NATION AND ITS TEETH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18234, 30 October 1922, Page 9

NATION AND ITS TEETH.

POINTS ABOUT PYORRHOEA. It is stated that a great increase in the wholesale extraction of teeth has developed sinde the war, writes the Herald's London correspondent, though, one wellknown doctor is inclined to think that the stated increased rush to the dental chair is slightly exaggerated. Extractions of molars and incisors have not, it seems, become exactly a hobby with the English people. .. i >> r> "It mav .be said, perhaps, says Dr. Goodhngh," " that there is more dental work done since the war. The war was a gigantic advertisement for dentistry, on account of ,the strict regulations of the Army. Accordingly men who served are now" much more inclined to have their teeth attended to than people were in pre-war days. They realise the benefit of it But "they usually go-to the dentist now before extraction is nqcessary." Often when a doctor has a case of acute arthritis, rheumatism,, or neuritis-he prescribes extraction of all the teeth. Pyorrhoea, or dental sepsis, is blamed also for blindness, hardening of the arteries and premature old age, inflammation of the kidneys, gastric ulcer, and many other complaints. The fact is said to be dawning on medical men that pyorrhoea is not so, great & cause of mischief as has been supposed, and strong protests against wholesale extraction have been made. Dr. K. Denison Pedley, consulting dental surgeon to the Evelina Hospital, London, tells of-a doctor who took a holiday in order to have all his teeth extracted, as advised by two colleagues. He came under Dr. Pedley's carp, who found it necessary to extnift onlv the two incisors, leaving 14 useful teeth in the mouth of the patient. Pyorrhoea has a very bad name, but doctors are beginning to find that some of tbe diseases attributed to it are due'to other causes. *