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OF THE DISEASES^OF THE ALVEOLAR PROCESSES. 203
kid consequences, may probably ensue. This practice,
however, will be very troublesome, because it will be difficult,
to tile a loose Tooth. At last the Tooth will drop out which
will put an end to all farther trouble.
If the alveoli have really been destroyed, in those cases of
loose Teeth which have become firm again, it would be difficult
to ascertain whether they have a power of renewing themselves
analogous to that power by which they first grow ; or
whether the fastening be effected by a closing of the Gum and
Process to the Teeth. When the disease arises from the
scurvy, the first attempt must be to cure that disease ; and
afterwards the above local treatment may be of service.
Together with drawing blood from the Gums, astringents
have always been used to harden them. But when the
disease does not arise from a constitutional cause, which may be
removed, (such as the sea-scurvy or salivation) but from a
disposition in the parts themselves, I have seen little relief
given by them.
The tincture of myrrh, tincture of Peruvian bark, and sea-
water, are some of the applications which have been recom-
mended.
In such cases I have seen considerable benefit from the use
of the tincture of bark and laudanum, in the proportion of two
parts of the tincture of bark to one of the laudanum ; and this
to be used frequently, and at each time to be kept in the mouth
during ten, fifteen or twenty minutes, (x)

(x) [The practice here recommended of riling a tooth which is
descending in the alveolus is, on more than one account, exceedingly
injuiious. The immediate cause of such a descent of the tooth is,
as Hunter observes, a deposit of bone in the alveolus ; and, as this
deposit takes place in consequence of some irritation in the periosteum,
every thing should be avoided that could increase this irritation. Filing,
however, would certainly increase it to a great degree. It would also
tend greatly to lessen the attachment of the tooth to the socket, and the
supports which the latter affords to it. The best mode of treatment
appears to be, to apply leeches occasionally, particularly when there is