TEETH AND NUTRITION


Dental decay, pyorrhoea, adenoids, septic tonsils, gastric and duodenal ulcers, appendicitis, cancer of the stomach and bowels, and many other diseases of the alimentary tract which decimate the civilized, are quite unknown among the uncivilized and amongst savages.


(Hippokrates-Bucherei. 3 marks.).

The alimentary tract of the civilized, from the mouth to the anus, is a disgrace. The diseases of civilization strike particularly the alimentary tract. Among savages, whether they are vegetarians, mixed feeders, or live entirely on flesh and fish like the Eskimos, an excellent denture is universal. Among the civilized, a perfect denture is a thing of the greatest rarity, notwithstanding the high development of scientific dentistry.

Dental decay, pyorrhoea, adenoids, septic tonsils, gastric and duodenal ulcers, appendicitis, cancer of the stomach and bowels, and many other diseases of the alimentary tract which decimate the civilized, are quite unknown among the uncivilized and amongst savages. Dr. Klussmann has done a very useful service in describing the effect of the diet of civilization upon the teeth. He points out rightly the vast importance of a healthy natural denture. Even defective natural teeth are infinitely more valuable than the best artificial set.

He points out that a faulty diet is responsible for the disgraceful condition of the mouths of the civilized. He also points out in detail the defects in the modern diet, the importance of good drinking water, of bringing up babies with mothers milk, the importance of selecting the right kind of bread and so forth. His book is of considerable value. The fact that it has been brought out by the Hippokrates Publishing House is, of course, a guarantee of its excellence, and it ought to have a large number of readers, especially among those who can influence legislation. The legislature ought to forbid the sale of deficiency foods which are ruinous to the national health.

Walther Klussmann