540 
DENTIFRICES. 
In  forming  a  dentifrice  we  have  several  things  to  consider. 
Admitting  tjiat  some  preparation  of  this  sort  is  required,  let  us 
see  what  will  best  subserve  our  purpose  and  present  the  least 
number  of  objections.  In  the  first  place,  tooth-powder  should 
be  pleasant  to  the  taste,  that  it  may  be  used  freely  by  both  old 
and  young.  It  should  also  be  as  nearly  soluble  as  possible.  I 
contend  that  charcoal,  pumice-stone,  cuttle  fish,  and  similar  sub- 
stances are  unfit  for  common  use.  The  harsh,  insoluble  particles 
are  forced  between  the  teeth  and  beneath  the  margin  of  the  gums, 
forming  a  base  for  the  deposit  of  salivary  calculus,  which  as  it 
concretes  severs  the  membranous  connection.  The  gums  are 
thus  kept  in  an  irritated  condition  ;  the  alveolar  process  becomes 
exposed  to  the  action  of  destructive  agents,  consequently  ab- 
sorption takes  place  ;  the  teeth  loosen  and  fall  out.  I  have 
known  cases  where  particles  of  charcoal  have  remained  imbedded 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  gums  for  upwards  of  five  years  after 
its  use  had  been  abandoned.    So  much  for  gritty  substances. 
Now  as  regards  Peruvian  bark  and  gum  of  myrrh.  They  are 
less  objectionable,  but  I  think  their  properties  in  this  connection 
much  over-rated.  We  do  not  need  them  in  tooth-powder.  They 
are  unpleasant  to  the  taste,  bitter.  Being  insoluble  in  water, 
you  get  little  or  no  medicinal  effect ;  and  where  a  medicinal 
preparation  is  desired,  have  a  suitable  wash  prepared,  adapted 
to  the  particular  case,  to  be  used  in  connection  or  alternately 
with  the  powder. 
The  best  base  for  tooth'-powder  is  pure  precipitated  chalk.  It 
is  entirely  soluble  in  acetic  acid.  Borax  is  one  of  the  very  best 
of  ingredients  to  combine  w ith  it.  It  tends  to  allay  irritation  of 
the  mucous  membrane,  and  imparts  a  peculiar  sweetness  to  the 
mouth. 
A  simple  and  very  excellent  dentifrice  may  be  made  of  pre- 
pared chalk  and  old  white  Windsor  soap  finely  powdered,  about 
six  parts  of  the  former  to  one  of  the  latter.  My  own  favorite 
dentifrice,  which  I  both  use  and  recommend,  is  simple  and 
pleasant  to  the  taste,  and  seems  to  answer  every  purpose  that 
can  be  expected  of  a  dentifrice  for  every-day  use.  It  is  this  : 
R  creta  preparata,  lbsiij  ;  powdered  borax  and  orris  root,  lbi ; 
cardamom  seeds,  $ij  ;  white  sugar,  lbi.  Mix.    Flavor  with  either 
