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DIAGNOSIS OF MOUTH AFFECTIONS, 161

a yellowish ground. The edges of the ulcers are sharp and
ragged, and the ulcer, at first superficial, becomes gradually
deeper. Ulcers of the mouth are often due to syphilis and dys-
pepsia, and are aggravated by the irritation resulting from the
irregular edges of fractured and decayed teeth. When neglected,
such ulcers may assume the appearanct of epithelioma, especially
when induration of the glands beneath the jaw is present.
Treatment.—Remove all apparent causes of irritation by cor-
recting the bad condition of health. Change diet and residence,
if at fault, observe cleanliness, administer stimulants and tonics,
as liquor ferri nitratis with tincture of calumba, etc. Local ap-
plications of nitrate of silver, gr. j to iij to the ounce of water, or
diluted muriatic acid, alternating with a lotion of equal parts of
also, pyrozone
borax and honey, or chloride of lime, 5j, honey 5j j
three per cent, europhen combined with lanolin, phenosalyl, gly-
cozone, etc. Chlorate of potash internally, in doses of o'j or iij,
and also as a lotion, is efficacious ; also, a strong solution of
borax, in obstinate cases, gr. xv to the ounce of water ; also, a
solution of sulphate of copper; painting the ulcers with tincture
of iron and glycerole is also beneficial.
Ulcers of the Mouth due to Syphilis are indicated when such
ulceration is obstinate under any but specific treatment, and
when accompanied by symptoms peculiar to syphilis.
Treatment.—Constitutional treatment with mercury or iodide
of potassium, and such local remedies as are employed in ulcer-
ous stomatitis.
Syphilitic Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Mouth is
indicated by a general swelling of the gums, with everted and
ulcerated margins, exposing the necks of the teeth, although not
affecting, to any great degree, their stability, with a viscid dis-
charge, mixed with blood, from about their necks ; soreness
rendering mastication painful ; the affection slowly spreading
until the bone is exposed and a portion exfoliated ; greater
degree of congestion ; formation of mucous patches on sides
of cheeks ; superficial ulcers inside of cheeks and beneath the
tongue ; erosions of the soft palate and tonsils ; fissures at cor-
ner of the mouth and eruptions on skin and scalp.
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