The only way to guard against these dangers is to keep the teeth perfectly clean. They should never on any account be brushed less than twice a day. Brushing the teeth in the morning, and in the morning only, is not enough. When possible, they should be brushed after every meal, especially when animal food has been taken. The avocations of many people, which take them from their homes, may not allow them to brush their teeth after every meal, but they can at all events thoroughly wash out the mouth with cold water, and thus remove most of the food which would otherwise adhere. THE TOILET. 3H The idea that frequently brushing the teeth tends to lacerate the gums and separate them from the roots is erroneous. The oftener they are brushed the better, provided always that a moderately soft brush be used. The teeth should, of course, be cleaned inside and out ; many people seem to think that as long as they clean those teeth which are seen they have done all that is necessary. The use of simple tooth-powder is to be commended. When there is a tendency to decay, tincture of myrrh often proves of much value. The habit of taking very hot substances into the mouth should be avoided, as the heat may crack the enamel. On the other hand, the practice of sucking ice and subjecting them to the other extreme of temperature is equally to be deprecated. No one who has the slightest respect for his teeth would use them as nut-crackers. Smoking, but more especially chewing, tobacco is bad for the teeth. It should be remembered that the preservation of the teeth is in a great measure dependent on the condition of the health, and this should accordingly be maintained in the highest possible state of integrity by the use of plain, nourishing food, cold bathing or spong- ing, and early or regular hours. A FINE comb loosens the dead skin of the scalp, just as friction rubs off the scarf-skin of the body. In washing hair-brushes do not use soap or hot water. Dissolve a teaspoonful of saleratus in tepid water, and dip the brush up and down in it till it is white and clean. Place it in the warm air to dry with the bristles down, and it will be as firm as a new brush. Harts- horn in tepid water is quite as efficacious, but not as convenient. A handful of dry meal rubbed on brushes is also excellent for cleaning them. It removes all grease and dust, and can be shaken out of the bristles easily. Lemon-juice and glycerine will cleanse and soften the hands. To Remove Pimples. — Sulphur water, i oz. ; acetated liquor of ammonia, ^ oz. ; liquor of potassa, i gr. ; white wine vinegar, 2 ozs. ; distilled water, 2 ozs. Apply twice a day. 312 THE hearthstone; or, life at home.

AI-modernized reading of the original text

The only way to guard against these dangers is to keep the teeth perfectly clean. They should never on any account be brushed less than twice a day. Brushing the teeth in the morning, and in the morning only, is not enough. When possible, they should be brushed after every meal, especially when animal food has been taken. The avocations of many people, which take them from their homes, may not allow them to brush their teeth after every meal, but they can at all events thoroughly wash out the mouth with cold water, and thus remove most of the food which would otherwise adhere. THE TOILET. 311 The idea that frequently brushing the teeth tends to lacerate the gums and separate them from the roots is erroneous. The oftener they are brushed the better, provided always that a moderately soft brush be used. The teeth should, of course, be cleaned inside and out ; many people seem to think that as long as they clean those teeth which are seen they have done all that is necessary. The use of simple tooth-powder is to be commended. When there is a tendency to decay, tincture of myrrh often proves of much value. The habit of taking very hot substances into the mouth should be avoided, as the heat may crack the enamel. On the other hand, the practice of sucking ice and subjecting them to the other extreme of temperature is equally to be deprecated. No one who has the slightest respect for his teeth would use them as nut-crackers. Smoking, but more especially chewing, tobacco is bad for the teeth. It should be remembered that the preservation of the teeth is in a great measure dependent on the condition of the health, and this should accordingly be maintained in the highest possible state of integrity by the use of plain, nourishing food, cold bathing or sponging, and early or regular hours. A FINE comb loosens the dead skin of the scalp, just as friction rubs off the scarf-skin of the body. In washing hair-brushes do not use soap or hot water. Dissolve a teaspoonful of saleratus in tepid water, and dip the brush up and down in it till it is white and clean. Place it in the warm air to dry with the bristles down, and it will be as firm as a new brush. Hartshorn in tepid water is quite as efficacious, but not as convenient. A handful of dry meal rubbed on brushes is also excellent for cleaning them. It removes all grease and dust, and can be shaken out of the bristles easily. Lemon-juice and glycerine will cleanse and soften the hands. To Remove Pimples. — Sulphur water, i oz. ; acetated liquor of ammonia, ^ oz. ; liquor of potassa, i gr. ; white wine vinegar, 2 ozs. ; distilled water, 2 ozs. Apply twice a day. 312 THE hearthstone; or, life at home.

The hearthstone; or, Life at home