Page 192 - My FlipBook

190

with the formation of matter discharging itself at the point
of the fang into the alveolar cavity, which, being rendered
more porous by the process of absorption, affords an easy
During the progress of the disease, the gum covering
exit.
the alveolar process becomes inflamed, and acquires a spongy
texture ; the matter passing from the socket makes its escape
into the mouth by several openings through the gum, which
is thus kept in a constant state of disease. The discharge,
which is generally considerable, produces great fetor of the
breath, the taste is constantly affected, and the socket is grad-
ually absorbed until the tooth becomes quite loose.
When the tooth has been extracted, I have usually found
the membrane sprouting at the end of the fang, the internal
part of which is much enlarged, and the external part has a
rough, scaly appearance ; also, during the progress of this
disease, the body of the tooth changes in appearance, and
gradually acquires a dark colour.
The only treatment which can be observed here, is to scar-
ify the gums occasionally, and to wash the mouth frequently
with an astringent lotion ; for this purpose, the infusion of
roses with tincture of myrrh is very beneficial. As no cure
of this complaint can be expected, the extraction of the
tooth should be recommended as soon as the gums have ac-
quired a truly diseased appearance ; for, if the disease be
allowed to take its natural course, the gums become so exten-
sively affected as to induce absorption of the alveolar pro-
cesses belonging to the neighbouring teeth, which is followed
by their consequent loss.