American Pocket Library of Useful Knowledge/Dentistry
DENTISTRY,
ON THE AUTHORITY OF HUNTER, KŒCKER, HITCHCOCK, COMMON SENSE, AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED SURGEON DENTISTS.
The Teeth.–Attention to the cleansing of the teeth cannot be inculcated at too early an age. The neglect of brushing and washing the teeth is invariably attended with both disease and decay, which, by timely and daily ablutions, might have been avoided altogether. Those who have grown up in the omission of this salubrious habit, should lose not an instant in availing themselves of a practice so essential in general health and cleanliness. The extremes of heat and cold are injurious to the teeth; therefore, the water with which the teeth are cleansed should be what is termed lukewarm. They should be well but gently brushed, both night and morning; the brush should be neither extremely hard nor extremely soft, but should possess a medium quality. Should the gums bleed slightly during the operation, it will produce a salutary effect. The most effectual, and indeed the only means of keeping the teeth and gums in a firm and healthy state, is by using the brush daily. Those who possess good teeth should be careful to preserve them. When they are in good order, and free from tartar, the use of a soft brush once a day, with a little dentifrice occasionally, will be quite sufficient to keep them so; and with this the owner should rest satisfied.
Tooth Powder has afforded to quackery and imposture a spacious field for their operations, whereon the credulity of mankind has enabled them for years to reap a golden harvest. It is obvious to all who give themselves the trouble to think, that the simpler the ingredients of its composition, the more beneficial it is likely to prove. I know of none better or more wholesome, either for cleansing the teeth or for strengthening the gums, than cuttle-fish, prepared chalk, and orris-root, commingled together in equal quantities, which any one may procure separately from any respectable chemist, and mix himself.
Tartar.–This offensive substance, solely the effect of negligence and a want of cleanliness, proves ruinous to the teeth and injurious to health. Remove by scraping, taking care not to injure the enamel; at the same time press against the point of the tooth to keep it firm in its socket.
Filing should never be permitted unless to remove portions of rottenness that cannot otherwise be taken out. In in unavoidable destruction of the enamel, filing is highly pernicious.
Plugging cavities, either with gold or tinfoil, of good quality, should never be neglected. Carefully remove all rotten portions; thoroughly cleanse and dry by means of cotton; then introduce the metal gradually, pressing it into all parts of the cavity with as much firmness as possible, until it becomes a solid mass with the exterior surface, even and smooth.
Tobacco Juice, whether front smoking or chewing, stains the teeth a permanent filthy yellow, and undermines the enamel.
Instruments are required of such various sizes, shapes, &c., in most operations, as make the services of a dentist advisable, if not indispensable. One of the evil consequences of neglect.
Children will be saved much future suffering, mortification, and expense, by having their teeth frequently looked to, and by insisting on the easily-formed habit of washing and cleansing the teeth after every meal.
Tooth Powder.–Many preparations, particularly charcoal, are sure to wear away the enamel, and are therefore pernicious. Use 1 oz. orris-root, 2 oz. prepared chalk, one fourth oz. magnesia. Wild-cherry-tree bark is an excellent dentifrice. When once clean, teeth may easily be kept so by simple water and a brush.
Toothache proceeding from the nerve, may be permanently cured by cauterizing or burning the nerve. This is done by a wire filed to the size of the exposed surface of the nerve, bent at the end in a suitable direction. The saliva must be discharged, and the cavity dried by cotton. Then, with the extremity of the wire held in a candle until it acquires a white heat, carefully but rapidly and slightly touch the nerve. It may be necessary to repeat it. If the wire is merely red hot it is painful, but if heated to a while heat the pain is scarcely perceptible.
Burnt Alum, kreosote, oil of clones, laudanum, poultice of ginger, laudanum aud vinegar, applied to the face; or mustard plaster, are sometimes of service in toothache; and brandy and salt will remove inflaminalion and soreness of the gums.