DENTAL HEALTH.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 November 1929, Page 6

DENTAL HEALTH.

CARE OF CHILDREN’S TEETH.

A clean month is more important than a clean face. Care of the children’s teeth will add to their vigour and happiness and help to ensure their future health and success in life. The following article is the first of a Series supplied by the Nurse in charge of the Levin Dental Clinic and issued under the authority of the 'Department of Public Health. DECAYED TEETH CAUSE ILLHEALTH.

1. Bad teeth can give rise to such diseases as blood-poisoning, consumption, pneumonia, diphtheria, rheumatism, tonsilitis, and many others, because—

(a) Disease-germs multiply rapidly in a decaying tooth. The minute germs of the diseases mentioned may lodge there and multiply by thousands in a few hours. (b) Disease-germs can enter the body through a decayed tooth. The decayed spot communicates with minute vessels that enter into the blood-stream and the tissues of the body.

2. Bad' teeth cause stomach troubles, because poisonous material and germs are swallowed with every mouthful of food. This causes indigestion, bad breath, poor general health, and liability to disease as mentioned above. ' 3, Bad teeth render chewing difficult or impossible, and food which is not thoroughly chewed and mixed n ith the saliva causes indigestion, constipation, and appendicitis. 4, Bad teeth cause toothache, and chronic toothache makes children nervous and irritable. IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THE FIRST TEETH. The first teeth are in use during the most important period of the child’s life when the foundations of future health and physique arc being laid. Their early decay is a serious handicap' to bodily growth and strength, and a grave menace to the right development of the second teeth. Hence every possible effort should be made for their preservation. ,TO PREVENT DECAY.

1. Food lying in the crevices of the teeth ferments and forms an acid. This acid eats through the enamel and thus makes an entrance for germs of decay. This can be prevented.

(a) Avoid foods which stick in and clog the teeth, especially chocolate, biscuits, cake, white bread, sweets, etc. Such food should uc\ei be eaten between meals. (b) Keep strictly to the rule of three meals a day/ with uo pieces or milk iu between. (c) Finish each meal with acid fruit, such as an apple or orange, which stimulates a cleansing tiow of saliva. This saliva dissolves and washes away food particles and directly counteracts decay. (d) Cleanse the teeth regularly.

The teeth should be brushed if possible after each meal. Brush upwards and downwards on the outer and innei surfaces and a gross the biting surfaces, to dislodge food particles, i articular care should be taken in brushing the large back teeth, which'are often left with food adhering to them. Use plain water, or weak salt solution (half teaspoonful in a teacupful of water). , .. The cleansing of the teeth utter tae last meal of the day, or before going to bod, is most important. It is especially during sleep that food particles ferment in the mouth and cause decay. DECAYED TEETH SHOULD BE TREATED.

1. Watch for signs of decay, and, if possible, have the teeth inspected by a dentist, at least twice a year 2. Have the first teeth treated it de-

cay occurs. 3. The first permanent molars come through about the sixth year, immediately behind the temporary teeth, ihey do not replace any of the temporary teeth and therefore are generally mistaken for temporary teeth. These are the largest and most important teeth in the mouth, and should on no account be allowed to decay. 4. Delay is dangerous, as one bad tooth infects the mouth and causes decav of others. If the decay is extensive the tooth may have to be extracted. This is a calamity, because missing teeth interfere with mastication, interfere with the growth of the jaw, and spoil the shape of the. face. 5. Artificial' teeth are a miserable substitute for sound natural teeth. Natural teeth can exert a biting pressure of 250 lb.; artificial teeth only 50 lb. or less. REMEMBER—- * A child with had teeth swallows poison with each mouthful of food. A dirty mouth and foul breath are most repulsive, as well as injurious to health. The teeth should be brushed at the very least once a day, especially after the last meal. If a tooth decays treat it at once. Decay of the teeth is the greatest cause of disease, and parents are urged to give this matter their most careful attention.