cariousness

mollusque commented on the word cariousness

I would observe that the soundness of the teeth may be best secured, and, in consequence, much pain avoided, by cleaning them with a brush and cold water just before bed-time; and that, if the pain in the face should proceed from some other cause than that of cariousness in any tooth, I would dissuade patients from using those narcotic preparations so generally recommended and unfortunately adopted for tic-doloreux, and similar affections . . .

--Rev. Samuel Fenton, 1841, The Excellent Properties of Salted Brandy as a most Efficacious Medicine and Sedative, p. 23

January 15, 2011