Sword and shield. (Clinton, Miss.) 1885-1888, 1885-04-04

added to dentifrices on account of
their efficacy in foulness, tenderness,
bleeding and sponginess ofthe gums.
Myrrh and mastic are also employed
on account Of their presumed tonic
and preservatiVe action on the gums
and their power of fixing loose
teeth. BOrax is also very servicea-
bic IN such cases.
Great care should be used in se-
lecting tooth paste and powder, for
il is an easy matter to discolor the
teeth or destroy the enamel by using
. vile nostrum. The following list
includes some of the best prepare
tions in common use, and may be
used without fear of injury.
Prepared chalk, mixed with one
half IT'S weight OF cnttle-ish bone,
vita ten drops Of oil Of cloves, makes
a simple and excellent powder for
frequent use. To this may be added
one-third its weight of powdered
CASTLE soap, which will, it is claimed.
whiten the teeth rapidly and remove
the tartar.
Another preparation, variously
scented and slightly modified, forms
one of the c0mmonest tooth powders
of the perfumers and druggists. The
formula is as follows: Burnt harts-
horn, 3 ounces; cuttle-fsh bone, 2
ounces; Orris root, Il ounce; Ar
menian bole, II ounce oil.ot cloves,
or essence of Ambergris, or musk, 20
drops.
The following formula was given
in the London Lancet a few years
since, and highly recommended by
its editor in cases of foul, spongy, or
scorbutic gums, loose teeth, etc.
Red cinchona bark, l ounce Ar
menian bole, ounce; cinnamon, ]
ounce bicarOonate Of soda, ! ounce;
oil of cinnamon, 3 drops.
For the charcoal powder, recently
prepared charcoal should be used,
reduced to fine powder. 1t should
be kept in a bottle, carefully eXclud-
ed from the air. The addition Of
scents and medlcinals greatly Injuries
it, and much of either of them com
ple.ely destroys those properties
which render it so valuable as den
thrice. Willow charcoal, the same
that is used for gunpowder, is usual
ly employed by the perfumers and
druggists.
A wash for sweetening the breath
and preserving the teeth is made by
putting few drops of spirits Of cam
phor in wine glass of water.
For smokers, or persons troubled
with foul breath, wash may be
made as follows:
: A solution of chloride of lime,
with an equal measure of rectified
spirits, with one-half its measure Of
rose or orange-fower water. This
should be used very sparingly and
cautiously, and only occasionally. al
ways remembering to rinse the
mouth thoroughly with tepid water
after using.
A very simple wash, and one not
the least harmful, may be made as
follows: Dried red rose leaves,
ounce boiling water, J pint. In
fuse for three hours, then press out
and strain the liquid. After repose,
decant the clear portion into a glass
or porcelain vessel, and add three
quarters of a pound of clarified
honey; evaporate, by heat Of a water
bath, to a proper consistency, and
set aside in q cool place. The next
day pour off the clear portion for
use. Add water till it is diluted for
use.
| might fill pages with recipes, all
of which are good, but | have given
enough to answer all purposes. In
the use Of these one must be careful
not to abuse them, for even the best
powder or wash may be used too
frequently. Many there are who
know not moderation, and use
things upon the principle that if a
little is good good deal is better.
Once a dayis often enough to use
any preparation on the teeth. Clear
water, or water and soap, will an
swer at all times.-Fanchon, IN Dor
cas- Magazine.