THE TEETH by Family Doctor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 18, 1893

THE TEETH.

By Family Doctor

A FREQUENT cause of indigestion is partially masticated food; this is often the result of bad teeth. Now, good or bad teeth are [often] an inheritance, undoubtedly, but it is equally true that teeth degenerate through improper food imperfectly masticated, and they can be nourished through proper aliments and thorough mastication. The enamel of a tooth is composed chiefly of lime, and is very hard. Hot or cold drinks are liable to injure it, and anything acid or sour corrodes or softens it, sometimes to the final destruction of the whole tooth. It is necessary that the teeth should be cleansed twice a day, the best times being after breakfast and after dinner, as then all foreign substances can be dislodged easily, and the interstices can be penetrated by the brushes, of which there ought always to be two—the bristle brush to use for the cleaning process, and an India rubber one for the polishing. First use the bristle brush with antiseptic (or charcoal) tooth powder, and thoroughly brush the teeth; then take the rubber brush and cold water, and brush lightly and briskly. This polishes the teeth like ivory, and sweetens the breath also.—Family Doctor.