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The Teeth: Tartar

Tartar on the Teeth. - The accumulation of tartar in the form of a yellowish incrustation, which is usually most plentiful on the inner side of the lower jaw, is almost universal.

But the deposit is much more pronounced in some cases than in others. Tartar is not only objectionable in appearance, but also tends to push the gum away from the neck of the tooth, and thus expose the soft dentine between the root and the harder enamel of the crown. In the course of years, the gum will recede so far as to allow the tooth to fall out, even if it is kept perfectly clean and is thus protected from decay. The accumulation of tartar cannot always be prevented by brushing the teeth, although the use of suitable tooth powders, pastes, or mouth washes will assist, but in all cases where the tartar is plentiful, the teeth should be thoroughly cleaned by a competent dentist three or four times a year, and an astringent lotion, as a 5 per cent solution of chloride of tinc or a solution of alum in soft water, should be rubbed on the gums daily.

Aside from the advice and services of a dentist, the teeth should be thoroughly brushed and cleaned at least once a day, or better still when possible after each meal, and especially before retiring at night. And the teeth of small children should be cleaned for them before they are themselves old enough to form the habit of caring for them.