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On treating cavities

- Published: 15 February, 2008

Here’s some more medical wisdom from back in the days when a certain Colombian marching powder was still considered a not unreasonable remedy for toothache. If only the kids of today would stop shoving it up their noses, the nation’s oral health would not be in such a parlous state.

On treating cavities: “First cleanse and dry the hollow tooth, and then put into it a small plug of cotton wool, dipped in creosote, or oil of cloves, or chlorodyne, or a 4% solution of cocaine. Then put another bit of dry wool over this and leave in the tooth. Live on simple slop food for a day or two, then visit a good dentist...”