(CANKER)
This disease is characterized by little, painful, grayish-white spots
upon the superficial layer of the mucous membrane. They consist,
primarily, of an exudate of fibrin and wandered-out leucocytes. It
is principally a disease of childhood. Among the common causes are
difficult dentition, disorders of digestion and uncleanliness of the
mouth, such as neglect to cleanse the child’s mouth after nursing. It
may be a symptom of measles or of local diseases.
Probably the innervation to the region of the little grayish-white
spots or canker is obstructed at some points by a disordered tissue.
The lesion may be mechanical or it may arise from a disordered
digestion. If one is able to locate such a lesion and remove it, a cure
will be hastened. The seat of the infection is the internal surface of
the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue and lips.
=Symptoms.=—There is redness of the mucous membrane of the mouth,
followed by the appearance of the vesicles with a red areola. Pain
in the mouth and an increased flow of saliva occur. Mastication,
deglutition, and even speaking, may be painful. This condition is
followed by sleeplessness, feverishness, diarrhea and fetor of the
breath.
=Treatment.=—Removal of the cause, as in other varieties of stomatitis,
is paramount. Give attention to the food. The milk should be
sterilized. The disordered digestion should be corrected at once. All
secretions must receive prompt attention. The child should be nursed at
regular intervals. Locally, keep the parts clean and carefully treat
the innervation.