ly succumb to alkalies. A dentifrice or mouth wash should be
alkaline.

Toothache.

Toothache is not always due to an exposed nerve, for in the majority of
teeth extracted because they are painful the nerve is dead. Inflammation
is often the cause of the trouble.

A toothache due to inflammation is a steady, aggravating pain,
overspreading the affected side of the face, sometimes even the neck and
shoulder. As there is no nerve to kill in a case of this kind, the tooth
should be treated until cured, or removed upon the first symptom of
trouble. Its extraction would be unattended by any danger and would
afford welcome relief.

Tartar, a creamy, calcareous deposit, supposed to be from the saliva,
will sometimes cause toothache. It accumulates around the necks of the
teeth and eventually becomes hard and dark-colored. It also causes foul
breath and loosens the gums from the teeth, causing them to present an
unsightly appearance.

The Teeth of Children.

Children have twenty temporary teeth, which begin making their
appearance about the sixth or seventh month. The time varies in
different children. This is the most dangerous and troublesome period of
the child's existence, and every parent will do well to consult a
reputable dentist. About the second or third year the temporary teeth
are fully developed. They require the same care to preserve them as is
exercised toward the permanent set.

About the sixth year, or soon after, four permanent molars, or double
teeth, make their appearance. Some parents mistakenly suppose these
belong to the first set. It is a serious error. They are permanent
teeth, and if lost will be lost forever. No teeth that come after the
sixth year are ever shed. Let every parent remember this.

At twelve years the second set is usually complete, with the exception
of the wisdom teeth, which appear anywhere from the eighteenth to the
twenty-fourth year. When the second set is coming in the beauty and
character of the child's countenance is completed or forever spoiled.
Everything depends upon proper care at this time to see that the teeth
come with regularity and are not crowded together. The teeth cannot have
too much room. When a little separated they are less liable to decay.

Dentifrices--Useful and Injurious.

The habit of caring for the teeth daily, and if possible after each
meal, should be established early in life.

Those who have neglected to do so should lose no time in c