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162 ANTISEPSIS IX DENTISTRY.

within the observation of the writer of ]iulps producing pyemia directly,
it is a well-known ftict, supported by a long list of recorded cases,
that alveolar abscess, with its concentration of putrid material, is liable
to be followed by blood-poisoning.
There is no question that diseases of the digestive organs, of the
lungs— in fact, of all the organs of the body—may be produced by
infected material germinated in the mouth, and indeed, through sputum
ejected, may affect individuals remotely situated.
Miller,^ in considering this ])orti()n of the subject, says "We know
:
that under certain circumstances saccharomycetes may directly colonize
in the mucous membrane of the mouth, and that in the mouths of
enfeebled individuals bacteria may occasionally obtain a foothold.
The mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx is especially sus-
ceptible to the action of certain germs of infection (those of diphtheria,
syphilis, etc.), and large portions of the mucous membrane and the sub-
mucous tissue may be wholly destroyed by parasitic influences."
There is a phase of this subject that requires more extended in-
vestigation. Inflammations of the mouth are not infrequent where
great swelling is present. This may be observed around the lower
third molars Avith no explainable cause in dead pulps, overlapping
mucous membrane, retarded eruption, or mal-presentation. It is evi-
dently produced by bacterial invasion, but has not always yielded to
antiseptic measures, and at times has resulted in abscess entirely inde-
pendent of pnlp devitalization.
A recent report of three cases by Dr. John A. McClain^ in the
medical practice of Dr. M. G. Tull is interesting as indicating possi-
bilities. The first case was an extensive swelling posterior to the lower
third molar. He could not connect it with that tooth, and suspected
auto-infection. He had cultures made with negative results. His
theory was that it was diphtheritic ; and, although laboratory evidence
was wanting, he determined to inject antitoxin. This injection was
followed in twenty-four hours by an entire reduction of the swelling.
All other efforts had previously failed to effect any result. Two other
similar cases yielded to the antitoxin treatment in the same speedy
manner. If this can be regarded as something more than a coincidence
in practice, it may lead to an explanation of many similar anomalous
pathological cases arising posterior to the third inferior molar, yet
apparently not connected with it. Similar conditions have been the
cause of much uncertain diagnosis and still more empirical treatment.
The more the w^riter has considered this subject the more important
it has appeared; and he is convinced that, when the proper prophy-
^ The 3Iicro-organmns of the Human Mouth, p. 295.
^ International Dental Journal, October, 1900.