CHAPTER XXII 



HOW TO PROTECT OUR EDGED TOOLS THE TEETH 



A GOOD carpenter is careful to keep his edged tools 

 in the best possible condition for preparing building 

 material. What part of Jack's House serves a pur- 

 pose similar to the carpenter's sharp tools ? Any child 

 can easily guess the teeth. In a previous chapter 

 we learned the importance of thoroughly chewing our 

 food, and how much possible future illness and dis- 

 comfort might be prevented by forming that habit 

 early in life. All can see that well-formed, healthy 

 teeth look better than those that are irregular or 

 decayed. We also know that these ivory-like tools 

 in our mouths . are useful in giving distinctness to 

 speech. For these and many other reasons we should 

 protect our teeth so well that they will be efficient 

 servants as long as we live. 



But are not the form and regularity of our teeth 

 natural characteristics that we cannot help to regu- 

 late? Are not these useful tools bound to decay in 

 time, and, for this reason, is there any use in trying 

 to prevent it? Fortunately care and attention at the 

 right time will aid in keeping teeth from being ir- 

 regular, and daily cleanliness will protect them from 



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