NATURAL EXERCISE OF JAWS PROMOTES BETTER TEETH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 22, 17 February 1948, Page 3

NATURAL EXERCISE OF JAWS PROMOTES BETTER TEETH

(By the Department of Health) The muscles of the jaw play an important part in moulding the dental arches, that is, the jaw bones holding the teeth, and in promoting the proper and adequate growth of bone. At birth the baby teeth are forming deep down in the jaw bones, and even the first permanent molars are starting their crown formation. " . Teeth usually grow to a standard pattern, and providing nutrition is correct and carried out according to the requirements of the building processes, then the teeth will grow naturally to a size which does not take any account of the amount of bone there is present in which to grow. For example, we may see medium-sized teeth in small, underdeveloped jaws, and on the other hand there may be medium-sized teeth in large developed jaws. What happens? In the first case the teeth are crowded and crooked, and lead to an incorrect position of the jaws—consequently there is greater susceptibility to decay on account of the lodging of debris between the teeth. In normal sized jaws the teeth have plenty of room. - All things being equal, they will be more correctly in alignment and, being more easily cared for with a toothbrush or by fibrous tooth foods, they will be less prone to decay.

Unless the muscles attached to the jaw bones are exercised to the full, the bones will be too small to receive the full complement of teeth in correct position and alignment. How may we promote this bone growth? From birth mothers, 'if at all possible, should breast-feed for at least six months. When the baby is weaned, it should be given plenty of crusts, toast, twice-baked bread, bones, teething-ring, and as much hard food to gnaw on then as possible. This is the best way to ensure good natural exercise of the jaw muscles.