Page 190 - My FlipBook

188 DENTAL MEDICINE.

by a slight longitudinal depression : a velvety appearance, soft,
moist and vi^arm to the finger ; the fungiform papillae circular in
outline, and deeper pink than the surrounding surface; the cir-
cumvallate papillae, arranged in a V-shaped row, having the form
of an inverted cone, surrounded by an annular elevation. Fever
causes the tongue to be frosted or coated ; gastro-intestinal
affections are attended by coating of the tongue, and the various
appearances of this coating are of important diagnostic and
therapeutic significance. Inflammation reddens the mucous
membrane and makes it hot and tender, increases its moisture,
changes the surface of the tongue, and causes the formation of
aphthae, ulceration, and even gangrene. In aphthous stomatitis
the edges of the tongue are clean and red, while its dorsum is
covered with a thick white coating. In ulcerative stomatitis the
tongue, besides presenting the marginal ulcers, is swollen and
heavily coated with a dirty, yellowish white fur. In thrush the
mucous membrane is covered with white, curd-like flakes, due to
the development of the parasite oidium albicans. Prior to the ap-
pearance of the flakes the mucous membrane is purplish-red and
sticky, and its secretion acid in reaction. In severe neuralgia on
one side of the face, the tongue presents an unilateral furring,
thickening of the mucous membrane, or enlargement of the
papillae. Acute or chronic alcoholism causes a tremulous and
foul tongue. Migraine causes a much furred surface of the
tongue. When paralyzed, the tongue presents the appearance
of a sodden mass lying in the mouth ; in chorea its movements
are jerking and irregular; in cerebral disease, the tongue shows
a tendency to become thickly furred, and very foul, especially in
apoplexy due to hemorrhage. Allowance, however, must always
be made for individual peculiarities, in shape and size of the
tongue, as also appearance, for effects of certain habits, such as
excessive smoking or chewing tobacco, etc., taking iron, or other
medicines, or for any local irritation. In some individuals the
surface of the tongue presents constantly a thick fur without dis-
turbance of organs or appetite, while on the other hand, a per-
fectly clean and healthy-looking tongue may be associated with
severe dyspeptic symptoms or serious' alimentary trouble. The