DURING an average lifetime, a person consumes roughly 40 tons of food. The processing of this enormous quantity of material begins, of course, in the mouth. How well the teeth perform their grinding and chewing function will in¬evitably have an effect on the whole body. For this reason, dental and mouth hygiene have always held an important place in Chinese medical theories on health and longevity.
Two thousand years ago there was already a saying that advised: "The first thing in the morning, wash the face and rinse the mouth. " Over a thousand years ago, the Chinese peo¬ple were using bone tooth brushes.

In Chinese medicine an important role is given to the sali¬va, which is considered a precious fluid. This comes from the theory of the Fluids of the Five Organs. Perspiration is the heart fluid, nasal mucus is the lung fluid, tears are the liver fluid, and saliva is the fluid of the spleen and the kidneys. Since the latter two organs are vital for a long, healthy life, saliva too becomes especially precious. Classic medical authorities prescribed: "Frequently press the tongue against the teeth, collect the saliva and swallow it. Let it lubricate the five inter¬nal organs and enliven the skin. Such is the way to long life."

Modern science has indeed shown that saliva has many properties: it aids digestion, neutralizes gastric acids, helps re¬pair intestinal membranes, and is a mild antiseptic. Saliva also bathes the teeth, washing out food and thus protecting them.

Saliva contains calcium, sodium, chlorine, ammonia, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, proteins, and amino acids. These substances all enhance metabolism, growth and the body's im¬munity system. Hormones of the salivary glands delay the aging process. Saliva also seems to have an inhibiting effect on car¬cinogenic substances. Clearly, any methods that will improve mouth hygiene will have a salutary effect on the whole body.

The following are some of the more important parts of dental hygiene from Chinese medicine:

1. Frequent clamping of the teeth together.

This strengthens the teeth so that they do not fall out with age. Most people who live to an old age usually retain a fair number of healthy teeth. This exercise should be done in the morning and evening. The method is to be calm, relaxed and lightly close the lips. First clamp the molars together 50 times, then the in¬cisors 50 times. Then slightly move the lower jaw to one side so the canines can clamp together, also 50 times. The numbers of clenches and the frequency can, of course, be increased.

2. Rinsing and swallowing saliva.

This can often be done after the tooth clamping. Move the tongue gently around the teeth, left and right, up and down, along the inner and outer surfaces, in all 30 times. As the saliva increases, push it toward the upper palate with the tongue. When a sufficient quantity has collected, puff the cheeks and rinse the mouth ten times with the saliva, then swallow it in three deep gulps, as if send¬ing it down below the navel. This is a very simple exercise which can be carried out anywhere at any time. If done fre¬quently, it can help prevent toothaches and sore throats. It also increases the appetite and aids digestion.

3. Brushing the teeth morning and night.

The night brushing is particularly important, for the secretion of saliva is least during the night and its natural washing effect is at a minimum. Brushing should be up-and-down, not sideways which not only does not get rid of particles of food between the teeth but can also damage tooth surfaces. Elderly people should use soft brushes. False teeth should be taken out and washed every night.

4. Frequent rinsing of the mouth.

This should be done af¬ter every meal, and particularly after eating sweet things. In China, people rinse with water and tea. In the old days, cold water was most popular. For tea rinsing, the tea should be strong. This helps rid the mouth of grease and freshens the breath. Tea contains fluorine which strengthens the teeth.

5. Correct chewing.

Food should be chewed and swal¬lowed slowly so as to thoroughly mix it with the saliva. The teeth on both sides of the mouth should be used. Habitually chewing on one side can only cause atrophy of the unused side and lead to tooth and gum problems. It can also lead to over-sensitivity of the teeth or inflammation. In extreme cases the face may even become lop-sided.

6. Massage of the lips.

The method is to close the lips and use the ring finger of either hand to gently massage the lips un¬til there is a hot sensation. This stimulates blood circulation in the mouth and gums, and increases their resistance to disease and infection.

7. Proper nutrition.

Vitamins A, C, D and the B group as well as calcium, phosphorous and proteins are all essential to the proper development of healthy teeth. Fruit, vegetables and animal products which contain these substances should be eaten regularly. Pregnant and nursing mothers, babies and young children should pay special attention to their diet.

8. The use of medicines.

The imperial archives of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) contain a secret prescription for protecting the teeth. It was made of 12 major ingredients and was applied to the gums every morning. It was particularly ef¬fective against toothache caused by digestive problems.

9. The avoidance of bad habits.

The use of toothpicks can cause damage to the gums and lead to infection and sores. Chil¬dren should not suck pencils and other dangerous items.

10. Prevention.

Pregnant and nursing mothers as well as young children should not take tetracycline in large doses or for long periods, as this can lead to permanent staining of the tooth enamel and other disorders. Poor alignment of the teeth in children should be corrected, preferably between the ages of 13 and 15. Everyone should have regular dental checkups.