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Any attempt likely to abort or relieve this infected state must be of great importance, particularly
when the welfare of mothers is a primary concern.
An effort has been made to deal with this complaint on the lines advocated by many of the
leading authorities on this subject.
Methods.—Mild cases were treated with zinc oxide and eugenol cotton packs, firmly secured
between the teeth for one week, and reapplied if necessary. In this way unhealthy matter in this
area (which is the seat of infection) is destroyed, or at least rendered innocuous.
Advanced cases need to be more drastically dealt with, and were treated by excision of all
redundant gum tissue, followed by cauterization and dressing the cut surfaces with zinc oxide-eugenalcotton
wraps.
53 mothers received the treatment as outlined above. 33% of these were cases of acute gingivitis
and were treated by packs and cautery only, while the remainder with advanced pyorrhoea by excision.
Advice and instruction on oral hygiene were given to all these patients on completion of treatment.
Stress was laid on the importance of gum frictions by a medium stiff brush impregnated with
sodium bicarbonate, and the use of wood pick gum drill between the teeth.
Results.—All cases appeared to quickly improve under this treatment. The gum was restored
to its normal healthy pink colour, and the condition arrested with complete regularity.
It is difficult to attempt to forecast on the permanency of these results, but one is tempted to
remark that the gums will remain health just as long as conscientious oral cleanliness is carried out
by the patient.
This seems to be borne out by the re-examination of patients after a lapse of six months.
All these cases have, at least for a time, been spared the ordeal of extensive tooth extractions
and the wearing of artificial substitutes.
Incidentally, the cost of some 20 to 30 dentures has been saved, and one is inclined to the belief
that a far greater number could be rendered unnecessary by these methods.
A full summary of the year's work is given in the tables below.