MOUTH, INFLAMMATION AND SORENESS OF, SCURVY.-It is common for the mucous membrane of the mouth to become sore, inflamed, and dry; or to be the seat of shallow ulcers, or for the gums to become spongy and bleed. This last is one of the chief symptoms of the disease called scurvy. Severe cases of ulceration of the mouth are usually due to blood-poisoning, and will need special treatment. The cause of inflammation of the mouth and scurvy is generally defective diet or some irregularities in living, want of proper cleanliness and attention to the teeth, or the action of mercury. Scurvy may be brought on be excessive use of sugar, want of fresh meat and vegetables, and even by exercise use of lime-juice when taken as a preventive.
General Treatment.-The diet is the chief thing in most affections of the mouth. In scurvy all salt provisions should be avoided, and fresh meat, vegetables, and milk given in abundance. Where excessive indulgence in sugar is the cause, this must be left off. Lemons are especially good in scurvy. To prevent soreness of the mouth it is well to rinse it with cold water after every meal, and brush the teeth with a soft brush. A wash made with borax (a teaspoonful of the powder dissolved in a pint of hot water and allowed to cool) is very useful in ordinary sore mouth. Medicines.-(Every four hours.)
Mercurius 6.
-In all cases of scurvy or sore mouth where the gums are tender and bleeding. (When mercury is itself the cause some other medicine must be given, as Carbo veg.)
Carbo veg. 6.
-For sore mouth caused by mercury or salt. Gums bleed and smell offensively.
Arsen. 3.
-Great debility, low feverish state, burning in ulcers.
