Explain more about thrush or sprue? It is an inflammation of the mouth
where small particles looking like milk curds appear on the tongue, gums
and cheek. This is really a more severe type of sore mouth, and is of a
fungus origin.
Causes of sore mouth. Uncleanness, failing to keep the mouth--especially
of bottle-fed infants--and the nipples and bottles, clean. Babies who are
allowed to suck a "pacifier" or rag with sugar on it. Thrush is parasitic
in origin and is always due to uncleanness in bottles, nipples and the
mouth, and is commonly associated with the stomach trouble. Diarrhea
frequently goes with it.
(See Mothers' Remedies for Sore Mouth, Canker, etc., in general
department).
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Thrush. Severe Sore Mouth. 1. Boric acid in a
saturated solution (five teaspoonfuls to a pint of distilled water) is a
specific for it.
Dr. Tuley, of Louisville, Ky., says:
2. Powdered Borax 8 teaspoonfuls
Strained Honey 3 teaspoonfuls
Mix thoroughly.
3. Glycerin 1 ounce
Distilled water 1 ounce
Boric Acid 2 drams
4. Golden seal diluted one-half with boiled water makes an excellent mouth
wash. Also a weak solution of alum. Use a piece of absorbent cotton or
soft linen on your little finger or small round piece of wood and dip in
solution and apply. Dr. Douglas, of Detroit, advises the use of a soft
brush. This should be boiled after using.
5. In Mild Cases of Sore Mouth.--The medicines need not be as strong as
for thrush. One teaspoonful of boric acid or baking soda to a pint of
boiled water is usually sufficient; wash after each nursing or four or
five times a day.
6. Powdered Borax 1 teaspoonful
Powdered Sugar 4 teaspoonfuls
Put a pinch on the tongue every two or three hours. The child's tongue
will work it around. This avoids the pain from washing, etc.