DENTAL DISEASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1920, Page 6

DENTAL DISEASE.

(Published under the authority of the Education Department.) Dr. l'ickerill, of New Zealand, Dr. Sim Wallace and Dr. Wheatley, of Kngland, were quoted in a recent article as having expressed strong opinions and produced definite proof ol the evil effects Of manufactured sugar upon the tert.li of children. Some further authorities on this vital matter arc here cited. Stanley Colyer, M.J). L.D.S. of East firiqimkuul, South Africa, lias observed the effect of sugar on the teeth of certain South East African tribes. He has proved that dental caries has progressed among natives previously practically immune according to the extent to whith they have adopted a civilised diet. He says:—"As a result of my experience I have no hesitation in saying that the fermentable sugars are the cause par excellence of caries." Alfred C. Fonos, D.D.S., Director of the Dental, Department, Bridgeport Board of Health, United States, America, is responsible for the examination and treatment of over 20,000 children per annum. As a result of his experience he believes that in childhood a wellbalanced diet with special emphasis on the elimination of free sugar would result in practical immunity from dental caries. He says that olinical experience and general observation reveal that the evidence is all against sugar; that amongst the peasant classes of Italy, Greece; Balkan States, 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, are the exception and not the rule. This applies also to the Ksquinaux, African Negroes, American Indians and many South Sea Islanders.

Dr. Fonos states:—"lt has been proved that 80 per cent, or 90 per cent, of dental decay can be prevented by a system of correct diet and extreme cleanliness, especially in the elimination or at least the restrication of the consumption of free sugar." The Medical Times in a leading article lias stated:—"What should be condemned is the giving of sugar in an unnatural too concentrated form, such as jam, sweets, chocolates, cakes, etc., and especially at wrong times. It' 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 is getting an injurious amount. In our opinion dental caries and diseases arising therefrom could and should be prevented, and in the case of children especially such disabilities are far more easily and cheaply prevented than cured." The publications of the Food Education Society of Great Britain strongly emphasise the evils of the excessive consumption of sugar. The British Medical Journal in a leading article says "Cheap tea and sugar have doue disservice to our people." Amongst many others the following prortiinent members of the medical and dental profession who have had special opportunities for observation and have given the matter special attention, have all come to the same conclusion:~ Dr. Harry Campbell, London, lI.C. Foiris, D.D&, New York, Dr. Ragnar F.ekerman, Dr. Von Bunae of Basil, Val K-a'v, L.D.S., Glasgow, George Thompson, L.D.S., England, P. J. Proud, L.D.S. Tlie Department contends that all the leading scientific opinions and evidence that can be adduced is overwhelming against the free use of sugar ns an article of diet, and an appeal is made to parents and guardians of young children to live up to their reponsibilitips in this matter, remombering that just iu so far as thpv do so they a:re securing a greater measure of health and happiness for their children, and the ..future generation.