70. Have the goodness to describe the symptoms and the treatment of Painful Dentition.
Painful dentition may be divided into two forms—(1.) the Mild; and (2.) the Severe. In the mild form the child is peevish and fretful, and puts his fingers, and everything within reach, to his mouth; he likes to have his gums rubbed, and takes the breast with avidity; indeed, it seems a greater comfort to him than ever. There is generally a considerable flow of saliva, and he has frequently a more loose state of bowels than is his wont.
Now, with regard to the more severe form of painful dentition: The gums are red, swollen, and hot, and he cannot, without expressing pain, bear to have them touched; hence, if he be at the breast, he is constantly loosing the nipple. There is dryness of the mouth, although before there had been a great flow of saliva. He is feverish, restless, and starts in his sleep. His face is flushed. His head is heavy and hot. He is sometimes convulsed. [See answer to Question 63.) He is frequently violently griped and purged, and suffers severely from flatulence. He is predisposed to many and severe diseases.
The treatment of the mild form consists of friction of the gums with the finger; with a little "soothing syrup," as recommended by Sir Charles Locock; a tepid bath of about 92 degrees Fahrenheit, every night at bedtime; attention to diet and bowels; fresh air and exercise. "'Soothing Syrup.' Some of them probably contain opiates, but a perfectly safe and useful one is a little nitrate of potassa in syrup of roses—one scruple to half an ounce."—Communicated by Sir Charles Locock to the Author. For the mild form, the above plan will usually be all that is required. If he dribble and the bowels be relaxed, so much the better; the flow of saliva and the increased action of the bowels afford relief, and therefore must not be interfered with. In the mild form lancing of
