MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3915, 7 March 1929, Page 3

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

DR, GUNN’S COMMENTS. “I am not too pleased with the condition of the mouths of sotoe ot£ the children attending this school,” stated Dr. Elizabeth Gunn at an informal gathering of teachers and (Chairman of the -School Committee yesterday morning. Dr. Gunn Avent on to say that good health to a large extent Avas promoted by the regular cleansing of the teeth and gargling. “I examined cue child this morning, 12 years of age who did not possess a tooth in the upper jaAv and several other eases disclosed shocking conditions,” continued the doctor. Dr. Gunn regretted that tooth brush drill had been abandoned at the school. The excuses made Avere that parents Avere not in a position to supply brushes, and also that the brushing process caused toothache. The latter complaint indicated that the child needed dental treatment. “If parents realised the necessity for encouraging and compelling the children to keep their teeth clean, many ailments would be avoided and disease germs Avould find no lodgment to impair the health of the children both iioav and in after life . “I do hope,” said the doctor, “that you Avill give this matter the attention it deserves.”

Touching upon the compulsory examination of the .children, she said it Avas inexplicable that one or lavo parents should still take exception to this privilege. “With such a fine climate as Foxton possesses and its natural facilities backed by tAvo of the finest school buildings in the Dominion there is no reason why the physical condition of the Foxton children should not equal the best in Ncav Zealand,” concluded Dr. Gunn.