Teeth that are ulcerated at the roots, or have ulcerated gums around them, the teeth being decayed, should be extracted at once, for, besides the pain and inconvenience they cause, they are a _very prolific_ source of _disturbance_ to the digestive organs, from the positive poison generated by the decaying process.
If people will use soft brushes upon the teeth with soap and water, followed by rinsing with simple water only, after each meal, brushing both inside and out and crossways, so as to clean between them, they will be saved much pain and decay, and disease of other parts, arising from foul and diseased teeth.
Affections arising from teething of children, are often of a serious character. The most prominent of which is _Diarrhoea_. _Fever_ frequently accompanies the diarrhoea, and _convulsions_ occasionally occur. _Aconite_ and _Chamomilla_ should be used in alternation, every one or two hours, according to the violence of the fever, and if convulsions occur, or are threatened, as will be known by twitching, starting, and screaming, use _Nux_ and _Bell_. These may be given in rotation with the others, following the remedies, one after the other, every hour. I have relieved the most alarming cases in a day by this method of procedure, that had not yielded to either of the single remedies for several days, given as directed in the books; the patient growing worse continually. If the gums over the teeth look white and the teeth, (one or more,) are near the surface, the gums should, by all means, be cut. Press the point of a lancet or penknife down upon the top of the gum, until the tooth is plainly felt, and be sure to make the cut as wide as the tooth. Rub the gums with _Arnicated water_ once or twice a day. _Pulsatilla_ should be given at night and _Chamomilla_ in the morning, during the whole summer while the child is teething, as a prophylactic against the fever and diarrhoea that is likely to occur. It will generally save all trouble.
If the diarrhoea is profuse, watery and light colored or brown, give _Phos. acid_ and _Veratrum_ alternately, as often as the discharges occur. For the restlessness of infants at night, _Coffea_ is the specific.
This is a disease peculiar to nursing children. The mouth becomes sore, and the tongue, lips, and fauces are covered with a white crust, looking like milk curds, which, when removed, leaves the surface red, inflamed and very tender. It sooner or later, extends to the stomach and bowels, producing severe and dangerous diarrhoea.