ucous
membrane is hyperaemic and swollen, and exudes an excessive amount of
viscid mucous secretion, and the epithelium desquamates in patches,
leaving small superficial erosions or ulcers, which are very
sensitive. The _aphthous_ form, met with in unhealthy, underfed
children, is characterised by the occurrence of patches of fibrinous
exudate into the superficial layers of the mucous membrane; the
epithelium is shed, leaving a series of whitish spots surrounded by a
red hyperaemic zone, which may become confluent and form small ulcers.
The condition known as _thrush_, which closely resembles aphthous
stomatitis, is met with in infants during the period of teething, and
is due to the _oidium albicans_, a fungus met with in sour milk. The
spots, which are most numerous on the lips, tongue, and throat, have
the appearance of curdled milk.

The _treatment_ of these forms consists in improving the general
condition of the patient, and in employing a mouth-wash, such as
peroxide of hydrogen, Condy's fluid, chlorate of potash, or
boro-glyceride. The superficial ulcers may be touched with silver
nitrate or with a 1 per cent. solution of chromic acid.

_Ulcerative stomatitis_ is frequently met with in debilitated subjects
with decayed teeth, and is specially liable to occur during the course
of acute febrile diseases in which sordes accumulate about the teeth
and gums. It also occurs in syphilitic subjects while under treatment
by mercury--_mercurial stomatitis_. Some patients show a special
susceptibility to mercury, and one of the first signs of intolerance
of the drug is some degree of stomatitis, which may ensue after a
comparatively small quantity has been administered. It begins in the
gums, which become swollen and spongy, growing on to the teeth and
into the interstices. The gums assume a bluish-red colour and bleed
readily, and the teeth may become loose and fall out. The tongue may
share in the swelling--mercurial glossitis. There is also profuse
salivation, and the breath has a characteristically offensive odour.
In severe cases the alveolar margin of the jaw undergoes necrosis. A
similar condition occurs in lead and in phosphorus poisoning, and in
patients suffering from scurvy.

The _treatment_ consists in removing the cause, and in employing
antiseptic and astringent mouth-washes. The internal administration of
chlorate of potash is also indicated, as this drug is excreted in the
saliva. Loose teeth should not