CHEMICAL AND ELECTROLYTIC LESIONS OF THE MOUTH CAUSED BY ARTIFICIAL DENTURES

Abstract

Erosions and chronic ulceration resulting from irregular teeth or improperly fitting artificial dentures are recognized and frequently discussed by the members of both the medical and the dental profession as predisposing factors in malignant conditions. Recently, Shelmire¹ and others emphasized the importance of a careful examination of the mucosa of the mouth in all suspected cases of toxic drug eruptions. In a previous address, I² called attention to the possibility of abrasions and sometimes of painful ulcers forming as a result of careless and improper use of the stiff bristle tooth brush which dentists have urged on the public during recent years. The object of this paper, however, is to discuss two additional sources of trouble that have received little or no attention by American physicians, though reports of occasional cases are found in dental literature, and to show that efforts have been made to overcome