A NATIONAL DANGER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10614, 12 June 1920, Page 4

A NATIONAL DANGER

DECAY OF TEETH GOOD ADVICE FROM EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. In a special article issued to the Dress on the imoortaiifc subject of decay of t?oth in children, v-luch lias almost become a national dauber, it ’s stated: Of mil probleiu-s reflating /-o public health and etlicieucy the prevention of the decay of the teeth is second to none in importance. Its causes may be divided into two groups—those lending to poor structure, softness’, and weak resistance to decay on the part of the teeth themselves; and those which bring about conditions in the mouth that are injurious to tooth of even the most resistive type. Both sets of causes are essentially matters of nutrition and diet, and ere 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 duo 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, and 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. Has it been an oversight on the part of Nature that this acid-forming ’fermentation, should take place and destroy the enamel? No ! A study of the function and composition 01 the saliva shows that this is not so. THE USE OP THE SALIVA. Healthy saliva has the power of digest ing and" dissolving, and, therefore, of cleansing from the teeth just that kind of food which undergoes acid formentatiou. Such saliva is alkaline, aud therefore at once neutralises any acid that is formed (before the fermenting food is washed a wav). These two properties of the saliva, it sufficiently powerful, should effectually prevent decay. . Why then tloes decay occur? The reason is found to a great extent .in the foods wo eat. It "is found that certain foods have the effect of causing an abundant flow of strongly active saliva —strong in its digestive and cleansing power, and strong iu its anti-acid properties. Others have a reverse effect. Apples 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 and manufactured foqdstuffs. which in more ways than one are undermining the physique and health of civilised peopls EVILS OF ARTIFICIAL FOODS.'

Such foods are au over-abundance of sugar especially in the. form : of sweets, chocolate being the ipost. deleterious of these; biscuits and breads made from white flour; and. other Over-refined starchy foods. , , . AU these' foods, besides checking the flow of saliva, are -past}', and readily stick to the teeth, and at the same time are easily fermentable, quickly <nvin" rise to the destructive lactic acid. Such foods also are deficient in mineral salts which are essential to the building of bones 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 checking of the protective action of the saliva more acid fruit’, such as apples and oranges, should be oaten at the close of a meal. An apple, or piece of apple, eaten at the end of a meal, causes a copious flow of strongly active saliva. Iruit, however,. is to many—especially to those with largo families who most require it—a food of prohibitive expense. . A fruit-acid mouth-wash, an artificial form of orange juice, on the lines recommended by Professor Pickenll has a similar effect in stimulating a cleansing flow of saliva. It is very cheap, and children like.it immensely. In connection 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 besides ite cleansing effect in the mouth. TOOTH-BRUSH DRILL IN 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 bo shaken up with water, from all chemists, anil an explanatory leaflet with directions is .put up with each package. It. is used separately, or in conjunction with the brushing of the teeth. IMPORTANCE OP CARE OF TEETH. ■lt is a well-established fact that there is without exception no other factor which directly and indirectly cause ß so much disease'and 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 tho most valuable asset a person can over possess. Parents can assist greatly to tills very desirable end by seeing that full effect is given to tho above suggestions.