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330

On examining the gentleman's mouth, I found his gums and
all his alveolar processes more or less diseased. His double-
teeth, however, had most especially suffered ; and so consid-
erable a part of their sockets was destroyed, that their pres-
ervation was rendered altogether impossible. I therefore
proposed their immediate removal ; and although the gentle-
man was exceedingly nervous, he acceded to my proposed
plan of cure without the least hesitation.
February 14th, 1826. Thirteen roots and teeth were ex-
tracted, and the mouth was subsequently cleansed with a gen-
tle stimulant lotion, every hour or two in the course of the
day.
February 21st. The remaining front teeth of the upper and
under jaws were carefully scaled as far as the diseased state
of their gums would allow of; and the patient provided with
the means of preventing the re-accumulation of tartar. He
was requested to continue the use of the lotion.
February 28th. The above operation was repeated, and
cleanliness particularly recommended.
March 7th. The same operation was completed, and a
perfect removal of the tartar was accomplished : the patient
was also directed to proceed as before."
Thus, by the judicious management of the case, by Mr.
Lawrence, and the above treatment, the patient was now, in
less than one month, restored to perfect constitutional health.
His mouth was rapidly recovering from a disease, probably
of more than fifteen years standing ; and the most important
of his teeth were saved from total destruction, and perma-
nently preserved.
Mr. Charles Bew says,* " A Miss E , whose interesting

* Opinions of the Causes and Effects of the Disease denominated Tic
Douloreaux ; deduced from Practical Observations of its Supposed Origin,
&c. &c. By Charles Bew, London, 1824.