Correspondence.
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the views expressed by our Correspondents.
MR. SEWILL ON DENTAL CARIES.
TO THE EDITORS OF THE “MONTHLY REVIEW OF DENTAL SURGERY.”
Sirs,—While thanking you for your courteous notice of my contribution to the second edition of Dr. Fothergill’s work, permit me to point out that my contribution was not intended as an exhaustive discussion of the subject of dental caries. I was asked to write only upon the “Hygiene of the Teeth,” and to indicate to the medical practitioner the means available for the prevention of dental disease. In accordance with the scheme of the work it was requisite to explain the etiology and pathology of caries in order to make clear the rationale of treatment, and therefore, with brevity consistent with the limited space at my disposal, I did so, adopting mainly what is termed the “chemical” theory of the disease. This view, as you remark, is certainly “theoretical,” but I venture to say it approaches as nearly to demonstration as need be. I certainly do not hesitate to accept it as fact, and I felt more bound to adopt it in the present instance, seeing, at least, that upon this theory both the prophylaxis of caries as well as our treatment of the disease seem based.
I should be glad to see a discussion of the subject started in your columns or at the Odontological Society.
6, Wimpole Street, Yours faithfully,
September 30th, 1880. HENRY SEWILL.
Birmingham Dental Hospital, Broad Street.
Consulting Physician.—James Sawyer, M.D., Lond., M.R.C.P., Physician to the Queen’s Hospital.
Consulting Surgeon.—James West, F.R.C.S., Senior Surgeon to the Queen’s Hospital.