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Scurvy in the Gums. — 141
simple species of scurvy in the gum, are the removal of the
local causes of the disease. In the second or complicated
species, the indications are the removal of both constitutional
and local causes.
All writers on the teeth agree, that scurvy in the gum may
be easily cured by proper treatment, especially, in the early
stages of the disease ; that to effect this object, requires
prompt, decided and judicious treatment; that the practitioner

" Every tooth which has lost its vitality, including all stumps, and all
such teeth as from their irregular situation or direction excite a mechan-
ical irritation, provided this irregularity cannot be remedied by filing, or
by cutting away the irritating parts, should also be removed.
"All operations should be performed with the greatest judgement and
caution, and all teeth to be removed must be extracted at the same sitting,
because it would either partly or altogether obviate the desired effects, if
this particular operation were performed at different times. This advice
is the result ot much experience, and should, if possible, be always
adopted to ensure a successful cure.
"The bleeding from the sockets should be encouraged by warm water
taken into the mouth at short intervals, during the different operations,
and continued for some time ; as its effects are of much importance.
"A gentle astringent wash may be subsequently employed for several
days. I have generally found the following simple preparations the
most useful.
" Take of clarified honey, three ounces, and of vinegar, one ounce.
This, diluted in the proportion of three table spoonfuls to a pint of warm
sage tea, or water, may be used frequently during the day.
"Take of clarified honey and of the tincture of teark, two ounces each.
Mix and dilute as above.
" Take of honey and of the tincture of myrrh, two ounces each. Mix
and use as above.
" Take of honey and of the tincture of rhatania, two ounces each. Mix
and dilute as above.
" Take of honey and of the tincture of catechu, once ounce each. Mix,
dilute, and use as above.
"In about ten or fourteen days after the removal of the teeth, the in-
flammation considerably subsides, the gums assumes a more healthy ap-
pearance, and the teeth become firm in their sockets.
" The tartar should now be removed ; but (here is often much diffi-
culty in doing this well. It adheres so firmly to the necks or roots of the
teeth, which are generally loose, and it is attached so closely to the alveo-
lar processes, and is in many cases so covpred by the edges of the gums,
and so hidden between the teeth, that it is not without the utmost care
that we are able to avoid irritating the gums and periosteum with the
instruments employed. The operation, on this account, is to be performed
with great caution and tenderness, in order to effect a perfect removal of
the tartar without making the teeth still looser." Koecker, pages 288
find 289.