The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1905-02-23
The TEETH.
PRoPHYLACTIc CARE OF THE
MOUTH.

By Dr.. B. Harrington. Dental Specialist of Gold.
boro.
I. is questionable If there is any sub
ject pertaining to health that is o
more importance and demands NOR
Thoughtful consideration than the daily
care and cleanliness of the mouth, ye
none is more indlfferentIy neglected.
The masses, embracing some of al
classes, are careless on this subject, ane
diseased gums, decay and loss of teeth
and much of foul breath the conse
quence.
! If possible to prevent disease by
timely resort to preventive means, wis
dom dictates that it should be done a.
a feature Of self-preservation.
To prevent disease of teeth and
gums Is an easy matter with the free
use of tooth brush and water, Ga daily
practice) and would be more reasona-
bic, wise and commendable, than the
Indifference and neglect now 90 gener.
ally INDUCED.
Statistics teach us that more than
half of the human family die before
the age of sixteen. This Is appalling,
to think of knowing that there must
be cause for state of things so con-
trary to nature, and it is distressing
when we recognize the fact that neg
lect is an important If not the chief
factor of the cause. The query arises,
where and of whom! Neglect of pa
rents at home and teachers In schools.
This charge may shock some and be re-
pulsive, but 1t Is true and cannot be
truthfully denied. But like many 9TH
or features OF neglect with consequent
evils can be checked, health preserved,
constitutions greatly improved and
death rate diminished.
There IL simple remedy that will
serve as a preventive safeguard and
will never fail in results desired. Pro-
phylaxis is the means by which dis
eases of the mouth can in a great
measure be prevented, health preserv-
ed and life prolonged. Not prophylac-
tic treatment on extreme lines as some
advocate and practice. demanding as a
requisite for health of mouth the SER
vices of a dentist as often as every fort
night or month to care for and keep
the teeth in clearly, healthy condi-
ton but simply conservative. practical
care of the mouth, individual home
practice, daily cleansing teeth after
meals with suitable tooth brush and q
plenty of water in the mouth while
brushing, an easy practice and import
ant duty that can be performed with.
out the aid of a dentist after the teeth
are once put in proper condition by
q dentist, and instruction in the daily
use of the brush has been given. But it |
will be wise and good practice to call
upon dentist every few months to
have him carefully inspect the condi-
ton of the teeth and gums, and check |
disease, if any, in lncipiency and to de-
termine If right use of tooth brush is
being practlced. Humanity and rea-
son proclaim to spare life and grow up . |
healthier, stronger and better consti-
tuted people, that in no distant future !
men and women may be able to In
lulge in the useful activities of life to
The age OF ninety as now at the age of
seventy. This is not improbable nor is |
it impossible.
To will is to do, let all will to be up
and doing, dentists, physicians, teach
srs in schools and parents at home, for
The betterment of the human race |
rom childhood to old age.
The work Ia practical and reasona-
able, and is essential for health, COM
Tort and increase OF longevity, and is
,asily attainable, with promise OF beau
ttful results that will as an example be |
for good and will bring JOY !
md gladness to many homes in the
OF teeth, healthy gums
and pure breath.
It is lamentable fact, nevertheless
rue, that not one person in one hun |