The Symptoms of Cancrum Oris, Diphtheritic Inflammation Of The Mouth, Or Canker Of The Mouth

Gums red, swollen, bleed easily; whitish spots on mucous membrane, which cannot be wiped off, appearing first on gums; unhealthy ulcers; teeth loosened; lymphatic glands swollen and painful; lips and cheeks swollen; copious saliva, often bloody; pain in drinking or swallowing; foul breath; slight fever.

The above symptoms are usually accompanied with those of catarrh of the mouth and aphthae. The unhealthy ulcers referred to are produced by the sloughing away of the discolored membrane. Notwithstanding the serious character of. the disease, recovery usually occurs, even though the disease may continue for weeks or even months.

The Causes of Cancrum Oris, Diphtheritic Inflammation Of The Mouth, Or Canker Of The Mouth

The most common cause of the disease in infants, in whom it most frequently occurs, is unhygienic conditions, bad food, bad air, etc. In them it is often accompanied by serious disturbance of digestion, which may justly be regarded in the light of a cause of the disease. It is common in foundling-hospitals. The most common cause in adults is the use of mercury, which produces the most painful and obstinate form of the disease.

The Treatment of Cancrum Oris, Diphtheritic Inflammation Of The Mouth, Or Canker Of The Mouth

Give first attention to the causes of the malady. Secure good hygiene, and regulate the diet so as to improve the digestion. Use chlorate of potash lotion three or four times a day, and rinse the mouth with cold water very frequently. Under this treatment the ulcers will soon begin to heal, and in a few days the patient will be greatly improved. It is important that infants suffering with this disease should be taken much into the fresh air and exposed to the sunlight daily. An inunction daily or every other day will greatly facilitate the cure when the patient is weakly.