Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/499

 brain affects the teeth seems proved when one examines the teeth of many of the children who are " top of their form," and the teeth of students in schools and colleges generally. Simple Dentifrices Coming now to adults, there is no doubt that the possession of good teeth is becoming rarer every day, and this is not to be won- dered at when it is considered that, granting a child escapes all the dangers which have beset the teeth before birth and during child- hood, there is a formidable enemy in the shape of civilisation, or the stress of modern life, awaiting a favourable opportunity of attack. First, every drain upon the system takes toll of the teeth. Then, external attack is made by hot drinks and hot food, and iced drinks and iced food. Acidulated drinks directly attack the enamel, as well as many of the drugs consumed in order to counteract the errors of diet. From these facts can be deducted the rational way in which to proceed in order to preserve the teeth. The constituents of diet must be con- sidered. Avoid extremes of heat and cold in all food, and guard against indigestion, for indigestion causes tartar to accumulate upon the teeth. Tartar is a deposit resulting from the acidity of decomposition, and it follows naturally that not only must scrupulous cleanliness be observed, but that some alkali must be used to counteract the acids. Precipitated chalk, perfumed at pleasure, is the ideal tooth-powder for everyone — children and adults. But if a less simple dentifrice is desired, here is an excellent one that is both detergent and absolutely innocuous : Prepared chalk, one part. Carbonate of magnesia, six parts. A few drops of oil of cloves or peppermint can be added to render the dentifrice more agreeable. There is much to be said in favour of a liquid dentifrice, and a good one answering the same purposes as above is : Dissolve two teaspoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda in a pint of distilled water. Pound two teaspoonfuls of carbonate of magnesia with twenty drops of oil of peppermint, and then add the liquid very slowly. Strain until clear. An antiseptic dentifrice which hardens the gums as well as cleanses the teeth, is com- posed of equal parts of spirits of camphor and tincture of myrrh. Acids are Injurious Tooth-powders containing soap are not recommended, as they tend to discolour the teeth, and in this connection also must be mentioned dentifrices containing acids used for the purpose of removing discoloration, because, if persevered with, the acids will do more harm than they at first did good. 475 BBAUTY A better method when the teeth have become discoloured is to dip the tooth-brush in lemon-juice, and then use a mixture of equal parts of fine salt and powdered charcoal. But even lemon-juice should not be employed too frequently or it may prove injurious. When the teeth are in good condition keep them so by cleansing them very thoroughly after meals with some alkaline dentifrice. False Teetli Wearers of false teeth are nowadays well served by dentists, and there need not be the least scruple in aiding Nature in this respect, for decayed teeth are not only unsightly, but prejudicial to the general health. Yet however well they are made, and however carefully they may be fitted, false teeth sometimes render the gums or palate tender, and for this the following wash will give much relief : Tannin, i drachm Tincture of myrrh, 6 fluid drachms Tincture of tolu, 2 fluid drachms By incorporating the tannin with six drachms of vaseline an ointment is made for use on the offending artificial palate. This also will relieve the annoyance quickly and painlessly. There are a few further points to remember in the general care of the teeth. Wearers of false teeth, on the testimony of a dentist, err generally in believing that now their care is unnecessary. But where false teeth are put among natural teeth, the natural ones suffer under increased disadvantages, since a false palate harbours microbes. Remember this when cleaning the teeth, and be most particular to do the task thoroughly and systematically. As drinking water has an effect on the teeth, it is important, on this ground alone, to ascertain the class of water supplied to the district where you live. Some water is known to hurt the teeth, and in such places people generally suffer from dental decay more than in other districts. Loose Teetii Sometimes, owing to a passing state of health, the teeth become loose. Harden the gums with tannin and tincture of myrrh, and at once take steps to improve the general health. A 7veak solution of borax used as a rinse for the mouth, charcoal or coffee in powder, tincture of myrrh — a few drops in water — will relieve the unpleasantness of offensive breath for the moment ; but the cause, which lies either with indigestion or decayed teeth, must be found and remedied without delay. Finally, the care of the teeth must be systematic, for one day's neglect does more damage than the next day's care can remedy. It is a case of the stitch in time that saves nine. To be continued.