DENTAL DISEASE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 65, 18 April 1944, Page 7

DENTAL DISEASE

POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND THE CAUSES OF DECAY "What causes dental decay?" This is a question Avliich is often raised. While there Is still need for further research on this, subject, there are different theories, advanced, states an article from a dental clinic. An accepted theory is that Avliich is called "Miller's Chemieo Parasitic Theory," wherein it is tliat the onset of decay is due to carbo-hyd-rates left in the mouth and fermenting to make acid. Lactic acid penetrates the enamel until a cavity is made and is large enough to reach the dentine which forms the bulk of the tooth. Mouth bacteria then begin their decaying processes. This theory advanced deals with the exciting cause of dental caries} Beside an exciting cause there are predisposing causes. Irregularities of the teeth, lack of pre- ano post-natal care, poor health, poor diet, oral sepsis and an hereditary predisposition are some of these. New Zealanders are apt to talk gliibly of the cause of dental disease lying in the lack of "something" in the soil or water. Whatever it may be, much can be done to raise, the standard from CIII by destroying that defeatist attitude end substituting for it one of "healthy" interest.