Violet Mouthwash

Mix equal quantities of tincture of orris, spirits of roses, and common spirit, with a few drops of otto of almonds.

Source: Recipes for the Million

For an intermitting pain in the Teeth

Boil 1/2 oz. bark, grossly powdered, in a pint of cold water, till it wastes to a pint; then strain through muslin and bottle it. When the teeth are free from pain, put 2 table-spoonsful of laudanum, then gargle and wash the mouth well with it. Repeat it several times in the day.

Source: The English Housekeeper, Anne Cobbett

Bad Breath

Bad breath from catarrh, foul stomach, or bad teeth, may be temporarily relieved by diluting a little bromo chloralum with eight or ten parts of water, and using it as a gargle, and swallowing a few drops before going out. A pint of bromo chloralum costs fifty cents, but a small vial will last a long time.

Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette

Mouth Wash for Receding Gums

Hydronaphthol 15 grains.

Spirits of Wine 1 ounce.

Water 1 ounce.

Put twenty drops in wineglassful of water, holding in mouth a little at a time for a few moments and spitting out. Do this daily.

Source: Tested Formulas and Useful House and Farm Recipes, T. Kenny