Use tooth-washes or powders very sparingly.  Castile soap used once a day, with frequent brushings with pure water and a brush, cannot fail to keep the teeth clean and white, unless they are disfigured and destroyed by other bad habits, such as the use of tobacco, or too hot or too cold drinks.

DECAYED TEETH.

On the slightest appearance of decay or tendency to accumulate tartar, go at once to the dentist.  If a dark spot appearing under the enamel is neglected, it will eat in until the tooth is eventually destroyed.  A dentist seeing the tooth in its first stage, will remove the decayed part and plug the cavity in a proper manner.

TARTAR ON THE TEETH.

Tartar is not so easily dealt with, but it requires equally early attention.  It results from an impaired state of the general health, and assumes the form of a yellowish concretion on the teeth and gums.  At first it is possible to keep it down by a repeated and vigorous use of the tooth brush; but if a firm, solid mass accumulates, it is necessary to have it chipped off by a dentist.  Unfortunately, too, by that time it will probably have begun to loosen and destroy the teeth on which it fixes, and is pretty certain to have produced one obnoxious effect—­that of tainting the breath.  Washing the teeth with vinegar when the brush is used has been recommended as a means of removing tartar.

Tenderness of the gums, to which some persons are subject, may sometimes be met by the use of salt and water, but it is well to rinse the mouth frequently with water with a few drops of tincture of myrrh in it.

FOUL BREATH.

Foul breath, unless caused by neglected teeth, indicates a deranged state of the system.  When it is occasioned by the teeth or other local case, use a gargle consisting of a spoonful of solution of chloride of lime in half a tumbler of water.  Gentlemen smoking, and thus tainting the breath, may be glad to know that the common parsley has a peculiar effect in removing the odor of tobacco.

THE SKIN.

Beauty and health of the skin can only be obtained by perfect cleanliness of the entire person, an avoidance of all cosmetics, added to proper diet, correct habits and early habits of rising and exercise.  The skin must be thoroughly washed, occasionally with warm water and soap, to remove the oily exudations on its surface.  If any unpleasant sensations are experienced after the use of soap, they may be immediately removed by rinsing the surface with water to which a little lemon juice or vinegar has been added.

PRESERVING A YOUTHFUL COMPLEXION.

The following rules may be given for the preservation of a youthful complexion:  Rise early and go to bed early.  Take plenty of exercise.  Use plenty of cold water and good soap frequently.  Be moderate in eating and drinking.  Do not lace.  Avoid as much as possible the vitiated atmosphere of crowded assemblies.  Shun cosmetics and washes for the skin.  The latter dry the skin, and only defeat the end they are supposed to have in view.