Thomas Curtis Clarke

“ 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. ”

“ 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 ”