Effect of Saleratus on the Teeth

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Dr. S. Baker, of Portsmouth, N. H., has sent us three human teeth, one of which is perfect, another has been steeped in a solution of cream of tartar and it is slightly corroded, while the third, that has been immersed in saleratus, is completely caten into holes. We do not, however, think this is a fair test, as we perfectly well know that in baking, it would be decomposed, and the alkali which it contains would form some less virulent compound with one of the constituents of the bread, most likely an acetate of potash, in which case the teeth wonld not be much injured. Carbonate of potash or saleratus cannot be in itself so very iniurlOus; for in Britain, where teeth are proverbially good, there is a great . quantity of baking powder used, one of whose j chief constituents is this same salt. k The dentists are evidently on the wrong S track in trying to discover the cause of decay in American teeth, and we have an idea that were they to turn their attention to the climate and general habits of life among m, they would be nearer the mark. Let them try.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American