“Mouth Neglect Could Lead To Illnesses”

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30678, 18 February 1965, Page 8

“Mouth Neglect Could Lead To Illnesses”

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Feb. 17. Neglect to keep mouths healthy could lead to illnesses not apparently connected with the mouth, Dr. R. M. S. Taylor, of the anthropology

department of Auckland University, told the Science Congress today. Infection in humans could reach the bones as well as soft tissue and poisonous matter swallowed could be absorbed. “Probably the commonest source of septic or toxic matter is in the mouth, through neglect of oral hygiene and the presence of chronic dental abscess,” said Dr. Taylor. “Neither of these conditions is painful and one or both may be present and ignored for years, as damage to tissues slowly progresses.” It was known that unhealthy mouth conditions were prevalent and frequently untreated in the community and that there was more general sickness than there should be in a healthy community. “There is good reason to believe that many people are unwell, or actually in hospital, primarily from the longterm effects of neglected mouth conditions,” said Dr. Taylor. “I am not so optimistic as to suggest that if we clean up the mouths we would clear out the hospitals, but I do believe we could significantly reduce the burden of illhealth in our community.” He urged a campaign on these lines as a public health measure.