When these symptoms occur, the gum should be lanced, and sometimes the
tooth comes through the next day, if near the surface; but if not so
far advanced the cut heals and a scar forms, which is thought by some
objectionable, as rendering the passage of the tooth more difficult.
This, however, is not so, for the scar will give way much more easily
than the uncut gum. If the tooth do not come through after two or
three days, the lancing may be repeated; and this is more especially
needed if the child be very fractious, and seems in much pain.

Lancing the gums is further advantageous, because it empties the
inflamed part of its blood, and so relieves the pain and inflammation.
The relief children experience in the course of two or three hours
from the operation is often very remarkable, as they almost
immediately become lively and cheerful.

[CONTENTMENT WILL BOTH CLOTHE AND FEED.]

2444. Cure for Toothache.

Two or three drops of essential oil of cloves put upon a small piece
of lint or cotton wool, and placed in the hollow of the tooth, will be
found to have the active power of curing the toothache without
destroying the tooth or injuring the gums.

2445. Gutta Percha Tooth-Stopping.

Since the introduction of gutta-percha, the use of metallic
succedaneum for filling decayed teeth has been superseded, especially
in cases where the cavities are large. The gutta-percha is inodorous,
cheap, and can be renewed as often as required. It is only necessary
to soften it by warmth, either by holding it before a fire, or
immersing it in boiling water. Succedaneum is best when the decayed
spots are very small.

2446. Succedaneum.

Take an old silver thimble, an old silver coin, or other silver
article, and with a very fine file convert it into filings. Sift
through gauze, to separate the coarse from the fine particles. Take
the finer portion, and mix with sufficient quicksilver to form a stiff
amalgam, and while in this state fill the cavaties of decayed teeth.
This is precisely the same as the metallic amalgam used by all
dentists.

_Caution_.--As it turns black under the action of the acids of the
mouth, it should be used sparingly for _front_ teeth. A tooth should
never be filled while it is aching.

2447. Rose Lipsalve.

i. Oil of almonds, three ounces; alkanet, half an ounce. Let them
stand together