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TREATMENT OF THE MUCOVS SURFACES. 183
use of 2)ichs and flosa silk should niaiutaiu a correct hygienic condition
of the teeth, upon which, in the light of the present knowledge of the
causes of solution of the enamel, depends the preservation of the teeth
from that source of injury. It has been shown that when sound
enamel becomes attacked, the potent cause is the fermentation of
starchy deposits permitted to remain in contact Avith it.
It should be understood that the use of the pick removes deposits
from the cervical triangle, and that silk is intended to sweep the more
contracted portion of the interstice.
Further reason for care is found in the fact that the month in an
unclean condition becomes a favorable habitat for the development of germs
some of which may have pathogenic properties capable of aifecting the
general health. It therefore becomes the duty of the dental adviser to
enforce correct hygienic conditions of the mouth.
Much importance in this connection should be attached to the use of
cleansing preparations having inhibitive action toward bacterial life.
Those most serviceable contain hydronaphthol, which has considerable
efficiency without toxicity. Formalin as an ingredient of a wash is also
applicable, but must be prescribed with considerable caution.

Treatment of the Mucous Surfaces.
AVhen the gums, the membrane of the mouth or of the throat are
inflamed, treatment preparatory to operations upon the teeth should be
directed toward restoring these parts to a normal state. Where the
inflammatory condition is not expressive of derangement of the alimen-
tary functions and is the result of some simple local irritation, the
condition will usually respond to the topical action of stimulant tonics.
It is necessary here to discriminate as to whether or not the inflamed
surface has been produced by neglected care of the mouth, which fre-
quently induces a lax condition of the gum from the absence of friction
or by the presence of bacteria. These may cause a deficiency of tone
or disorders in other portions of the mouth and of the throat. Should
these conditions be present the employment of disinfectant gargles and
mouth-washes is indicated.
The presence of salivary calculus may also induce inflammatory dis-
turbance of the gums, and from the points of deposit this may extend
by diffusion over a considerable area. In this connection deposits,
either of calculus or of sedimentary accumulations, posterior to the lower
third molars may induce serious diffuse inflammation of the contigu-
ous tissues, sometimes extending to the fauces. For this condition the
mechanical removal of the deposits combined with an antiseptic spray
will usually be restorative.
For diffuse redness and deficient tone of the mucous surfaces a wash