Those who owe their breath to chronic catarrh, to ozæna, or to some growth within the nose, may make up their minds to perhaps a protracted, but an ultimately successful treatment, and should lose no time in commencing it.
These are general directions, looking toward a radical cure. Now we shall give some suitable to those cases where an unpleasant breath is not permanent, and not indicative of any serious disturbance of the system. For instance, in some ladies it only appears after a late supper, after eating some peculiar article of food, or at certain periodical times.
If it is supposed to be connected with the teeth, or the secretions of the mouth, the following mouth-wash will be found most efficacious:—
Permanganate of potash one grain;
Rose-water one ounce.
Rinse the mouth well every few hours.
The objection to this excellent mixture is, that it stains slightly the teeth, but the discoloration may readily be removed by a tooth-sponge or brush; but so far from injuring, it will be of great service in preserving them, and in preventing or relieving toothache. If the taste is unpleasant, a few drops of oil of peppermint or teaberry will conceal it. It is much better
- [Footnote: D. G. Brinton, "Guide-Book of Florida and the South,"
Phila., 1869.]
