The Laws of health.

  • Nabarro, David, 1874-
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The Laws of health. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    95/208 (page 83)
    Finely-powdered precipitated chalk may be used, or failing this a little common salt. In brushing the teeth the brush may be used from before back, but should especially be moved up and down so as to get into the spaces between the teeth. The tops of the teeth should also be brushed, likewise the surfaces on the inside next the tongue. After brushing the teeth, it is a good plan to use a disinfecting mouth-wash to rinse away any particles of food remaining, and also to get rid of as many germs as possible. A weak solution of permanganate of potash (Condy's fluid) or other anti- septic, such as boracic acid lotion, may be used as a mouth-wash. It is quite as important to clean the teeth properly after meals, and especially at night, as it is to wash every morning after getting up. Large particles of food which lodge between the teeth after eating should be removed by the use of a tooth-pick after each meal. A quill tooth-pick is the best to use. Metal tooth-picks are too hard and may injure the enamel. Wooden tooth-picks are dangerous as they may cause splinters to get into the gums. Sometimes the teeth are too close together to get a tooth-pick between them. In that case a piece of thread or waxed ' floss' silk held by the two ends may be forced between the teeth, and by pulling it to and fro we get rid of food particles. By biting hard food we also help to preserve the teeth, because it clears away particles of food from them and polishes the enamel. It is a good plan to give a child a crust or hard biscuit occasionally so as to give its teeth plenty of work to do. 134, I am afraid that the very mention of the dentist will frighten you and make you think of his ' forceps ' 6—2