HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2172, 4 September 1920, Page 1

HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

FURTHER EVIDENCE AGAINST SUGAR AS A CAUSE OF DENTAL DISEASE.

(Published under the authority of the Education Department.)

Dr. Pickerill, of New Zealand, Dr, Sim Wallace, and Dr, Wheatley, of England, were quoted in a recent article as having expressed strong opinions and produced definite proof of the evil effects of manufactured sugar upon the teeth of children. Some further authorities on this vital matter are here cited.

Stanley Solyer, M.D., L.D.S., of East Griqualand, South Africa, has 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 which they have adopted a civilised diet.

He says: —“As a result of my experience I have no hesitation in saying that the fermentable sugars arc the cause par excellence of caries,'* Alfred C. Bones, D.D.S., Director of (lie Dental Department, Bridgep<Ai*l Board of Health, United Stales of America, is responsible for the examination and treatment of over 20,000 children per annum. As a result of his experience he believes that i,n 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 States, Germany, etc., where the diet consists mainly of coarse food, vegetables and fruits, but where free sugar is a luxury and cannot lie indulged in, decayed teeth arc tin exception, and not the rule. This applies also to the Esquimaux, African Negroes, American Indians, and many South Sea Islanders. Dr. Bones states; —"It has been proved (hat SO or 00 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 restriction, of the consumption of free sugar.’’ The Medical Times, in a leading article, has staled: —“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 limes. 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 publicalions oh (lie Food Edu('jitiou Society oh Great -Brilain strongly emphasise the evils oh the excessive consumption oh sugar.

The British Medical .Journal, in a leading article, says : —“Cheap lea and sugar have done disservice to our people.” Amongst many others, the hollowing prominent mejnhers oh Hie Medical and Denial 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, 11. C. Foiris, D.D.S., New York, Dr. Hagnar Eckorman, Dr. Von Bunge, of Basil, Val Kay, L.D.C., Glasgow, George Thomson, 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 as an article.of diet, and an appeal is made to parents and guardians of young children to live up to their responsibilities in this mutter, remembering that just in so far as they do they are securing a greater measure of health and happiness for their children and the future -generation.