DENTAL DISEASES.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 10 September 1920, Page 4

DENTAL DISEASES.

FURTHER EVIDENCE ADDUCED. (Published under the Authority of the Education .Department.) Dr. I’ickerill. ol' New Zealand, Dr. (Sim Wallace and Dr. Wheatley, oi England, were quoted in a recent article as having expressed strong opin ions.and produced definite proof of the evil effects ol' manufactured suga: upon the teeth of children. Some further authorities on this vital matter are here cited.

Stanley Culyor, M.D., ,L.D.*S., of East Criqualand, South Africa, litis ob served the eilect of sugtir on the teeth of certain South-East African tribes, tie has proved that dental caries lies progressed among natives previously practically immune according to tinextent to which they have adopted a civilised diet.

lie says: —“As a result of my ex perieuce I have uo hesitation in sayin; that the fermentable sugars' are th euiite par excellence of caries.’’

Alfred 0. Tones, D.D.S., Director ol the Dental Department, Bridgepor 1 Hoard of Health, United State. America, is responsible for tiie examination and treatment o'l over 20,0l)v children per annum. As a result of his experience he believes that in childhood a well-balanced diet with special emphasis on the elimination of free sugar would result in practical immunity from dental caries. He says that clinical experience and general observation reveal that the evidence is all against sugar; that amongst the peasant classes of Italy, Greece, Balkan Slates, Germany, etc. where the diet consists mainly of coarse food, vegetables and fruits, but where free sugar is a luxury and cannot be indulged in, decayed teeth arc Ihe exception an I not the rule. This applies also to the Esquimaux, African Negroes, American Indians, and tunny South Sea Islanders. Dr. Folios writes: —“ It has been proved that .Si) or I*o per cent of denial decay can be prevented hv a system or correct diet and extreme cleanliness, ■.‘specially in the elimination or at. least, the restriction of the consumption of free sugar.’’ The “.Medical Ti mes ’ ? in a leading article lias stated: —“What should be condemned is the giving oi sugar in an uiinatural too concentrated form, such as jam, sweets, chocolates, cakes, etc., and especially at wrong times. 1/ should always be remembered in connection with sugar that the craving for it is very easily acquired and long before anyone is aware of it the child js getting an injurious amount. In our opinion dental caries and diseasearising therefrom could and should be prevented, and in the ease of children especially such disabilities are far more easily and cheaply prevented than cured. The publications of the Food Education Society of (treat Britain stron g>y emphasises the evils of the* excessiv" consLimption of suga r. The “British Medical Journal’' in a leading article says “Cheap tea aim sugar have done disservice to our people. ’ ’ Amongst many others the following prominent ’members of the medical and dental profession who have had special opportunities for observation and haw given the matter special attention have till come to the same conclusion. Dr. Hurry Campbell, London, H. C Tcinis. D.D.S., New York, Dr. Rugtiar Tokertuan, Dr. Von Bttngo of Basil Y'al Kay. L.D.S., Glasgow, Georg) Thomson, L.D.S.. England, T. .1. I’rotttl, L.D.S. The Department contends that Mi the leading scientilie opinions ani evidence that can be adduced in overwhelming against the free use of sugar as nn article of diet, and an appeal Lmade to parents and guardians of young children to live up to their re sponsibilities in this matter, remembering that just in so fay as they do so they aro securing a greater measure of health and happiness for their children and the future generation.