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132 DENTAL MEDICINE.
tion, and also the use of such palliative remedies as will allay the
excitement of the nervous system. When the cause is apparent,
its removal is, as a general rule, easily accomplished ; but when
the cause is obscure, the condition of the secretions of the bowels
and the diet should receive careful attention. To correct the
secretions, purgatives are indispensable; also such other depletory
measures as bleeding, abstinence from food, use of emetics or
nauseants to lessen the general circulation and reduce the vascu-
lar tension. To allay the nervous excitement and irritability,
anodynes, narcotics or opiates are indicated, their direct effect
being relief of pain and spasm, and inducement to rest and
tranquillity.
Local Treatment.—The advantage of rest and immobility cannot
be overestimated, for a simple lesion, if subjected to constant
mobility, may become one of a much greater character, destruc-
tive inflammation often being provoked by friction and undue
motion. An example is furnished in the case of periodon-
titis, where a cap or partial interdental splint made of model-
ing composition or gutta percha, or vulcanized rubber, will pro-
tect the affected tooth from irritation, and materially assist the
remedial measures ; also strips of adhesive plaster, collodion, etc.,
will insure immobility in certain cases where such appliances are
indicated, as undue motion retards and prevents the process of
healing.
Position is also to be considered as a means for relieving the
irritation and pain, so that no provocation may exist for subse-
quent inflammation. The best position should be selected for
the affected part, which will favor the return of venous blood
and retard the arterial current ; hence, an elevated position will
tend to prevent passive hyperaemia. A favorable position will
also secure muscular relaxation, and prevent the involuntary
spasmodic action, which may result from muscular tension. The
administration of an anaesthetic to secure muscular relaxation,
in the case of certain injuries, as in fracture or dislocation of the
jaw, is often resorted to as a measure against spasmodic con-
traction, and also to reduce the excessive vascular reaction.
Cold^ when outwardly applied as a depressor to the inflamed