THE CARE OF TEETH.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 16 May 1919, Page 3

THE CARE OF TEETH.

j-■:' ■'; ■ MEETING AT OTAKI. -A meeting of residents was held at the Druids' Hall, Otaki, last night to discuss Mr D. S. Mackenzie's proposed scheme of attending to the teeth of children of the .district. There was a fair attendance, and Mr 3. R. Bills (chairman of the-. School Committee) presided." . : ' Mr Mackenzie, dentist, was present, and gave a'brief-address. He said'he wished to poiric out jhe defects of teeth (which he. did by means 01 models) and they way of remedying them. Dentists noticed that parents had their children's teeth attended "to when too late, after the permanent teeth started to erupt. This happened, generally, when children were about six years of age. The teeth mentioned were the most important, inasmuch as they guided the

others in position, yet they were the; most prone to decay. Four teeth at the back gave more pain than all the others put together, and parents wore apt to neglect them till trouble arose,-.and then dentist* were forced to them. The four to-th referred to were itlso good for masticating, and once one of ".hese teeth is lost the others have to

come through as best they can. with the result that children, could not masticatn their foscl properly. It the teeth wore not lost till the child was twelve years old they would direct the other teeth' into their places and dp thorough work.

II: it was impossible to attend to everything at once, he.consklered the matter

suggested should be given attention, and for the present he intended to con-Ane-his efforts to children of from six to twelve years, later he hoped to be able to (leal with, others. He pointed out

that if children were attended to in a sympathetic way the drawing of teeth would be reduced SO per cent. An at-

tempt had been made by the State to adopt a Kelieme, but i! found that there was such a lot to do that the expense was evidently considered too great, lie thought, it possible, if the teeth were treated'at an early age, with regular

inspection and treatment,, it would be possible io say what it could lie done for. He'considered if the teeth of children were examined every three months it would only cost £1 per. annum per head. The Minister of Public Health ha'd tried to initiate some form oftreatment, but the proposal was allowed to lapse, and he (Mr Mackenzie) thought if a practical scheme was placed before the Minister he would give support. Mr Mackenzie maintained that there was only one way of dealing with the problem, and that was to get at the children early. He was quite willing to train a man to do the simple work, and by early attention it would mean there would not be much major work. The question as to the. cans,' ol" decay was still in dispute, but it was recognised that Natives, who led a simple life, had. excellent teeth before civilisation became pronounced. Mr Mackenzie said he had addressed a meeting at Levin, and intended to address meetings from Shannon to Wai-

kanae, and propose a campaign of preservation. He pointed out that children, before retiring at: night, and on

airistng 'in the morning, would save much trouble if they washed their mouths with salt and .water. This alone, he considered, would save 30 per cent of decay.

In answer to Mr 'August Anderson, Mr Mackenzie stated his intention was to send a man to the schools. Once the system was ■ established the teeth of children.over six years of age could be attended to. He wanted 300 children to make it worth while starting, and if the move was successful small dental hospitals .could he erected in each of the play grounds. The ill per year would be the means of keeping the teeth clean and supplying simple fillings, and would carry- children on till they were old enough to value -their teeth. The district was an ideal one one for the trial of such a scheme, said "Mr Mackenzie, as the train service was a good one and most of the school, handy to the stations.

Mr Olliver considered parent:* 'were largely to'blame for the condition of their "children's teeth, and considered the levy proposed would be a hardship •on some who were unable to pay. In view of this he asked would.a reduction be made if over 300 children were obtained. Parents, naturally, wanted their children to grow up healthier, but the trouble was a question of finance.

Mr \V. B. Smith and ilr Swabey both doubted j'f it would be possible to get 300 six-year-old children, and the, former pointed out' that in hi's own school he w-ould be able 'to muster about thirtv. Tii jlew of this he suggested the scheme be started with less children. -- - ■;.-'•

Mr Mackenzie said he believed if-the Minister was approached no doubt he would assist, provided the-schonie was put on a working basis. It remained to be ascertained how many children would be available. ' in answer fo Mr Olliver, Mr Mackenzie stated parents.could pay every, six months/ while.it was possible a reduction Blight be mage for « number. A ni-AH with several children should be assisted-' :

"~M ; r Smith said all were agreed the j matter was tt.ve.ry important one, and i pointed out that the. Government had only "played the'fool" with the matter. A medica] ofrieer (generally a lady) came once a year, examined the children's teeth, and sent notices'' to, parents. Who could blame the children for losing such notices when they knew a trip to the dentist was going to pain?' In any ease very |ew of %kc notifies wgfe taken nance of. Of thelast'i'hiny notices issacd three parents had complied with the request—and fie was one'of them. He was perfectly ' friendly to the scheme, and considered j Mr ""tfackertziq deserved credit for put-

ting such a proposition forward." : Ha'i

sueh a schemo been adopted years ago the speaker would-have been pounds «t pocket. He_ suggested a "canvass bg'siafc to ascertain ho_w many children would be available. "T , -

• Mr ©lliv-cr again-emphasised the fact that'.parents .were largely to blame.-for their children's defective teeth, vigorously pointing out that.too much .moneywas spent on "rot.,''' chiefly lollies.',.

1 In answer to a question by Mr Olliycr. Mr Mackenzie said "it was a fact that by adopting the European" style'of living the Natives' teeth were getting

- Mr Cumpsty thought a few publicspirited men might assist the project bygiving donations. Ho also pointed but thiit recently he had inspected the teeth of fiffv children, and found one child

only with a sound mouth. . . . . Mr A. E. Anderson said it seemed to . him- too much like charity to ask for donations, but'he thought the Government might do.its duty and support the scheme. He suggested started the project, and then later ask for a subsidy. 11 r Olliyer considered if the Government did -away with . useless technical education —much of which was abso- : lutely rubbish—and supported Mr Mnc- ! krnzie's scheme, it would be more'to its | credit. He-considered the health of the j children should be the first thing-aimed, at. ' '' Mr Smith suggested a deputationwait on the Minister of Public Health and ask for a subsidy of, say,; .Ids ki ! the £." Mr Mackenzie favoured the suggestion, but he was doubtful if the time was .opportune. He thought it best to ' show the Government what could be done and then apply for a subsidy. I Mr Smith said the ,'Government ' would jib at-erecting building;; for the j work'.v but "would probably think nothing of giving £2OO or v:ai<). If trip first year was safely negotiated success was assured, lie-pointed out that, no doubt. . the Government Itad at present a lot of dev.ta) equipment,, left over from the war, which they might set free. I Mr Swabcy strongly contended a enn--vnss.:;hpji!d be made to ascertain the number of children available for treatment, and: he asked would the school j committee assist. I Members of the committee who we're present stated their willingness to do I 50 . j Mr A. E Anderson moved that the [-meeting express itself in accord with ' the scheme, and the school committee I be recomninded'to do its" best in the I matter. —Seconded by Mr Swabcy and I carried. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Mackenzie terminated the proceedings.