Abstract â–¡ 115

The toothlessness and, specifically, the oral gap which is present between the lower and upper gums in the oral cavity of the toothless baby, while only temporary anatomical deficiencies, are, nevertheless, very important ones. It is suggested herein that this phenomenon of toothlessness and temporary physical abnormality has the ability to cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in a significant number of babies in their early months.

It is suggested that, for the reasons that follow, the use of an Aerated Oral Gum Separator (as hereinafter defined) be considered as the appropriate method to prevent the occurrence of SIDS: (The Aerated Oral Gum Separator is a small mouthpiece which is completely identical with what is commonly known as a pacifier in terms of size, form and material; there is, however, one basic difference between the Aerated Oral Gum Separator and the pacifier, namely that the part of the Aerated Oral Gum Separator which is inserted in the baby's mouth consists of a hollow tubing which must be open on both its ends in order to allow the baby to freely inhale the air from the atmosphere by his/her mouth.)

1. The Aerated Oral Gum Separator will eliminate the gap between the lower gums and upper gums and prevent the gums from contracting each other. Provided its thickness approximately equals the size and vertical dimension of the oral gap, the Separator device will correct the temporary anatomical deficiency in the toothless baby's oral cavity.

2. The air-admitting Aerated Oral Gum Separator will keep the oral channel of the baby open uninterruptedly, thereby allowing life-saving air to constantly enter the oral cavity and lungs of the baby, a feature which is urgently needed in moments when the nasal inhaling ducts are completely obstructed. Thus, this device will prevent the unexpected occurrence of a concurrent double obstruction, i.e. the coincidental and simultaneous blockage of both the nasal and the oral air passages.

3. The Aerated Oral Gum Separator will stabilize the equilibrium of all upper respiratory membranes and tissues of the human at the time of his/her toothlessness.