A CASE OF HEREDITARY CONGENITAL ABSENCE OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS

M. L., a girl, was first seen two years ago, aged 3 years. She was of normal birth and was breast fed for one year. There were three other children, all of whom were normal. The past history of the patient was unimportant, there were no previous illnesses. The child was brought in because the teeth were badly decayed and the mouth constantly dry. The mother said that when nursing, the milk would collect around the inside of the lips and cheeks and become dry. She would always have to wash it off with wet cotton before the next nursing. The tongue and mouth always seemed dry. The condition of the mouth on examination was then as follows: The teeth were discolored, the gums retracted around the teeth, so that they seemed to be stuck in the jaws at irregular angles. The child ate well, but had to take drinks