MOUTH, D1SEASEs OF THE. From its situ ation at the portal of the digestive tract. the mucous membrane lining this cavity is peculiarly exposed to many forms of irritation and infec tion. The following are the principal forms of inflammation of the month, or stoinatitis (Gr. stoma, the mouth), as it is termed by nosol °gists: (1) Acute catarrhal stomatitis, which may ex tend over the math, including the tongue. or may occur in limited areas, is seen in children, associated with dentition or gastro-intestinal dis turbances. and in adults following excessive smoking or the taking of hot or too highly seasoned food. It. is a frequent concomitant of indigestion and febrile oli sea see. Ind is more com monly a eomplication of other diseases than an original affeetion. In ordinary eases a simple mouth-wash composed of a solution of borax and honey, and gentle catharsis, will effect a rapid cure.
(2) Parasitic stornatilis, a diffuse inflamma tion with the formation of patches; of false mem brane, is caused by a fungus—the suer!, aromyers albicans. It occurs most conmnonl• in young children, and is described under its popular name, THRUSH.
(3) .1plithous stomatitis. also known as fol licular or vesicular stomatitis, is an inflamma tion of the follicles of the mucous membrane, and is described in the article APHTn, , , (4) Ulcerative stoinatitis, sometimes called fetid stomatitis or putrid sore mouth, generally occurs in children after the first dentition, and is associated with defective hygienic and sanitary conditions. The ulcerative process begins usually at the margin of the gums and extends along the gum lines of the jaws. The bases of the
ulcers are covered with a grayish-white adherent membrane. The swelling of the adjacent parts is often so considerable as to be apparent ex ternally. There is a copious flow of saliva. and the breath is very offensive. The ulceration may continue for weeks, or even mouths, but always yields to treatment. The febrile symptoms and the constipation which are usually present must be combated in the ordinary way. Perhaps the best general method of treating the disease is by the administration of small doses of chlorate of potash, and by frequently washing the mouth with a weak tepid solution of ehlorinated soda.
(5) 1;angrenous stoinalitis, or cancram anis, is the most severe form of stomatitis, :Hid occurs as a rule in feeble children between two and five years old during convalescence from the acute fevers. It is characterized by a rapidly pro gressing gangrene, beginning on the cheeks or gums. resulting in extensive destruction of the soft at times even invading the jaw bones. The constitutional disturbance is great and the prostration extreme, and the case usually terminates in death. Treatment is nnsatisfae tory. Early destruction of the ulcer by the eautery, careful nourishment, and free stimula tion may arrest the disease.
(6) Mercurial stow:tills and other diseases of the mouth are noticed in the artieles SALIVATION; SCURVY; TONGUE.