Page:The Jewish Manual.djvu/233

 two ounces of brown, one of powder of bark, and one ounce and a half of powder of. When the gums are inclined to shrink from the teeth, cold water should be used frequently to rinse the mouth; a little, dissolved in a pint of water, a tea-cup full of wine, and a little tincture of myrrh or bark, will be found extremely beneficial in restoring the gums to a firm and healthy state. This receipt was given verbally by one of our first dentists.

Every precaution should be used to prevent the accumulation of tartar upon the teeth; this is best done by a regular attention to cleanliness, especially during and after illness. "Prevention is always better than cure," and the operation of scaling often leaves the teeth weak and liable to decay.

Acids of all sorts are injurious to the teeth, and very hot or cold liquids discolour them.

The best toothpick is a finely-pointed stick of cedar. Toothbrushes should not be too hard, and should be used, not only to the teeth, but to the gums, as friction is highly salutary to them. To polish the front teeth, it is better to use a piece of than a brush.