Page 157 - My FlipBook

SCURVY IN THE GUMS.

Scurvy in the gums is a local inflammation of that part of
the gum surrounding the necks of the teeth and their fangs,
which, if not arrested, gradually extends to the sockets of the
teeth.
It is a disease of frequent occurrence, and often very de-
plorable in its consequences, causing the loss of whole sets of
beautiful and sound teeth, seriously affecting the constitution,
and thereby producing much distress.
The disease has been termed scurvy in the gums, from its
having formerly been supposed to be analogous to the sea
^scurvy. It may be proper to mention for the satisfaction of
persons of nice feelings, afflicted with this malady, that it is
seldom if ever, that it has any analogy to that disease, as it
falls under the observation of the dentist ; but, as the disease
in question has long been known under its present appellation,
it is best to retain it.
There are two distinct species of this disease, though this
division is not made by writers on the teeth. The first species
is wholly the result of local causes, and may be properly
termed simple. The second species depends both on constitu-
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