Diet In Abnormal Dentition

In abnormal dentition in children the food is imperfectly masticated, and gastric dyspepsia or gastric catarrh may follow. If dentition is delayed and the teeth are imperfect, as in the case of rickets, scrofula, tuberculosis, or any protracted disease involving nutrition, the diet should be made as nourishing as possible, and meat, eggs, milk, cream, and broths should be given in addition to cereals. Cod-liver oil is usually prescribed with benefit. There is no one food of special value for retarded dentition on account of its containing the lime salts of the teeth, and the chief reliance for this purpose must be placed in building up general nutrition.

In all cases of dyspepsia, gastric catarrh, rickets, or syphilis the teeth must be carefully examined before prescribing special dietetic treatment.

If the teeth are broken or irregular all solid food should be carefully prepared by mincing or otherwise reducing it to a form requiring but little mastication. In a young child a sore mouth from swollen gums is often overlooked as a cause of anorexia.

The perfection with which false teeth are now fitted has done much to improve the digestion of adults and to add to the comfort and, no doubt in some instances, prolong the life of the aged. Their use enables solid food to be eaten, and the act of mastication increases the flow of saliva, which not only digests starchy food but tends to neutralise a too acid gastric juice, if the latter be present.

Catarrhal Stomatitis

Catarrhal stomatitis is a simple inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth which, among other causes, may be excited by taking food or drink at either extreme of temperature.

Food which is very acid or too highly seasoned with condiments may cause it, so also may excessive drinking and smoking.

No special diet is required beyond giving food which is easily swallowed and which is free from the above objections.

When the disease occurs in infants their diet must be regulated according to the directions for feeding detailed under the heading Infant Feeding.

In gangrenous stomatitis the mouth may become too sore to admit of swallowing, in which case food must be given by the rectum. (See Nutrient Enemata, p. 414.) Otherwise small quantities of fluid food must be ordered at frequent intervals. Concentrated meat broths, egg albumin, meat juice, and milk are to be taken at hourly intervals. If the stomach is irritable this food should all be predigested with pancreatin. Alcohol, preferably in the form of brandy, should be frequently given to the limit of toleration.

The above directions apply also to cases of inflammation of the mouth and pharynx caused by corrosive poisons, such as carbolic acid, ammonia, etc.