SPONGY GUMS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXII, 30 November 1895, Page 694

SPONGY GUMS.

Spongy and swollen gums, a condition often attendant upon middle age, may or may not be the result of any particular disease ; but they are very inconvenient, and may even cause serious trouble. In their healthy state the gums are firm, and, it may be, somewhat hardened, with just enough blood present to colour them a delicate pink. Gums in this condition offer a support to the teeth which it would be hard to surpass. In the disordered condition of which we are speaking, however, they become swollen, and are so charged with blood as to present an appearance of having been parboiled. The slightest disturbance is sufficient to cause a flow of blood, while there is a constant sense of discomfort, and a constant desire to pick at or suck them. Soon the teeth become more or less loosened, and by

reason of the pressure of the tongue and the food behind them, tend to spread apart and protrude outward. The substance of the tooth is next attacked, and the tooth becomes discoloured and decayed. The gums refuse longer to hold the teeth and, in fact, time alone is necessary to convert the whole mouth into a useless and disgusting object. As we have seen, all this may be consequent upon an over supply of blood to the gums. The remedy is rather preventive than curative. First of all, we have to consult with the family physician to learn whether or not the system needs * toning up,’ as is not unlikely to be the case. Probably he will prescribe also some astringent mouth-wash. But whatever may be the result of our consultation with the family doctor, we must at once begin a systematic ‘exercise’ of the gums, and continue it every night and morning. A tooth brush must be selected more for its stiffness than anything else, and with a little cool water and castile soap, or even cold water alone, we must literally scrub the gums, paying heed to neither blood nor feelings until we are satisfied that we have eradicated all traces of stagnant blood from the porous tissues. This may seem rather harsh treatment, but if we persist in it we shall be rewarded.

It would be difficult to overestimate the influence which a healthy gum may exert over the teeth.