The Care of the Teeth.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XVIII, 31 October 1903, Page 64

The Care of the Teeth.

The teeth not only play an important part with regard to beauty, but have much to do with the actual health. Neglected teeth cannot do their duty with food, and are the sure forerunner of neuralgia and painful ulcerations. Much of the trouble begins when we are babies. Every mother should buy a small toothbrush and brush a baby’s teeth daily in cold water. If there is any evident deformity of the teeth it can nearly always be remedied in childhood. Protruding extra teeth should be extracted without compunction, and irregular ones should be constantly manipulated till they assume a good form. The gums are pliable in young children, and much can be accomplished in this way. As we grow older the teeth should be brushed after each meal with a stiff* brush. If the gums bleed do not be frightened. It often does them good. Never touch the teeth with a pin or any metal. Draw a silken thread between them to remove particles of food. or. if more is necessary, use an orange-wood toothpick. If you clean your teeth but once a day night is the best time, as the natural movements of the mouth during the day help to remove the food. If troubled with tartar, dip an orangewood stick in water, then in fine ashes, and scrub the teeth till the tartar is removed: then keep them free from it. Powder should not be required oftener than once a week. If the gums are sore paint with following: Bi-carbonate of soda, 10 grains: powdered alum, 5 grains; pure carbolic acid. 12 minims; glycerine. Aoz: water, loz.