In the same book there is a passage in which Hippocrates warns against the use of origanum, as harmful to the teeth and eyes:
“Origanum in drinks is harmful to affections of the eyes, and also to the teeth.”[68]
Farther on a case of necrosis of the jaw is mentioned:
“Cardias, the son of Metrodorus, by reason of pains in the teeth was subject to mortification of the jaw. Excrescences of a fleshy kind formed on the gums, that grew most rapidly; the suppuration was moderate; the molars fell out and afterward the jaw itself.”[69]
Some passages in the Epidemics,[70] and in other books of Hippocrates, even when not referring directly to pathological conditions of the teeth, are of value as demonstrating what importance the author attaches to the dental organs, and to the phenomena of which they may possibly become the site.
In establishing the diagnosis of a malady, he recommends searching for its point of departure; for example, if it has begun with a headache, an earache, a pain in the side, and adds, that in some cases the nature of the malady is revealed by the teeth, in some others by swelling of the glands.[71] The truth and importance of this observation are not to be doubted.
In fevers, Hippocrates considers it an unfavorable sign if there be a deposit of viscous matter on the teeth, especially when the patient keeps his mouth half open, that is, when he lies in a state of stupor.[72]
Other prognostics drawn from the teeth or the gums are the following:
“Grinding of the teeth in those who have not this habit when in full health, gives reason to fear a furious delirium and death; but if the patient, already delirious, presents this sign, it is an absolutely fatal one.[73] It is also a most unfavorable sign when the teeth get very dry.”
“Necrosis of a tooth heals the abscess formed at the gum.[74] This is very easily explained by the fall of the tooth. But Hippocrates knew very well that the affection does not always take such a favorable course; he therefore adds, immediately after: