OUR TEETH.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10043, 23 May 1898, Page 3

OUR TEETH.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,—ls it, true that the old age of^ the race is approaching, and that humanity is in its decadence, and that before its final extinction we are to become a toothless, baldheaded, Icnock-kneed, spectacled race? There really seems something in the theory that the world is approaching its second childhood. Be this as it may the state of the teeth of the people in most countries is getting worse and woi'se, and it is said, I know not with what truth, that in New Zealand it is worse than in England and other countries. I have from time to time noticed the following theories to account) for the sad state of affairs: —

1. The old age of the race theory. 2. The want of use theory—i.e. that the foods we eat are too soft, and that the teeth in consequence decay. The muscular powers of the jaws are very great, indicating that the teeth should have plenty of hard work to do, and it is generally admitted that organs decay if not used in accordance with nat*ure's plan. 3. The dyspeptic theory—i.e. that indigestion and" stomach troubles cause an acid state of the mouth that rots the teeth.

4. General lowness of the tital powers, caused by our artificial mode of life. Other causes are mentioned, such as absence of lime in the water we drink, hot foods and drinks, acid and mercurial medicines, and the action of a certain disease acting for generations on the people as a whole.

Bad teeth and the tendency to early loss is now hereditary, aad matters are bound to go from bad to worse if nothing is done; and

in any case, I imagine the full effects of any f remedial action would take several generations to show itself. The first thing to do is to find out the cause or causes, and if private action is insufficient then I think the State should, by Royal Commission or otherwise, get at the truth and pubhsh it for the benefit of the people. The matter is of infinitely more importance than many others that form the subject of Government investigation. Of what use is our boasted civilisation if we neglect our bodily organism. Nature is always willing to effect repairs if we work with "her, and so far as my judgment goes there is no reason why in a far generation the mischief could not be entirely undone, and everyone have a sound set of "nut-crackers." What is more beautiful than a perfect set of teeth If They are of the greatest importance to digestion and health, and the idea of false ones is repugnant to our sense of truthfulness, and the need for them is a slur on oiu boasted knowledge, and an iusult to nature herself. What do our dentists say ou this subject? It may be urged that their business is to remedy defects, not to prevent them. Ido not, however, ascribe such narrow views to them, and no doubt some of them are willing to give the public the benefit of then special knowledge and experience. Perhaps our Biological Professor could be induced to give his opinions and advice in youi literary or other columns. What we want done is to turn our scientific knowledge to practical results. A great deal of modern science, although very interesting from a student's point of view, produces little real good. May I, sir, express the hope that yonf readers will be afforded information by those who are competent to give it. One often feels discouraged when one reflects how humanity runs aftei all kinds of fads and fancies, religious, scientific, political, and social, whilst matters of real and vital importance to the public happiness and welfare are ignored. " Partial impact" may set a defunct sun alight again, but if the impact of our toothless gums -wont masticate a sponge cake what are we the better off? A sound mind in a sound body is the first consideration, and if our civilisation cannot give us these then civilisation is a fraud and a mockery.—Yours, &c,

Practical.