Editorial. Magnesiae Citras in Acute Periodontis. [Volume: 2, Issue: 1, August, 1860, pp. 32-33]

32

THE DENTAL COSMOS.

make dry filling impossible. In certain cases where the flow of saliva is
excessive, does not use napkins, but relies upon pressure alone to make
compact fillings.
The subject of
"THE EFFECT OF MEDICINAL AGENTS, CONSTITUTIONALLY
ADMINISTERED, UPON THIE TEETH, "
was chosen for next discussion.
EDITORIAL.
MAGNESIAE CITRAS IN ACUTE PERIODONTITIS.
IN the treatment of acute periodontitis during the first stages of the
affection-simple vascular excitement or active congestion-we have frequently afforded speedy relief to the patient, though suffering intensely; and
induced resolution in the parts implicated by the local application of two
or three European leeches, combined with the prompt and decided exhibition of the magnesia citras. For though in many instances the morbid
action is confined altogether to the capillaries of the part, and the inflammation is so slight that the mere scarrification of the gums, or the use of
leeches at the furthest, is sufficient to allay the difficulty, in other cases
it is increased and to great extent dependent upon a general disturbance
of the economy; and the only plan by which the progress of the inflammation can be arrested and the suppurative stage averted, is by making a
marked impression upon the organism.
We do not wish to be understood as advocating the employment of this
agent as a specific, for other remedies will answer the purpose just as
well, and in some cases a great deal better; but recommend it on account
of its being, when administered in solution and flavored with a syrup, a
palatable, and to some a decidedly agreeable beverage, and, at the same
time, a mild saline cathartic. Making, as it does, a decided impression
upon the alimentary canal, every portion of the organization, in addition,
is more or less impressed by the liquid evacuations that ensue. For the
salt being in the state of a concentrated solution, it causes an endosmotic
action of the serum of the blood, which, passing into the intestines, not
only increases the alvine discharges, but materially decreases the quantity
of blood in the vessel, and thus relieves the local difficulty.
During the period of utero-gestation, in affections of the rectum, etc.,
violent cathartics must of course be prescribed with caution, and even a
gentle laxative, such as this agent, under such circumstances should be
used with very great care.
Although opposed to trespassing upon the domains of the medical
practitioner, we cannot see any objection to the dentist suggesting the