Of course if the trouble comes from the teeth by decay, it is a case for
the dentist, and if because the teeth are not properly and frequently
cleaned, the remedy is a toothbrush and a good tooth powder.
Bad breath, however, is frequently the result of low vitality or
torpidity of the excretory organs, either the skin, bowels, kidneys,
liver or lungs. Should one of these, the bowels, for instance, become
affected, the others have more work to do. The lungs then have to throw
off some of this waste matter, and the result is bad breath. If from one
of these causes, or from the stomach, or from catarrh in the nose, a
doctor should be called to treat the difficulty intelligently.
For temporary cleansing of the breath, however, the following
recommendations are good. A teaspoonful of listerine to half a glass of
water makes a wholesome and refreshing gargle and mouth wash. No harm is
done if some of it be swallowed. A teaspoonful of powdered charcoal is a
good dose to take. A teaspoonful of chlorine water in half a glass of
water makes another good mouth wash.
Of course the teeth should be brushed twice a day at all times, and the
listerine is the best of lotions for that use, particularly when used
alternately with powdered chalk to whiten the teeth. Do not use a brush
that is too stiff, and never brush so hard that you make the gums bleed.