Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-07
~ HE best of dentistry cannot max

" HE best of dentistry cannot make
teeth pretty. or preserve them.
without unremitting care at home.
as for instance. the use of simple cleans
ing powders and mouth washes that are
better in effect than the occasional appli-
cation of strong beaches. which cannot
fail to injure the enamel. Once this
happens the teeth crumble to ruin in spite
Of the best care.
An excess of lime in the system is as
bad as the lack Of it. In both conditions
the teeth are soft. An experienced DEN
fist knows Immediately what the tooth
structure is. and his advice should be fol-
lowed absolutely. Rinsing the mouth fire.
quently with lime water. and even taking
q little internally, is advised in the ap-
sence of that mineral in the system.
The habit some women have of cleaning
their teeth occasionally with pumice pow
der is more apt to do harm than good.
for unless they are experienced in the
proper way of using this the enamel will
be scratched. The seriousness of this
may be understood when it is known that
the tooth itself is frail and porous struc-
ture depending for strength and existence
upon the enamel. which is hard and nom
porous.
How to Use Pumice Powder.
1t is beyond question that cleansing
with pumice is excellent, but once in six
weeks is often enough. and then the ut
most care must be exercised in the applf-
cation. The powder should be the finest
that can be bought.
To apply it one requires stick like an
orange wood manicure piece. At one end
of this absorbent cotton should be twisted
to form a pad. This Is moistened With
water and little powder is sprinkled on.
This is rubbed over each tooth. keeping
the cotton quite wet to avoid scratching
the enamel. Any risk of pushing the
gums back during the cleansing must be
avoided.
After all the surface and edges have
been rubbed with the powdered pumice,
the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed
more than once to remove each particle
Not until the last has been elected should
a brush be used. for stiff bristles could
make the smallest grain give severe
scratch. the more serious because its pres
ence would not be known. 1t is for TINS
reason that powders containing pumice
should rarely. and better never. be used.
Excellent Tooth Powders.
From two simple powders, either of
which is beneficial when constantly used.
one may be chosen. That containing
camphor is made Of seven drains of pre-
cipitated chalk, half dram of powdered
camphor. and a dram of powdered orris.
Sift many times to mix. Persons who OBJ
ject to the flavor Of camphor may try
this: An ounce Of precipitated chalk. half
an ounce of powdered borax, a. quarter Of
an ounce each of powdered myrrh and,
orris root. .-.-..ti
According to an old beauty tradition a
fresh strawberry has wonderful merit as
a tooth bleach. The teeth are BRUSHED as
usual before retiring, and then a fresh
berry is. squeezed oyer Them this juice
remaining on.
It's merit is a matter for doubt.
. Fruit Jelly.
Soak half box Of gelatine in a half
gether with the thinly shaved rind of one
lemon and two oranges. Then pour on
scant cup of boiling water and stir until
dissolved. Add one cup sugar. two cups
of orange juice and the juice Of one
lemon. and strain through fine cloth
into pitcher or saucepan with a lip.
Wet a mold with cold water. turn in
layer of the liquid jelly about half an inch
deep and set on the Ice where it will hard
en- quickly. Prepare cupful of fruit. sec
tions of oranges, Malaga grapes (seeded),
bananas (sliced). preserved pineapple or
candied fruits. etc. and as the jelly in the
bottom of the mold stiffens put in a layer
Of the fruit, fastening each piece. in place