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ยป5 part. This difeafe begins by a wafting of the Al veolar procefles at the edge of the locket, which gradually proceeds to the bottom ; the gum lofes its connection with the alveolar procefs and neck of the tooth, affumes a livid appearance, and continually difcharges Pus from the difeafed furfaces ; the teeth affected at length become extremely loofe, and atlaft drop out. Ofthefcurvy in the Gums, commonly fo called. The (imilarity of this difeafe to the real fcurvy has probably occafioned it to be defignated by that appellation. The caufes that produce this difeafe are generally external. Notwithftanding, the effefts often appear very fimilar to thofe laft defcribed ; par ticularly when the difeafe is of a long Handing. The principal caufe of the vast, incalculable havoc made by this diforder is negligence, in cleaning the teeth and gums. Every perfon living, unqueftionably pof- feffes the power of avoiding its banefur* effecls. The gums, when affected with this difeafe, appear of aii- vid colour, lofe their firmnefs and adhefion to the neck of the teeth ; are very tender, and apt to bleed upon the flighteft touch. This proceeds from a compreffion of the tartar, which has been fuffered to collect and form upon the necks of the teeth ; and a local plethora. The tartar muft therefore be ju- dicioufly and thoroughly removed, the gums fcari- fied or bled freely, and proper antifcorbutic and af- tringent medicines applied, to expel the vitiated hu mours. If application is early made for relief, this difeafe may eafily be cured ; even after the teeth are partially loofened by it. But, on the contrary, if neg lected, a total lofs of the teeth is the inevitable confe- quence. For the effefts will never ceaje until the caufe is removed..
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