Page 138 - My FlipBook

136 DENTAL MEDICINE.
of inducing an afflux of blood from the locality of the inflam-
mation to another point in close proximity, thus relieving the
vessels of the affected part. Such counter-excitement in the case
of the oral mucous membrane, is induced by blistering applica-
tions, stimulants, escharotics, etc., which excite a new action in
a part more or less remote from the focus of inflammation.
Cantharidal collodion, tincture of iodine, either alone or in
combination with aconite, or with creasote, or with carbolic acid,
nitrate of silver, nitric acid, and the actual cautery, may be
named as the most common counter-irritants for application to
the oral mucous membrane in the case of deep-seated inflam-
mation and pulpitis, and are mainly useful in the early stage of
the acute form, and in the chronic form.
Antiseptic and Germicide Mouth Washes and Lotions^ such as
tincture of myrrh, chlorate of potassa, solutions of carbolic acid,
listerine, permanganate of potash, nitrate of silver, sulphate of
copper, sulphate of zinc, lead water, tincture of opium, aqueous
solution of pyrozone, bichloride of mercury i to 500, i to 1,000,
I to 2,000, I to 4,000. Carbolic acid i to 20, i to 40.
Formalin i to 2,000. Iodoform, creolin, peroxide of hydrogen,
chloride of zinc, boric acid, sulpho-carbolate of zinc (which
is less irritating and more potent than the chloride of zinc), etc.,
are employed with benefit in inflammations and ulcerations of the
oral mucous membrane.
When putrefaction is present in the inflamed part, chlorinous
washes are serviceable for deodorizing purposes, and also to pre-
vent the entrance of putrid matter into the circulation. The
object of cauterizing an inflamed part is to break the continuity
of the morbid process.
Jnasthetics^ such as chloroform, ether, etc., when employed in
the treatment of inflammation, exercise an influence as prevent-
ives, and also render lax tissues which become very rigid, and
enable reductions to be made, as well as temporarily mitigating
the pain ; fracture and dislocation of the jaw are examples.
When inflammation has devitalized parts, the treatment varies
in respect to the nature of such parts. Dead, soft tissues are to
be so treated that the putrid matter is prevented from entering