CARE OF THE MOUTH AND TEETH.--In sickness the mouth and teeth require more than ordinary attention; indeed, the condition of a patient's mouth is a fair index to the quality of the care she is receiving. If the patient can brush her own teeth she should do so in the morning, at night, and after meals. At those times the attendant, without waiting to be asked, should bring her a towel, tooth-brush, cup of tepid water, tooth paste or powder, and a small basin or dish to receive the used water. The process is generally more thorough when the patient does it herself, and even a patient unable to sit up can brush her teeth successfully if the nurse holds the powder and cup of water, and provides a basin shallow enough for the patient to use by turning her head to one side. [Illustration: FIG. 17.--THE NURSE ASSISTING THE PATIENT IN BRUSHING THE TEETH. (_From "Elementary Nursing Procedures," California State Board of Health._)] The attendant must cleanse the mouth of a patient who is unable to do it herself. If this cleansing is neglected, a dark tenacious substance collects upon the teeth and gums, composed chiefly of food particles, bacteria, mouth secretions, and worn out cells of the mucous membrane. Once formed it is difficult to remove, hence the mouths of all patients and especially those who have fever, must receive proper care from the very beginning of illness. Cotton swabs are convenient for cleansing the mouth; they are made by winding a small piece of absorbent cotton upon a match or wooden tooth-pick. To cleanse the mouth of a helpless patient, take to the bedside the mouth wash prescribed by the doctor, a towel to protect the bedclothes, several swabs, and a receptacle for used swabs; the latter should be a strong paper bag or several thicknesses of newspaper. Clean the tongue, gums, teeth, and spaces between the teeth gently but thoroughly, using especial care if the gums are tender. Dip only clean swabs in the solution, discard each one after using it once, and burn it afterward. Let the patient rinse her mouth after cleansing it if she is strong enough. If the mouth is very dry, encourage her to drink more water. Notify the doctor if the gums and tongue crack or bleed since he may wish to order a special mouth wash. Cold cream or boracic ointment may be used if the lips are dry and cracked. False teeth should be thoroughly brushed and cleansed, and kept in cold water if taken out during the night.