Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Witch boil
Introduction
Overview
Witch boil is a British slang word for a dental disease, which causes the teeth and tongue to swell. The disease was highly dangerous in the 1870’s but since 1892 there have been no recorded cases of the condition, so it has never been given a scientific name. One theory states that this is not a disease, but the state people’s teeth go into when a tooth clashes with the current tooth, causing swelling.