to me are th reasons why I dare to put this small work at his majesty's feet in the most humble manner.
Most gracious king and lord! it is only a small token of my utter gratitude and a small sample of my utter respect.
The many and high characteristics, which distinguish my mighty royal highness, promise a favourable acceptance. When this happens, I will be completely satisfied and die in utter submission His royal highness Copenhagen, Nov. 25. 1755. Your most humble and faithful servant and subject Johann Gottfried Conradi.
Gentle reader!
As much as it is superior and useful to keep the teeth, which were given to us by the almighty lord, clean, white and unblemished till old age, it is only to a small degree that the honest care and craft, which teach us those ablities most comfortably, are used and applied these days.
We who live in a country where scurvy and stomatitis are caused by it, broken or even lost teeth and the like are more prevalent than with other people,if I may say so, don't we have more reason than others to prevent diseases of the teeth through proper cleaning of the teeth and adequate medicine? I don't think I act wrongly, if I agree to his.
If somebody asks why such a useful matter has been neglected, I truly have to admit, that I don't know the reasons.
The objections that are made daily when one reminds people wellmeaning, are without substance. I will list a few of them for enlightment.
Those, who do not have or have not had any sense of toothaches, use to respond in general, when reminded to clean their teeth, that their teeth are fine, thanks goodness, I never have had a toothache all my life, God wil protect me from it in the future; should I ever need anything, I want to have some toothache first; those aches wil fall upon these very paople all of a sudden.
It can't be anything else but unbeknowst to these people, that tartar or calculus (lat. tartarus) is a creature that collects on the surface of the teeth, and similar to other stones per adpositionem partium sive cohaerentiam externam, or, it will grow through fresh layers on the outside.
This is not the place to touch upon where tartar comes from and how it can be removed,
During my thirty years of travelling, I have seen enough people in their thirties, let alone in older age, who can take a bite of the crust of soft baked bread only with great effort due to their dull teeth.
I have seen people, who like small children, can eat nothing else but thins soups, milk and similar fluids just because of their corroded teeth.
People, at their prime, have to be dismissed from their posts or call in a substitute, becuase they can not speak clearly in public any more; just because of a lack of teeth.
Not to mention that the beauty of both sexes will be diminished because of bad breath and black, corroded teeth.
Should I have my teeth cleaned; that is another objection, I do know such dentists and also know what they use for cleaning, namely nothing else but acidic and sharp things , like for example Tartaric Salt (Cremor Tartar), Vitriolic Oil (Oleum Vitrioli), Sulphuric Oil (Oleum sulphuris), Hydrochloric Acid (Spiritus salis), even Nitric Acid (Aqva fortis).
I cannot deny that this happens often and is done by many, the result shows even more often that this is the irrevocable truth; but therefore one cannot deny that a practised hand with subtle instruments can remove the tartar without damage, and that a skilled dentist with other medicines will know how to clean and keept the teeth without such caustic means.
If finally 3,4,or 5 teeth of a person are eroded, if he may have had a sense of toothaches, if he may have had to have pulled two or three teeth as well, the third and most ridiculous interjection is born: My teeth, he says, are already so rotten, that there is no help for them, if I had started early enough, I would have acted wisely, at this point I will leave it with God, it can't get any worse than it already is.
Yet I answer: A landlord would be ill advised, should the house of his neighbor be burning, not to seek help from other people and to employ good sense to spray a lot of water and such, in order to safe his home. I have been told of the stupid bear which when wounded will not despair, but will put together a cone of moos from wherever he can get it and
Each does as it pleases him, is an old and well known proverb. Yet, because in France, where, if I am not mistaken, dentistry has been practiced the longest, and was separated from other aspects of practical surgery, it is without doubt that dentistry as a science, pursued on its own, can be brought to greater perfection and greater usefulness than mixed in with some others.
I for my part can only say, that I have never dealt with any other parts of practical surgery or let alone of medicine than that what suits a dentist. My father and grandfather, may god rest their souls, who have dedicated themselves to the same sciences, did likewise.
During my thirty years of travelling, I have visited, and I do not want to boast here, most of the courts and big cities in Europe, where I had the chance due to lengthy sojourns, to acquaint
Yet I never got sofar, to have the opportunity to encounter writings of the world until I found my place here in Denmark, where it was made possible four years ago due to the utmost grace and provision oof his royal majesty.
Currently, I have resolved to write concisely and as much as my circumstances will allow, about the nature and condition
The willing reader will forgive me graciously, if due to coniseness I do not ramble or digress about who was the first to invent denistry or what were the names of the first dentist in France or Italy, since I have never had the opportunity to read the old histories.
I left out the instruments due to conciseness and will for now refer the willing reader to Mr.Pierre Fauchard, a French dentist
For the benefit of beginners in the art of dentistry, I will talk in length about the diseases of the gums and their surgery using cutting edge methods. But I will also describe clearly and no less the bevavior in all circumstances of a cautious and diligent dentist; how he can gain a good reputation and how he can avoid making unhappy sick people less happy; likewise, I will talk about which instruments to use according to the latest discoveries, in addition to describing the best and most comfortable manipulations, I have encountered in many situations.
I ask your pardon, if I did not follow the due order and rules of scientific method, since I have studied little logic and mathematics, and I hope, the willing reader will nevertheless look upon my simple thoughts
Whereupon I wish deep from my heart that this work may suffice to honor God and to be useful to human kind.
The Author.
$. 1.
{Description of the teeth.}
Every expert in anatomy agrees that the teeth in their natural state are
the whitest, hardest and most solid bones of the human
{Origin of their white color.}
The peculiar constitution of the tissue of
which teeth are made contributes quite a bit to their white color;
{Origin of their hardness and solidity.}
And because they enclose a lot of bony matter
in a small space, is the reason that they are hard and solid.
$. 2.
{Description of the teeth.}
The tooth sockets or compartments which contain the teeth (Alveoli) are
small hollow spaces of various shapes situated in the two jawbones (ossa
maxillaria) and separated from each other by bony partitions. {Their spongy
nature and plate.} Teeth have a spongy nature which is covered by a plate,
that is porous or perforated, very thin, flexible and able to yield more or
less.
$. 3
{The teeth have a body and a root.}
With each tooth ($. 1.) one notices two parts, a body (Corpus) or nucleus
and roots (radix). Everything that is not enclosed in the jawbone ($. 2.) is
called the body, the root however, is what lies hidden in the bone.
$. 4.
{Each part of the tooth is made of two substances.}
Each body of the tooth ($. 3.) is made of two substances in turn. The
interior, created by nature as the root, {$. ead.} and the exterior,
which is very hard and white. Th latter is also called the glace or
enamel (french: email).
$. 5.
{Peristeum (Periostium) of the tooth.}
The jawbone {$. 2.} and the inner substance of the tooth {$. 4.} are
covered by a very sensitive peristeum (Periostium) which originates
in the Tuna Schneideri, that covers the gums and lines all of the mouth
&c.
$. 6.
{Description of the gum.}
The fleshy system, that covers the jawbone from the outside,
$.7.
{How the teeth are attached.}
All teeth {$. 1.} are quasi framed and nailed into their pockets or
compartments, a combination that is called Gomphosis, which retains
the teeth together with the gums and the bony edge of the jaws.
$. 8.
{Hollowness of the root.}
One can notice a hollowness with each root of a tooth {$. 3.}, which
starts at the body and ends at the tip of the root. With young people
$. 9.
{Is lined with skin.}
The hollowness {$. 8.} is lined with a skin, which holds very likely all
the small blood vessels and the nerves, that spread out to the interior
of the tooth.
Note. Before I touch upon the blood vessels and the nerves of the teeth, I have wanted to the describe the classification and number of the very same, because the former is different in view of the latter; but because I am afraid I will go into to much detail, and since I planned to talk just about the nature of the teeth, I will continue with the nerves and blood vessels.
$. 10.
{The blood vessels of a tooth.}
There is no doubt that all teeth have their arteries in the same way as
all other bones and parts of the human body, as long as they grow and
are nourished. The arteries (Arteriae) are branches of the exterior
(rami arteriae carotidis externae)and these vessels carry
the blood back to the exterior (Venae jugulares externae)
$. 11.
{Where the nerves originate.}
The same as in $.10 can be said about the nerves which accompany the
arteries at any time and originate from this branch of the fifth pair
that is called the upper jaw nerve? (nervus maxillaris superior).
This nerve has branches that run to the teeth since it goes through
the sinus underneath the eyze sockets and spreads through the face.
$. 12.
{The gums also have blood vessels and nerves and their origin.}
The gums ($. 6.) are also permeated and moistened by many and various
kinds of vessels, in particular they have a large number of blood
vessels which cause their redish color. The branches of the exterior
carotid artery give their blood to the gums and one branch of the
most exterior (Lat.name Venae jugulares externae) carries it back.
The nerves of the gums originate mostly from the fifth pair.
Note.This following is said briefly and for the benefit of beginners about the nature of the teeth in general.
$. 13.
{Number of teeth.}
It is well known that the teeth like all other parts of the human body
are contained in the nucleus, but that every person should have a certain
number of teeth, as some wish, seems to be contradictory to experience.
For one can find with men, that they do not have fewer than twenty
eight and not more than thirty two teeth; if there is somebody with under
twenty eight teeth, which is very rare and a mistake of nature, and if there
is somebody with more than thirty two teeth which is equally rare, it is
called anomalous teeth (Dentes supranumerarii). I have found mostly thirty
two, namely sixteen on each jaw; this pertains to adults who have healthy
teeth.
$. 14.
{The teeth are classified in three categories or species.}
These thirty two teeth ($. 13.) are classified in three categories or
species. The first category are the incisors (lat. Incisores) based on
the Latin word for incisor (to cut). The other category contains the
canine teeth (canini), likewise based on the latin word canis (dog) and
called such because they are similar to a dog's teeth. The third category
is called the molars (molares) from mola (the mill).
$. 15.
{First category.}
The incisors ($. 14.) are the four teeth that sit on the front jaw.
Their total count is eight. The outstanding end a little wider and
thinner in the front than in the back and they are elongated towards
the root, flat on the side; fornt and back are thin, but pointy at
the tip; commonly there are only four.
$. 16.
{Second category.}
The canines (also called eye-teeth due to the shared nerves
(consensus nervorum) sit next to the aft incisors ($. $. 14. 15.),
two on each jaw. In total there are only four of them. Their body
is rounder and thicker than the incisors', likewise the root, of
which there are one, two or sometimes three; the tip of their
body is pointy but dull.
$. 17.
{Third category.}
The molars, five of them on each side, follow right after the
canines ($. $. 14. 16.). Their number is the largest, since in
total there are twenty. Their body is generally almost square,
$. 18.
{Usefulness of the teeth in particular.}
When talking about the usefulness of the teeth, one finds that
greatest advantage is that the incisors($. $. 14. 15.) cut
through food and help with speech: The canines ($. $. 14. 16.)
hold on to food, pierce it and gnaw it, as well as keep the other
teeth somewhat in order and place: But the molars ($. $. 14. 17.)
are comfortable
$. 19.
{Usefulness in general.}
Generally, the teeth ($. $. 14. 15. 16. 17.) contribute a lot to
health maintenance, because they accomplish the first and most
elegant part for the sigestion of food by cutting and grinding,
and they are an ornament for the face, they improve the pleasantness
of the voice and are absolutely necessary to breath mildly and
pronounce words clearly.
Note.Now that I have talked anout the number, the shape and
the usefulness of the teeth, there is nothing left to say in this
chapter but discuss their growth.
p>$. 20.
{Choroid (chorion) of the teeth.}
One notices in each jaw($. 2.) (I am talking of newborn babies)
$. 21.
{Germination of a tooth.}
The inside of the artery skin($. 20.) contains a lot of soft and
sticky matter, almsot shaped like a tooth, and the collection of
this matter in its skin, where it is quasi enfolded and moistended
by arteries, is called the germinal, the nucleus or the roe of the
tooth; some call it the casing.
$. 22.
{Hardening at last.}
The arteries($. 10.) moisten this material ($. 21.) and exude a
juice, by which the fibrils (Fibrillae) of the germinal receive
nourishment and growth, until the tooth sockets
Note.It is beyond the scope of this treatise to describe at this point how the above mentioned matter turns hard and bony as well as if the plates are formed first inside or outside. I will save this topic together with others for another opportunity, also because it has little relevance for practical purposes.
$. 23.
{The teeth appear.}
Once the teeth ($. $. 20. 21. 22.) are stiff and hard enough,
they constantly push away the gums ($. 6.) which enclose the jaw;
the fibers of the gums tear and get pulled apart. It is in this
manner, that the tooth slowly appears.
$. 24.
{Which one comes first, which last.}
The length of time varies during which this pushing through of
the teeth ($. 23.) happens. First the incisors ($. $. 14. 15.)
come through, usually in the lower jaw. After that the canines
($. $. 14. 16.) appear. Followed first by the small and long.
Then by the large molars.($. $. 14. 17.) Finally the wisdom
teeth arrive ($. 17.).
$. 25.
{At which time.}
The pushing through of the teeth ($. 24.) at various times is
called teething. Usually the first signs of teething start
between two and six months of age and ends at age two or three.
The second teething is noticed at age six and seven as well as
at age eight. The third teething happens fromt ten to 14 years;
and finally,
Note. This general rule is not always true when teeth push through. In the north of the Empire as well as in Russia, I have seen some children who brought their teeth with them when they were born, and I believe, one will find that occasionally when dealing with the art of midwifery (ars obstetricaria). In Hamburg, I have seen a four year old child who was almost four years hold, did not have a tooth in its mouth and could only sputter a few words. The child did not lack anything but teeth and speech, it was not rickety or among those with the English disease nor did it carry any other weakness, but was of a healthy nature like its parents. When I returned
At this point it will be necessary to mention the loss of milk teeth as well as how they can render the successive teeth crooked, twisted and black, if they are not taken out in time. But I am afraid, that I start rambling against my will and will spare you until my future work will see the light of the day; hence I will conclude this first chapter, having described briefly the nature, number, form, usefulness and growth of the teeth.
It would make for a treatise well beyond the planned scope of this one to describe all maladies which can occur with teeth and gums in addition to their internal and external causes and what has happened during my pracitcal experiences. For the benefit of beginners I will describe only those very briefly which occur the most often.
$. 1.
{Teething (Dentitio .)}
The teething (Dentitio) is the time when the teeth start to break
through with young children. It is not a sickness, although the
children are exposed to several attacks and great pain,
$. 2.
{The children suffer great pain when teething.}
The gums are the continuation of the periosteum as well as of the
skin that covers the inside of the mouth (Chap.I$.6.) Well, this skin
is full of neural fibers and has to be ruptured when the teeth break
through. Since everyhting that causes nerves to be stretched in such
a way that their tearing has to be feared, will cause pain, as
Boerhaven talks about in his Aprhorismis, it comes as no surprise
that small children feel great pain when the teeth break through.
$. 3.
{Prognosis(Prognosis.)}
The greater and flatter a tooth's surface (Cap.I $. $. 15. 16.
17.), the greater is the pain ($. 2.) cuased when it is about to come
through; that is why children feel always greater
$. 4.
{Diagnosis. (Diagnosis.)}
When the teeth come through, the gums show a puffiness (tumor) as
well as an itching sensation or some minor biting at the spot where
the tooth wants to break through; Shortly thereafter, the gums become
tense and inflamed and the salivation (Salvatio) increases. The
parts, that are close to the tooth rise. Small sores appear
(Aphtae), the tonsills and the parotid glands(Parotides) clog and this
occlusion may often end in large ulcers. (Apostemata)
$. 5.
{Symptoms. (Symptomata.)}
The symptoms (Symptomata), which children will show while
teething, are in general as follwos: they may suffer from diarrhia,
(Diarrhaea, vomiting, (vomitus), fever, (Febris),
insomnia, (Pervigilium) lethargy, (Lethargus) twitching of the limbs,
or convulsions, maybe even an epileptic attack. In the same way as these
symptoms increase or decrease or show more or less intensity, one has
to fear more or less the death of those children.
$. 6.
{Explanation of the Symptoms. (Explicatio Symptomatum.)}
The nerve of the upper jaw (Nervus maxillaris superior
Note., Now, that I start to describe the cure, the reader may expect to encounter a lot of prespcriptions, which he can use as it pleases him and without any difficulties for himself and others; alone, he is quite mistaken. It would be preferable to satisfy the reader's desire to learn in this case; but since every disease is linked with certain
$. 7.
{Internal Cure. (Cura interna.)}
As soon as the symptoms show ($. 4) and one is convinced that the
teeth want to pass, it is necessary
$. 8.
{Continuation ( continuatio curae internae.)}
I also often use the yellow children powder (Pulvis puerorum
citrinus) which is known at the apothecaries, and give a pinch of it
here and there mixed with destilled fennel water (Aqva Stillatit. Foe[
?]niculi) if this is not available, one can also use the camphor
syrup described in ($. 7) or the following:
Or:
Mix it all together. You may give the children 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the circumstances and their age, each morning and evening. By the way, a famous doctor in Saxon told me about a powder, which I use under the name of Pulvis aperiens infantum and which I find shows better results than any of the medcines I have described. The recipe for this powder can be obtain from me upon request.
$.9.
{In addition.}
If children suffer from constipation (obstructio alvi), it is very
necessary to open the child's body with gentle, softening enemas.
There are more than enough herbs to be found in the dispensaries. In
emergency situations, I often use boiled and steeped oats, diluted,
and make the following mixture:
Or:
Mix it all together and apply with appropriate heat.
$. 10.
{External Cure (Cura externa.)}
Externally, it is very necessary, to soften the gums by means of a
cooling water or syrup or similar. I often use the following salve
and have experienced a special benefit from it:
Rx. Axungiae leporis non rancidae Melis Rosacei aa 3ij.
M.
Or:
Take rabbit fat, not too old, rose honey, 1/2 Loth (7.3g)of each.
Mix together. Take a little bit and apply on and off to the gums with a feather or the index finder.
$. 11.
{Continuation of the external cure. (Continuatio curae externae)} Or:
mix it all together and sprinkle
$. 12.
{Put one's shoulder to the wheel or cutting the gums (Operatio Gingivatum. )}
When all these remedies ($.$.7.8.9.10.11.) fail, and the gums are too
hard and thick, one has to decide to put one's shoulder to the wheel
and operate.
NoteBecause I have already mentioned the symptoms for
teething in section 5, the reader may demand some remedies for them.
Alone, I will not meddle at all with it, but I will refer everybody
who needs those remedies to a careful and gentle doctor, of which we
show no lack, thank god, who may evaluate and cure these internal
symptoms much better than me. In the preface, I have already touched
upon the fact that I do not want to discuss anything else but teeth.
$. 13.
{Toothpain (Odontalgia.)} $. 14. {Causes (Causae.)} $. 15. {Diagnosis (Diagnosis.)} $. 16. {Prognosis and cure in general. (Prognosis & cura generalis.)} $. 17. {Examples for the remedies mentioned in the previous section.} Note.If I were wealthy, I could supply and describe several
thousand remedies which can be used for
$. 18. {Caries. (Caries or Cavities.} $.19.{Classification in internal and external cavities.} $.20.{Diagnosis (Diagnosis.)} $.21.{Prognosis. (Prognosis.)} $.22.{Cure.(Cura.)} Or:
Mix it all together and moisten a cotton ball. Put it in the
cavity and change four to five times a day, for fourteen days in a
row.
$. 23.
{Continuation.} Or:
Mix together. As before, moisten a cotton ball and put it into the
cavity; apply a little bit to the temple and pour some onto a sponge
$.24.
Occasionally, one can use a few drops of just destilled water and
cinnamom oil on a cotton ball and stuff it into the cavity, which
then works as a caustic agent (causticum potentiale) without fire,
or, if the nerv is exposed, it can be used as an actual caustic agent
(causticum actuale) to burn the surface of the nerv. If the pain
does not diminsh despite these remedies, or if the nerves cannot be
hit and the symptoms of which I gave an example ($.21.) grow
stronger, the tooth has to be pulled without delay.
Note.It is easier to demonstrate and talk about than to
write about the proper manipulations which will achieve a comfortable
and complete pulling of a tooth in such a way that all the heavy
$. 25.
{Tartar (Tartarus Tophus.) $. 26.
{Causes.} $. 27.
{Diagnosis.} $. 28.
{Prognosis.} $. 29.
{Protective cure.} $. 30.
{External cure.} Or.
$. 31.
{Continuation.} Or.
Put it all together and take some of it in the mouth, several
times a day.
Note.The waters I have talked about ($.$.30.31.), can bring
about quite a few changes given the circumstances. In the first case,
however, I use most of the time a composition, which I have always
handy, add a little cinnamom (Cinamomum acutum) and it is at
everybody's command, if desired.
$. 32.
{Loose teeth. (Dentium mobilitas.)} $. 33.
{Internal causes. (External causes.)} $. 34.
{Diagnosis.} $. 36.
{Cure for the internal causes.} Or:
Mix it all together in a glass container which is several times
bigger than the mass of ingredients; fermentation will make it rise
in the beginning. Spread it over the gums and the teeth, two to three
times a day.
P>$. 37.
{Continuation.} Or.
Mixed together. Gargle a few times a day.
$. 38.
{Cure for the external causes.} Note.Without boasting, I may make honorable mention of a
few very good remedies to stabilize loose teeth, regardless if caused
by internal or external reasons, which I possess, partly because I
was lucky enough to obtain them from famous men, partly because of my
own experience and which I plan to present to the gentle reader in
the future. Yet, I repeat what I have said several times before that
one needs to observe the circumstances at all times and look at and
examine the teeth carefully beforehand.
$. 39.
{The teeth are falling out.} $. 41.
{Can hardly be replaced.} Note Since chattering or grinding teeth (Brygmus) is an
arthritic or spasmodic movement, caused either just by external cold
air or by coldness, but also by a fever that comes and goes or by
strong feelings like anger or fear, it can easily disappear by itself
as soon as the reasons for it vanish; so that I rather have the
medical gentlemen treat this malady and continue with dull teeth.
$. 42.
{Dull teeth.} $. 43.
{Internal & external causes.} $. 45.
{External cure.} Or.
Mix it all together and rinse the mouth several times.
Note. In the previous chapter I touched some on the
construction or structure of the gums; Now I would like to end this
chapter, since I have briefly mentioned the diseases of the gums
before, which I, as most authors, divide into for species, namely:
tumors, open tumors, fistulas and growth of the flesh.
$. 46.
{Description of a tumor.} $ .47.
{Inflammation of the gums (Parulis.)} $. 48.
{External and internal causes.} $. 49.
{Diagnosis.} $. 50.
{Prognosis.} $. 51.
{Cure.} $. 52.
{Ulcer. (Ulcus)} $. 53.
{Causes.} $. 54.
{Diagnosis.} $. 55.
{Prognosis.} Note.A few years ago, I was called to a young noble lady in
the country, who complained about severe toothpain on the right side.
Her cheek was completely swollen, in particular
$. 56.
{Cure.} $. 57.
{Fistula (Fistula.)} $. 58.
{Causes.} $. 59.
{Diagnosis.} $. 60.
{Prognosis.} $. 61.
{Cure.} $. 62.
{Cure continued.} Or.
Boil all ingredients in a glass or earthen pot until it thickens
like grits. Put some of it on the fistula several times a day, using
a little bit of cotton or linen.
$. 63.
{Overgrowth of the gums. (Epulis.)} $. 64.
{Causes.} $. 65.
{Diagnosis.} $. 66.
{Prognosis.} $. 67.
{External cure.} $. 68.
{Internal cure.} $. 1.
{A number of foods are harmful to the teeth.} $. 2.
{Thus, preserved things too.} $. 3.
{Excessive drinking of various fiery liquids.} $. 4.
{Too much of being awake, sleeping and sitting still.} $. 6.
{The food should not be too hot.} $. 7.
{Likewise what one wants to drink.} $. 8.
{Tobacco turns the teeth black.} $. 9.
{Acidic matters are harmful.} $. 10.
{Likewise acidic juices.} $. 11.
{Quicksilver does harm to the teeth.} $. 12.
{Gnawing and corroding things.} $. 13.
{Brushes are disadvantageous for the teeth.) $. 14.
{Harmful toothpicks.} $. 15.
{Any forceful efforts make the teeth crooked.} $. 16.
{One should select foods that are good for the blood.} $. 17.
{Be aware of all strong emotions.} $. 18.
{Acidic things should not touch the teeth, do not trust a quack who
uses such things, but ask a reasonable man for advice.} $. 19.
{Quicksilver has to be avoided.} $. 20.
{A tooth-powder that can be used without harm.} Or:
All ingredients are ground into a very fine powder.
$. 21.
{Other means.} $. 22.
{What can be used instead of brushes.} $. 23.
{Things that can be used as toothpicks.} $. 24.
{Avoid forced efforts.} maybe even to the
END.
Errata
Pag. 25. lin. 11. l. Laxir-Saft
" 29. lin. 12.l ij.
By the way, I respect marshmallow (Rad. altheae), clover
(Melilotus) and liquorice root (liquiritia), which many have been
written about and recommended and I do not wish to discard them. I,
however, use mostly the roots of various hollyhocks (Malva vulgaris.
Malva sylvestris folio
finuato Bauh. pin. 314. Malva caule erecto, foliis fere palmatis
obsolete ferratis Linn. Cliff. 349.)
the pre-treated root with it,
and put it in the children's mouth, so that they can chew on it.
Otherwise, I often use a balm like syrup, which I call Electuarium
balsamicum & dentitionem promovens, by which one can elicit the teeth
easily and without pain with small children. That means that the
teeth can also grow straight and even. The recipe for this syrup can
be obtained from me upon request. Regarding the wolfstooth and
similar things that are put in children's mouths, I will not make any
comments, but I will write about my thoughts in other, future
treatises.
One has to pay close attention to the timing of the
operation and not delay it too much, otherwise the children are
completely weakened by all the symtpoms ($.5.); they may succumb to
the pains; the time should be chosen when the teeth use the most
force to push through; one can determine the right moment by the
whiteness and the ridge on the gums. Thereupon one performs a cross
cut on the tooth, the same size as the tooth; after that, the wound
has to be washed three to four times a day with a mixture of lukewarm
water, vinegar and honey or warm wine. I often use an aromatic
tincture made of wine for rinsing, which I have always ready.
If the periosteum, which covers the jaw as well as the inner, hollow
(Cap.eod. $.$.8.9.) part of the tooth (Cap.I $.5.) suffers from
inflammation (Inflammatio), severe pain arises, which is called
toothpain (Odontalgia).
This pain in the tooth can be felt often in the
neighboring parts of the teeth even in the head, it does not spare
any age group and attacks young as well as old people.
Toothpain ($. 14.) is caused by an inflammation of the periosteum ($.
ead.) and these pains are called pulling pains; but if the periosteum
is moistened with sharp or pungent salt water, it causes piercing and
intense sharp pain, which is all together different.
A toothache can be very painful and often so intense, that those
inflicted think they will loose their mind; these people do not know
what to do, because of the pain
and start thinking of this and
that. There are even examples of individuals who wanted to drown
themselves because of the pain; other wanted to cut themselves, etc.
All of this is caused by the cooperation of the nerves.
The consequences of the already described pains($.$. 14. 14. 15.) are
to be feared, that is why they should not be treated lightly or
neglected, but a proper diet should be started immediately, a
bleeding should be done, in particular to the foot, if the pains are
very severe, as well as medicines should be used like various
external, releasing or loosening drugs (Topica resolventia)
and painkillers, (Anodyna) and at last mucous-removing drugs
(apioghlegmatizantia) and snuff powder (Errhina) in addition to
remedies against blisters (Vesicatoria); those last three are
in particular recommended, if the pains are (bp)caused by reasons
talked about in ($.15.).
One can find these remedies ($.16.) in sufficient quantities in
apothecaries, for example camphor, (campher) fat from castoreum,
(Axungia Casterei) solanum, (Solanum) the egyptian sap of the
moon (Opium) and its preperation; pellitory of Spain (radix
pyrethri) root of white turmeric, (Zedoariae radix), orris
roots, (Iris florentina) lily of the valley, (lilium convallium) Spanish flies, (Cantharides) and many more. These remedies
are often enough to wipe out the pain, if the aches will not go away
despite the medicines, the teeth have to be pulled immediately.
toothaches and which are
recommended by various people; for example oil from box, (Oleum buxi) essence of Guaiacum (tree of life), (Essentia ligni guajaci)
henbane sap (Semen hyosciami) mixed with tobacco and smoked; elder
flowers, (Flores sambuci) cooked with milk and many more. I do not
want to dismiss or deny these remedies, since they help often and
sucessfully, although they are weak remedies; I remember that the
late Mr. Hoffmann praised elder juice in his Medicina rationali systematica
for this disease as follwos: Roob Sambuci, he writes,
interius ad 3j jusculo ad Diaphoresin proritandan assumtum, &
exterius in cerevisia solutum qua cum os subinde colluitur, specificam certe &
praesentaneam opem vexatis confert. I have been a faithful
follower of this small advice, not without great gains, yet, I also
have noticed at the same time,
that Mr. Hoffmann says:
Odontalgia est spasmodica constristio ligamentorum nervosorum
dentium and I seized the opportunity. Hence, it is necessary to use
those things carefully, under certain circumstances and at the right
time, which I strongly believe can be better determined by nobody
else but a person with good sense for medicines and a good dentist.
Why is it then, that people trust tramps, old wifes and the like, who
offer their special compounds and secrets (Arcana), with these
issues. Nothing seems more ludicrous to me than write "away toothache",
or poke the gums with a rusted nail until they start bleeding and
then drive this nail into some place with a lot of ceremony, prayers
and crossing oneself. The old charms
have been dismissed and
Abracadabra does not heal the cold fever any more; why do people put
their trust in such unbelievable things until they have a dental
fistula or a cavity. Unfortunately, every day there are too many sad
examples of this kind of behavior. It would be a simple task for me
to provide the reader with a great number of recipes, but because I
do not see any benefit without also providing a lenthy description of
each recipe, I will postpone it to the future. In previous sections I
have expressed my opinions about the cures, please let it suffice.
If the core of a tooth (Chp.1.$.4.) gets corroded either internally
by pungent juices or externally by left over salts and acid
A number of authors chose to classify cavities ($.18.) in rottening,
dry, complicated and so on. Others decided to allow for only one
class, eventhough they know of several causes; I like the following
classification best: If cavities are caused by the first reason
(($.cit.), I call them internal; if they are caused by the latter, I
assign them the name external caries.
The internal caries ($.19) can be diagnosed through painful
sensations which the sick notice, in particular if there is no tumor;
often the tumor cannot be detected
very well with a probe. The
external caries, however, ($.cit.) catches one's eye through black
dots, which slowly get larger.
Cavities ($.$.18.19.) are the same as caries on other bones or the
cold gangrene (Sphacelus) on fleshy parts which destroys
everything: Thus, one has to try immediately to prevent cavities with
proper means, so that they do not spread; because if that happens,
all teeth will be ruined, it causes ulcers and purulent abcesses and
the like. As such, it is one of the most devastating diseases of the
teeth.
When cavities have just started, one can try to remove them with a
rasp; but because caries cannot always be reached and spreads often
very quickly,
one has to keep in mind other measn as well. I
use, when required by circumstances, the following tincture:
However, I change this tincture ever so often ($.22.), using
different medicines
and adjust them according to the
circumstances; in such a way, that when the pains are quite intense,
I occasionally add analgesic things (Anodyna), as for example
so that the sick can inhale some of it.
and dangerous teeth as well as the broken stumps will easily be
removed without endangering the patient: however, at another occasion
(right now it would be against my intentions), I will take great care
to share my thoughts on the topic and indicate the best instruments,
which I found safest based on many years of experience and which I
had have made according to my design: and on how to fill cavities
with gold or lead. It is none of my business how much damage is done
when using lead and eating acid or lead disolving foods.
The external coating of the teeth (Cap. I. $.4.) as well as the gums
(Cap
eod. $.6.) are often covered by a material caked hard by
mucous and layered which eventually will form a crust or rind. It is
called tartar (Lat. Tartarus, Tophus) by the medical people. Most
people categorize it into the yellowish one, which is there first and
is quite soft, and the gruesome and blackish one, the latter being
harder than the former.
Tartar ($.25.) developes commonly, because the teeth are not kept
clean or don't get brushed; additionally, food that finds its way in
to the space between the teeth and the gums as well as just between
the teeth, stays there and is turned into a doughy sire (slime) when
moistened and dissolved by saliva. This slime gets dry and harder and
harder through the air that comes in and out when breathing.
Everybody who pays a little attention to his teeth can easily
recognize tartar; it is so common with people who don't brush their
teeth or don't have them brushed, that it will catch their eye and
everybody else's when standing in front of a mirror and sometimes
several layers can be found on a toothpick. Yet, tartar can be more
common with some people thatn with others.
Nobody will doubt that tartar is something quite damaging to the
teeth and the gums, regardless if it shows its nasty consequences
more on the gums or more on the teeth;
for, by distending the
former, making it swell up and consuming it, tartar does not spare
the latter, since tartar lays tightly on the enamel, consumes it and
often causes cavities. ($.18.) Tartar also heats up the mouth and
causes bad breath.
No better means to get rid of tartar has ever seen the light of day
than to get used from early age on to rinse the mouth daily and to
keep the teeth clean. Nothing is suited better than pure water,
lukewarm, mixed with a little bit of wine or surgical spirit (spirit
vinus gallici) or also with some Spirit of Rosemary (Aqua reginae[?]
hungariae) or Eau d'arquebusade (a vulneray for gunshot
wounds). Use it to rinse the mouth and with the index finger or a
soft sponge rub it slightly on the teeth and the gums.
If it is
necessary to strengthen the gums, add some red wine (I mean one that
is astringent, like Pontac) instead of white as well as a little bit
of Tinctura gummi Laccae and the like. The leansing of the
intestines using a mild laxative starting at a young age can help to
prevent tartar on the teeth and the gums; the pungent evaporations of
the stomach contribute quite a bit to the creation of tartar; parents
who have children should really observe that.
Once the tartar is hard and quite attached to the teeth and the gums,
one has to try to remove it using comfortable and proper tools; I
usually use three different instruments,
which I have had made
after my own design and would like to propagate in copper. In short,
if tartar is to be removed, one has to make use of a few
strengthening and astringent things, for example the following water:
If together with the tartar, there is also a strong heat of the
mouth, one can uase the following cooling water before removing the
tartar:
Teeth which are not anchored solidly in their boxes but which can be
moved backward and forward as well as to the sides, are called loose,
(Lat. dentium mobilitas) and this has internal and external causes.
The internal cause is generally a foul condition of the blood,
(cacochymia) the external causes, however, are intense violence,
blows and beatings as well as
and especially tartar ($.25.)
which consumes the gums, ($.28.) such that the teeth are blare.
To discover loose teeth, one does not ahve to go far. Since it shows
quite soon, when touching the teeth; thus, the dignosis of this
malady is very simple.
P>$. 35.
{Prognosis.}
Nevertheless, this disease should not be taken lightly; because the
sick cannot eat without great pains; they run the danger to loose
their teeth and all the reasons for this disease are accompanied by
grave and non-trivial consequences.
When there is an internal cause,
special attention needs to be
paid to the cure using remedies cleansing the blood, at the same time
with external astringend water, of which I gave an example ($.30.) or
one can use the following strong tooth balm:
Likewise, one could use various alcoholic mixtures, for example:
If, however, the external causes are present ($.33.), the above
mentioned remedies ($.$.37.38.) may still be used to the benefit of
the patient; but, it is often necessary to tie down the loose teeth
with a fine golden wire until they are stable again. By the way, if
this situation is caused by tartar, one has to follow what I have
described in ($.30.).
A non-trivial consequence of loose teeth, ($.32.) is their falling
out; ($.35.) yet it just happens with old people quite often that
their teeth fall out the same way as their hair due to a lack of
nutrients; likewise, a paralysis of the nervous fibres (Cap.1. $.11.)
which cover the root of the tooth (Cap. eod. $.3.), may give reason
for teeth to fall out.
P>$. 40.
{Prognosis.}
Although the falling out of teeth ($.39.) indicates more of an
ailment than a danger, their benefit (Cap.1.$.$.18.19) disappears as
well when the teeth fall out. Therefore, it needs to be regarded as a
huge calamity and deserves not little but great attention, so that
the reason ($.39) can be determined and eleviated.
For once the teeth of a grown up person are gone, they will not be
replaced by nature
and the skill can replace such lack only
minor; unless, particularly lucky circumstances are present.
A miserable sensation of the nerves (Cap.1.$.11.) which can be felt
either by touching the teeth or, when chewing or when sucking in air
and which everybody knows better from personal experiences than can
be describe with words, is called dull teeth. (French Agacement.) For
this there are two reasons, internal and external ones.
The internal cause is thick and pungent blood, the external cause
evolves, when the juices of certain stone fruits like plums, tart
cherries get between the fibers of the skin that covers the root
(Cap.1.$.8.).
P>$. 44.
{Prognosis.}
Dull teeth ($.42.), when caused internally ($.43.), can be very
persistent and long lasting and can give cause to nasty symptoms. If
dull teeth are caused externally ($.eod.),
it is not dangerous
and will pass soon.
Causes that are internal, those good doctors know how to cure by
using appropriate remedies which thin the blood and take away its
sting; but the external cause can be mitigated by waters that wash
off and cleanse, as for example:
In general, any abnormal growth of a part, be it in width, depth and
height, is called a tumor. Tumors can be distinguished by their form,
external characteristics, effected part of the body and the causes
for them. Hence, they can be watery, (oedematosi) bloody, (sangvinei)
hard uand painless, (schirrhosi) and so forth.
The blood which flows through the capillary vessels (vas capillaria),
often gets stuck, due to the narrowness of the vessel or to the
thickness of the blood. It cannot be absorde by the arteries; the
forward pushing blood widens the vessels, which press against the
neighboring ones, so that those can suffer from getting clogged as
well. As a result, a swelling or tumor occurs, and in combination
which an inflammation this is called gingivitis.
Thus, the causes can be internal as well as external. The internal
cause is a matter of thick blood ($.47.) or of pungency of the blood,
which stimulates the vessels and creates a goutlike contraction.
The external causes are, aside from strikes or falls, raw and cold
air, in particular at straits or in cold and watery countries. Quite
often, opportunity is presented by cavities, a fragment or the root
of a tooth as well as a decayed jaw.
Gingivitis ($.47.) can be recognized as such, as do other types of
inflammations, by the following four main signs: heat, (Calor) pain,
(Dolor) redness, (Rubor), and throbbing. (Pulsatio) If the heat and
the redness of a swelling decrease but the hardness increases, a
sclerosis is not far fetched in general.
In this respect, if one wants the prognosis of gingivitis not to
fail, one has to always watch for the causes;
since the causes
make the consequences more or less dangerous. Such as, that if the
swelling is minor and the blood is still kept in the vessels, the
inflammation can be diverted. Often, the inflammed swelling will
spread to the cheeks, ears, eyes, nose and lips.
Bleeding is the most comfortable means to dissipate an inflammation
of the gums, ($.47.) whatever the causes are, internal or external
($.48.); this is because not only is the quantity of blood diminished
but it is also dispelled. Additionally, one can dilate the small
vessels by applying warm milk or water, in which softening herbs have
been boiled, simultaneously to reducing the thickness and pungency of
the blood.
But if a carious tooth is the reason, it has to be
removed, if possible, before starting the treatment.
If the blood, that has left the vessels, has collected in the small
interstices and has torn the vessels, dissipation is not likely
($.51.), but an ulcer may develop.
The causes for a swelling ($.48.), may, if they are persistent, also
cause an ulcer ($.51.); both can even be caused by the mucus of the
mouth and rotten saliva.
If the swelling ($.$.46.47.) is very elevated and bright red and
accompanied by great heat, it is an indication that blood has leaked
out; pain, shivers and fever as well as a pointed shape and
oscillating of the swelling indicate that blood has changed into pus.
The puriform ulcers, of which I talked at the end of the 52nd
paragraph, don't mean much. By the way, my own experience, in
accordance with most of the authorities, has taught me that the
ulcers of the gums occuring on the upper jaw are to be feared less
because of the sepage of pus.
her upper lip,
such as that she did not look like herself anymore and this misery
had lasted for more than 2 weeks. I had some trouble to look at the
damaged tooth, but soon after I was aware that a puriform ulcer of
noticeable size had formed on the gums close to the tooth that had
the cavity. Without delay, I removed the carious tooth and with it
came four to five spoonfuls of fetid puriform matter. After that the
pain was stilled and the swellingreduced. A couple days ago,
following the advice of her young doctor, this young noble lady, who
was 30 years of age already and had suffered from very intense
headaches (Cephalae[?]) almost every day since she was a youth, had
put a strip of red or Russian leather on her head. This was before
the tooth pain started and after she had cut her hair. I leave it
undecided, if this had anything to do with the swelling; yet, that
much I know, the headaches had stopped for a full year.
All the time, one attempts to soften the puriform ulcers of the gums
($.51.) by using the appropriate remedies and get them to open. The
former can be achieved by rinsing the mouth diligently with softening
herbs and roots, which have been boiled in milk or water; likewise
with things that resist rot (decay), like for example oil of myrrh
(Oleum Myrrhae per deliquium), put on a piece of linen and applied
to the ulcer and more of the same. But the latter, if it does not
happen on its own, has to be achieved through a little opening
created by a small lancet at a spot where the swelling is the softest
and the pus can drain the most easily. Then one presses on the
swelling; extrudes the pus; cleans and heals the wound.
If the entrance of an ulcer ($.51.) is narrow and the base is wide,
it is called a fistula (lat. Fistula) because of the similarity of
its entrance and base with the entrance and being hollowness of a
flute.
The most common causes for a fistula ($.57.) are caries, ($.18.)
tartar, ($.25.) a puriform ulcer, ($.51.) and neglected growths that
produce a caustic juice, which I will describe immediately.
A dental fistula is recognised by its hard and swollen edges; bad
smelling pus is oozing conintuously and, by the way, its condition
can be determined with a probe.
A fistula of the gums, like fistula on other parts of the body, can
sometimes be heald only barely and very slowly; in particular, if
there are deep hollows and a hardness paried with some other
circumstances.
Caries as well as tartar are the common causes for a dental fistula.
{$.58.} Whenever that happens, the carious tooth has to be removed;
tartar has to be taken away; the entrance has to be widened, if
necessary; the matter has to be coax out with compresses or, if one
cannot get to it, it has to be rinsed out with injections; after
that, the cure needs to be completed using cleansing and healing
remedies.
To achieve the latter, I use the following among many other remedies:
A fleshy rising of the gums, which extends beyond the surface of the
gums, is called overgrowth (Epulis); there are two kinds. One of them
is soft and whitish, the otherone is hard and reddish.
The first type of these growths, ($.63.) has at its base blood mixed
with thick and viscous lymph. The other type is caused, when the
blood lacks the fine water. Sometimes one can find small growths,
which are caused by a
leftover splinter.
The overgrowth is easily recognized; sometimes it is as big as an
egg, in general it sits on a necklike or sticklike structure; the
overgrowth is dense and hard and gradually reaches its size.
Indeed, the overgrowths of the gums is not dangerous initially; but
if they are not wiped out in time, they spread and have serious
consequences; they can turn into a hard cyst or cancerous; prevent
chewing and speaking. The growth ($.64.) does not have consequences,
in particular if cut out immediately.
As for a cure, aside from extirpation, only little or nothing can be
achieved with external remedies. Such eradication is done with a
suitable instrument. Some people use a ligature or band, but that is
not quite safe. Once the operation is completed, the patient should
rinse the mouth several times with warm wine, to which sugar and a
little cinnnamom as well as myrhh and the like have been added.
Sometimes it happens that new growth shows, which can be eradicated
with burnt alumn, (Alumen ustum) or vitriol, (Vitriolum Cyprinum) or
also with the infernal stone (Lapis infernalis), although one needs
to be quite careful with these remedies, in particular with the last
one, so not to cause any harm in the mouth.
By the way, when there is a growth of the gums, after distinguishing
the circumstances, it is quite necessary to bleed the patient once or
several times; to cleanse the vessels with suitable medicines. But
because I have found most of the time a medeicament which does all of
the above, I will pass that issue quietly.
All foods that create bad chyle (Chylus), when used too frequently,
contribute to the extinction of the teeth quite a bit, as for example
pork, salted fish and meat, cheese, beets, peas, onions, cabbage,
garlic and many more. For the nutritive juice has the same
composition then the blood. Thus, when the blood is pungent or has a
propensity for inflammation, it soon may settle in the hollows of the
teeth or their neighborhood and cause infections there.
Along the same line, foods that were made with sugar, sugar covered
seeds like anis, fennel, cubeb etc. are of disadvantage to the teeth.
Preserved foods, like lemon and bitter orange peel, walnuts, cherries
and the like. Because the sticky juice, that develops, covers the
teeth, gets between the gums, causes shifts and so forth.
Excessive use of various fiery drinks, such as wine, spirits and
strong beer, heat the blood, make it pungent and ruin the stomach and
the lung, thus, it too is very harmful and detrimental to the teeth.
Too much of being awaake, sleeping and sitting still turns the blood
pungent and thick, thus, these behaviors contribute quite a bit to
the fact, that teeth get cavities
and start to wiggle; even fall
out before their time and are lost.
P>$. 5.
{All strong emotions.}
Such a thing can be caused also by all strong emotions or affects,
such as fright, rage, great sadness etc; because they disturb
digestion; prevent the secretions and discharges, (Se- & Excretiones)
and provide the base for constipation, which shows its harmful
consequences quite often with the teeth.
Foods, for those who enjoy them, should not be too hot, if they shall
not cause a stagnation of one or the other type of moisture in the
teeth themselves or the gums; in particular, if there is cold air
touching the teeth directly. Because the effect of those two
contradicting
affairs can easily cause that.
The same thing happens, if tea, coffee or the like are drunk too hot,
and what is more fashionable these days among women than to have very
hot drinks; keep them in the mouth for a long time and let it swirl
around the teeth. Some even drink ice cold water immediately
afterwards. The caries which is caused by such behavior is also quite
in fashion nowadays.
The same happens when tobacco is smoked extensively; additionally,
the tobacco smoke makes the teeth black and ugly. Pipes, which are
usually made from clay or soil, wear the teeth gradually out and one
can observe most of the time
that strong tobacco smokers have
black, worn out teeth.
All acidic matters like cream of tartar, (Cremor tartari) sugar of
lead, (Saccharum Saturni) burnt alum (Alumen ustum) and others must
not come close to the teeth; since they make the teeth yellow and
brittle. Botchers and quacks know quite well how to make many of
these fraudulent compositions, by which these people do more damage
than good.
Acidic juices and spirits, like lemon juice, (Succus citri), juice of
garden sorrel, (Succus acestosae), marin acid (Spiritus Salis) and so
forth, about which I talked in the preface, should be brought close
to the teeth either not at all or only with great caution; because
they turn the teeth
yellow, they wear down the enamel, and when
used often over a longer period of time, they even destroy the
enamel, so that is looks worm-eaten. The gums have to suffer a lot
during these processes. Yet, this is a special secret of the
wandering and quacking dentists, of which everyone should be aware.
Mercury (Mercurius) shows its mean effects sufficiently on the teeth
as well and in particular on the gums: it makes the gums swell up, it
corrodes and destroys; and it does exactly the same to the skins
which cover the root of the teeths.
Toothbalms and powders, which are made in a certain way of pumice,
(Lapis Pumicis) porcelain and other
materials should not be used
at all; the same is true for red corals (corallia rubra),
red crabstone (Lapides Cancrorum), even if they are real pearls,
if they are nor prepared properly and disolved prior to using them.
Since, because of their gnawing and corroding particles, these
materials wear down the enamel of the teeth, they are very
detrimental for the gums.
All coarse and hard things, like brushes, pieces of fabric or canvas,
if they are used to clean the teeth frequently and without
consideration, cause quite a bit of harm; by often chafing the gums
and the teeth. I have noticed with many people that they use those
things several times a day and not without disadvantage to the
teeth.
One should not apply a toothpick, if it is made of gold, silver,
steel or iron, to remove the meat that is stuck between the teeth;
even less so pins or the point of knives; because the cool sensation
which one notices, is not beneficial for the teeth, and the hardness
of these materials causes fissures in the teeth, and once those are
present, it is questionable if nature can heal these wounds.
All forceful efforts, which are performed with the teeth to chew
foods that are too hard or crunch any other hard things, like
cracking nuts or bite off threads etc. shake lose the teeth and their
roots. If a forceful effort is too strong, the teeth can become
crooked or even break.
If one wishes to keep the teeth white and healthy, one should select
such foods that provide a healthy and smooth blood, use the talked
about foods and preserved foods, ($.$.1.2.) only in small amounts or
not at all; the same is true for drinks, ($.3.) which should not be
consumed too often and unnecessarily; go to bed in time and rise in
time; exercise once in a while, ($.4.) and by doing so one can keep
the teeth in good health.
One should be aware of all strong emotions; let the food, that is
about to be enjoyed, have the right or lukewarm temperature; ($.6.)
likewise tea, coffee, hot chocolate or other things, one wants to
drink; ($.7.) do not smoke tobacco at all or only moderately, ($.8.)
and always put a small mouthpiece
made of horn or feathers on
the pipe, by doing so the teeth will stay healthy and white.
Moreover, do not use at all acidic things, juices and spirits
($.$.9.10.); it is better to let the liars and quacks who use those
things, get away; instead of doing more damage to oneself, ask a
reasonable and knowldgeable man for advise, somebody who knows to use
different and better things, or who can at least decide when it is
the right time to use those things and when they are indispensable.
This is the best way to get the teeth clean comfortably and for sure.
The use of mercury has to avoided as much as possible. If it is
absolutely necessary to use it, one should stay nice and warm
and try to eliminate the quicksilver from the body in a timely manner
and with the proper means. Doing so prevents many diseases of the
gums.
Instead of using the toothbalms or powders which I mentioned in
($.12.), one should rather employ the kind of balms of which I gave
an example (Cap.II.$.36.), or the following toothpowder:
I use many variations of these powders and cannot list them all for
short; some need the crust of rye bread, burnt to coals, (crusta
panis secalini ad nigredinem tosta) mixed with burnt ivory (Ebur
ustum), and so forth which is not to be turned down.
If the teeth need cleaning, one should use, instead of small brushes
or other coarse and sharp instruments, ($.13.) the index finger or a
soft, gentle sponge or the very tip of the root marsh-mallows or
mallards which have been prepared accordingly beforehand. Great gains
will be noticed from such behavior, because the teeth remain
undamaged.
Along the same lines, one should try and get rid of toothpicks
($.14.), and employ instead thin feathers as well as thinly cut wood
of sassafras and in particular of the root of cinquefoil
(Pentaphyllum officin. seu Pontentilla foliis digitatis
longitudinaliter patenti ferratis, caule repente Linn. Cliff.194),
which I prepare beforehand and which can be used by everybody without
great gains, since the teeth will be cleaned without any danger at
all and without any harmful fissures.
Finally, be aware of all forced efforts regarding the teeth ($.15.),
in particular, since they can be dispensed with quite well and
easily. Thus, if one would like to crack hard nuts, one should use
another tool than the teeth. A thread can be cut rather with a
scissor and more comfortably for that matter than to tear or bite it
off with the teeth. At other occasions, when something hard needs to
be bitten off, it is much better to not do so than to show off, since
the teeth will not loosen, they will not be crooked or fall out, but
one can keep them, by taking good care, often undamaged until old age,
PLEASE NOTE: The English language translation provided here is a rough draft version created by Barbara Hegenbart, rough proofed by P. F. Anderson. A final proofed and edited version will be made available at a later date. The original fulltext and page images are available from the Humanities Text Initiative of the University of Michigan at http://www.hti.umich.edu/c/conraditc/.
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Dentistry Library, University Libraries, University of Michigan |
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