The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-02-12
BY MARY BARNSFATHER.

M osT mothers feel if baby is
~ given a good tepid bath once 4
Gay, accompanied by sponge bath
ut bedtime, that baby is clean; there
are other essentials necessary for the
making of child's cleanliness.
II is Il well-Enown fact that many
children suffer from mouth diSea SEES,
especially in hot weather. caused by
neglecting baby's mouth. IT is neces-
sary that the toilet OF the mouth be
made every day at least and oftener
If time permits This should be done
with great care and gentlencss, not to
in lure the gums and the teeth. Moth
ers or nurses often forget their
strength: opening the baby's mouth
by force, they push their strong fin
gers into the delicate mouth, result
ing in more harm than good.
Ii baby is too young to have tooth
brush p soft linen rag or handker-
chief makes an excellent substitute.
Likewise n little absorbent cotton
may be wrapped about the finger or a
small stick. The cotton projecting
beyond the point should be dipped in
boiled water and cooled until it is
lukewarm 1t should be applied to the
gums with great care. After the
tongue moves frequently and the
mouth commences to secrete saliva
the washing of. the mouth may be
limited to twice a day.
Mothers often feel that the first
teeth are of small consequence, be-
cause they are not permanent. They
do not appreciate the fact that poor
teeth make for poor health, they de-
tract from the child's appearance and
do much to injurc the permanent
teeth.
The washing Of the mouth by tho
method described should be continued
until the first teeth are cut; then a
small toothbrush with soft bristles
should he applied to the gums If any
stains appear on the teeth they should
be removed at once with little cara
donate of lime in powdered form or
powdered pumice stone. Should it he
allowed to remain it will result in the
decay of the teeth and help in the
making of receding gums. AS soon as
any decay appears in chi!d's tootl,
1t should be taken to dentist, be-
fore it works havoc with the other
teeth.
There are diverse opinions about
powdering baby after the bath. If the
baby is dried perfectly this should not
be necessary in cool weather, but 1t
Is not easy to dry baby absolutely.
il is therefore well. after drying n
child, to powder it well. The powder
should be of the simplest kind: the
purer it Is the healthier it will keep
the skin.
The question OF salt water over
fresh water is perplexins one and
must be decided by every case in
divdually. Some young children re-
spond to salt water beautifully and
have no fear for the ocean. and it
will do no harm to give them an
ocean bath frequently. Other chill
dren feel a lassitude and do not re-
spond to n bath given in the open
air. and these children should not
have surf bath until older. Not
every child can bear daily batl,
given out of doors.
The question of washing the child
head is also an important one. and it
Is often neglected A young baby
perspires greatly. especially about the
head, and therefore the head should
be washed daily. As a child grows
older the hair washing can be re-
duced to twice a week. This will dc
little good unless the hair is brushed
twice day. for the brushing helps to
keep the head clean and adds to the
gloss of the hair. At first a soft,
silky brush should be used, but as
the child grows older brush with
stiff bristles can be secured.
The hair should he trimmed often
because cutting the hair makes Il
grow and short hair contributes t
. child's comfort With q little CIR