Degenerative Disease Caused by Tooth Infections
Case Histories.- By Dr. George Meining,D.D.S.,
* Quite often Price referred to the high number of "rheumatic group lesions" which resulted from dental infections. That terminology produced some confusion as it placed extreme emphasis on rheumatism and arthritis.
* Although rheumatic and arthritic illness often result from oral infections, they aren't any more prevalent as a result of dental infections than those which affect the heart and circulatory system.
* Dr. Price's decision to call all diseases resulting from dental infections "degenerative diseases" was a prophetic one. Time has proven him correct and people generally recognize this term implies a progressive health deterioration.
* During Dr. Price's time, and even today, people believe degenerative diseases are caused by accidental exposure to specific germs and as a result the heart, kidneys, joint, etc. are attacked - much like contracting the measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc.
* Because, in some cases, bacteria are involved, the above view still predominates. The issue is further confused by the fact that tissue deterioration also takes place because of nutritional deficiencies and excesses.
* At the same time, hardly anyone realizes the extent to which focal infections from teeth, tonsils, and tonsil tags are major contributors to the presence of degenerative diseases.
That fact motivated the writing of this book.
* It is most difficult on one hand to realizes how fabulous the contributions of the dental profession have been in preserving and extending the life of teeth - One the other hand to recognize that the need for root canal fillings is a distinct indication of failure to discover tooth decay when it starts, rather than when it is so deep the pulp has become infected.