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DIAGNOSIS OF MOUTH AFFECTIONS. 173

which develops into pain of a gnawing or burning character, the
affected tooth being sensitive to changes of temperature, painful
in mastication, but exhibiting no symptoms of inflammation of
the gum or peridental membrane.
Treatment.—The treatment must vary with the condition pro-
ducing the affection. First remove all irritants. If the cause is
systemic, constitutional treatment for the condition present is in-
dicated. Saline cathartics, as the sulphate or carbonate of mag-
nesia; diaphoretics, as spts. mindererus, or Dover's powder;
diuretics, as preparations of nitre, often prove efficacious ; also
bromide of potassium. If the fluids of the mouth are irritative,
they must be corrected. If a carious cavity exists, all foreign
substances and the softer parts of carious dentine should be re-
moved, and the cavity syringed with a tepid solution of bicarbon-
ate of soda, potash or ammonia. Dilute carbolic acid, or wood
creasote, may then be applied, and a non-conducting filling of a
solution of gutta percha and chloroform be introduced. (See
Dental Formulae for Odontalgia and Pulpitis.)
Jcute Inflammation of the Dental Pulp is indicated by acute
pain in the affected tooth, which frequently extends to neighbor-
ing teeth and to the side of the face, but is more intense in the
tooth itself; pain may subside after a few hours' duration, to
return again on the slightest provocation, or on patient assuming
a horizontal position ; the pain may also assume a throbbing
character.
Treatment.—The treatment of this condition of pulp is indi-
cated in that of " irritation of the pulp." For soothing appli-
cations, solution of gutta percha and chloroform, tincture of
hamamelis applied warm, oil of cloves, dilute creasote, equal
parts of chloroform, aconite and tincture of opium, may be em-
ployed. (See Dental Formulae for Odontalgia and Pulpitis.)
Chronic Injlammation of the Dental Pulp is indicated by pain,
less severe than in the acute form, and of less duration ; coming
on at irregular intervals, and wandering, like neuralgic pains, and
incited by changes of temperature, and the application of irritants.
(See Irritation of Dental Pulp.)
Fungous Growth of Pulp is indicated by the organ, as a result