Silver has a long tradition as an antiseptic. In fact, the expression “born with a silver spoon in his mouth”, so the story goes, came about because the wealthy gave their children silver eating utensils and toys, such as teething rings and rattles, specifically to ward off disease. Considering what sanitation facilities were like in those times, this is likely more fact than legend. And doctors for many years gave newborn infants eye drops of silver solution at birth, to prevent infection. In colloid (suspended in water, not dissolved) form, silver ions are bioactive, and prevent bacteria from forming the chemical bonds they need in order to multiply. Consistently, studies have shown that silver has a well-deserved reputation.