DECAY OF TEETH IN CHILDREN.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1920, Page 4

DECAY OF TEETH IN CHILDREN.

(Article published under tile authority of th(! Education Department.)

WELLINGTON, June 10

Of all problems relating to public health and efficiency, the prevention of the decay of the teeth is second to none in importance. Its cause may be divided into two groups—thlose leading to poor structure, softness, and weak resistance to decay on the part of the teeth themselves; and those which bring about conditions in the mhutli that are injurious to the teeth of even thy most resistive type. Both sets of causes are essentially matters of nutrition and diet, and are mostly preventible. CAUSES OF DECAY.

It is the object of. this article to call attention to some causes of the second group. Decay is immediately due to the fermentation of starchy and sugary food in the crevices of the teeth. This fermentation gives rise to an acid; and this acid dissolves the lime of the enamel, arid eventually eats through it, exposing the softer parts of the tooth to germs of decay. As long as the enamel is intact, decay is impossible, lias it been an oversight on the part of nature that this acid-forming fermentation should take place, and destroy the enqjnel? No! A study of the function and composition of the saliva shows that this is not so. THE USE OF SALIVA.

Healthy saliva has the power of digesting and dissolving, and, therefore, of cleansing from the teeth, just that kind of food which undergoes acid fermentation. Such saliva is alkaline, and •therefore at once neutralises any acid that is. formed (before’ the fermenting food is washed away). These- two properties of the saliva, if sufficiently powerful, should effectually prevent decay. Why thten, does decay occur? The reason is found to a great extent in the foods we eat. >

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FOODS *ON THE FLOW OF SALIVA.

It is found that certain foods havethe effect of causing an abundant flow of strongly active saliva—strong in its digestive and cleansing power, and strong in its anti-acid properties. Others have a reverse effect. Applies and oranges and other acid fruits are the most powerful of the former class; the latter consists of most of the more modern, artificially refined find manufactured foodstuffs, which in more ways than one are undermining the physique and health of civilised peoples. EVILS OF ARTIFICIAL FOODS. "Such foods are an over-abundance of sugar, especially in the form of sweets, chocolate being the most deleterious of these • biscuits and breads made from white flour; and other over-refined starchy foods.

All these foods besides checking the How of saliva, are pasty, and readily stick to the teeth, and at the same time are easily fermentable, quickly giving rise to the destructive.laetic acid. Sucli foods also are deficient in mineral salts, which are essential for the building of hones and teeth, and in the more vital elements of nutrition, known as vitamines. which play such a prominent part in healthy growth. THE VALUE OF FRUIT.

To correct this chocking of the protective action of'the saliva more acid fruit such as apples and. oranges ’ should be eaten at the dose of a meal. An apple, or piece of an apple, eaten at the end of a meal causes a copious flow of strongly active saliva. Fruit, however, is to many—especially to those with large families who most require it—a food of prohibitive expense. THE FRUIT ACID MOUTH WASH. A fruit-acid mouth wash, an artificial form of orange juice, on the lines recommended by Professor Pickerill, has a similar effect in stimulatinfg a cleonsing flow of saliva. It is very cheap and children like it immensely. In connexion with the medical inspection of school children, this mouth-wash is being recommended.

Fruit, it must not be forgotten, has other valuable properties as a food be ( - sides its cleansing effect in the mouth.

TOOTH BRUSH DRILL IN THE - ’ SCHOOLS.

Tooth brush drill, combined with the use of this wash, is about to be instituted in all schools throughout the Dominion. It is obtainable in dry form, to be shaken up with water, from all chemists, and an explanatory leaflet with directions is put up with each package. It is used separately, or in conjunction with the brushing of the teeth.

VITAL IMPORTANCE OF THE CARE OF THE TEETH.

It is a well established fact that there is without exception no other factor which directly and indirectly causes so much disease arid ill-health as decay of the teeth.

From the point of view of appearance and personal attractiveness, of avoiding suffering and deriving greater pleasure from life, as well as for the more urgent reasons of health, a healthy mouth is without exception the most valuable asset a person can ever possess.

Parents can assist greatly to this very desirable end by seeing that full effect is given to the above suggestions.