THE CAPE-KITCHIN MODIFICATION OF THE CELLOIDIN DECALCIFYING METHOD FOR DENTAL ENAMEL

¹ Laboratory of Oral Histology, School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, New York, N. Y.

The Cape-Kitchin modification of the celloidin decalcifying method has the advantage of simplicity. By this means a greater number of investigators will become convinced of the presence of the grosser organic or protein matrix in human dental enamel.

The presence or absence of the protein matrix of the enamel affects the entire concept of dental caries for:

a) its ABSENCE would make the enamel almost completely impermeable to saliva and prevent fluids from penetrating this structure from the pulp by way of the dentin. On the other hand:

b) its PRESENCE would explain the permeability of the enamel, thus allowing the saliva, as well as the dental lymph to exert during youth, a beneficial action on the teeth.