Arizona weekly enterprise., 1890-10-25
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH.
Some sound Advice That All Should
 Follow.

From the New York World: 'Decay of the teeth is due to stomach disorder or neglect. People are either too lazy to keep their teeth clean or else they do not know how. In a disordered stomach a species of micro organism IS developed from fermentation which pervades the lining of the mouth and consumes the structure of the teeth. These bacteria are infnitesimal, but there Is no doubt of their existence or the havoc they make Of the dentine And, like all germ life, they can be communicated, the profession of dentistry advancing the theory that they can be transmitted from one person to another just as diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, or any other scourge. In fact, bad teeth are as catching as whooping cough, and it behooves body to look the gift horse squarely in the mouth before kissing.
 If the best authority in dentistry can be relied upon no one person In fifty cleans his teeth. Every refined individ- ual brushes his teeth, but that operation is far from cleansing. Particles of food lodge not on but between the teeth and inside along the gums. When decompo sition sets in the breath becomes tainted, and not only Is a discoloratlon formed, but a form of animal life requiring 6 germicide to remove.
 1.-The tooth-pick may not be used at table, but it is as indispensable to clean liness as napkin. Another essential Is thread, which is the best means of clean ing the teeth. If they are very close to- gether use piece of silk or dental floss, which can be made finer and frmer by waxing. After every meal the teeth should be cleaned with thread of this sort, and if the mouth is rinsed 1t will not be neces- sary to used brush. This IS plan that should be use by persons who have sensi- tive or receding gums.
 Ut is quite sufficient to brush the teeth twice day, before retiring or on rising. Hot water is better than cool, and cold water should not be used. A long, soft bristle brush is best for general use, but the inside of the teeth can only be reach ed by means of an inch brush, the brist- les of which are usually firm and some what coarse Brush the inside more than outside surface, and let the motion be up and down, so as to clean between the teeth rather. There isn't doubt but violence is done by the too frequent use of powders, washes and dentrifce.
 One application of powder in week is sufficient for the health of the gums. Only idiots use ashes and pumice stone, and one must have jaws like a horse to indulge in salt White castillo or any good soap will keep the teeth clean; wintergreen IS perfectly harmless, refresh ing, and of but trif1ing expense. A few drops of myrrh used once month will make an excellent tooth tonic.
 Tt is the common opinion that naughty children who do not tell the truth should have their mouths washed. This is good as far as it goes. Every mouth needs securing, flushing, and rinsing daily ,and if the system is deranged or the tongue has coating the operation should form part of each toilet, or as a woman dentist in Madison avenue advises, wash the mouth as often as you do your face A vigorous brushing is one of the most efficacious means to this end, provided the stomach is strong, as a feeling a nausea will be engendered, but this may be avoided by the use of mouth sponge, reserved for that purpose. Then there are gargles in endless variety.
 Aromatic vinegar is good. < * lemon juice and water, or salt and water, to be held in the mouth and gargled until there is a tangible clean taste. A cup of warm water as hot as the mouth will bear Is simple ana effectual as germclue, ana another prescribed by dental surgeon is a weak solution of listerine. This may be used on the tooth brush, and means death to the animalcule that may have habitat in the mouth, and spoonful in a mug of warm or hot water will make dilution for a clean mouth. This can be used as a spray or a gargle."
 A reporter of this paper has interviewed the acknowledged authority on the merits of the above. Among the number Drs. Me Chesney comments this readable article to the thoughtful, sayinga word in de- fense of teeth without plates as health fuI, aggressive step in the art of dentistry.