MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8364, 26 February 1913, Page 10

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

To tho Editor “ N.Z. Times.” Sir,— May I once again trespass :upon your space to bring before the inotice of your numerous readers the unuch-discussed subject of medical inspection of school children at tho last general election S' .Numerous candidates at that period were strong advocates of this cause, but up to, the present (nothing of special note has been ’achieved. 1 wish to lay particular 'stress upon the general condition of the teeth of children in New Zealand. I have travelled in many countries and I am of opinion that in comparison New Zealand is a long way behind in this matter. The teeth of our juvenile generation are certainly of a decaying nature, and unless something is done to bring about this necessary reform our future generation will certainly not be as healthy as the present. It is indeed a regrettable feature to notice the numerous people in New Zealand who are wearers of false teeth and who are constantly complaining of the defects in perhaps one of tho most important items jof their general health. Although in numerous cases tho mothers of the children are to blame, 1 would suggest that the State should provide for this urgent need., 1 would further suggest that dental, surgeons should visit the schools at least once a month and that school teachers should be instructed to tutor their pupils on the importance of pro-; per care and treatment of teeth. Parents are warned in all directions, ■s regards the destructors of possible “beauty,” but what warning is given against the neglect of their children’s, iteeth? It is indeed only of iate that: 'we are beginning to realise how large, la part the state of our teeth plays in our personal appearance. Most of us would be content to suppose that black or missing front teeth is a circumstance and artificial ones welcomed, but there is certainly much more in it than that. A number of people who would consult a dentist for decay in a ■front tooth would be quite indifferent to the extraction of their back teeth. Parents are constantly guilty in this respect, and more so the fair sex, who •are too deeply interested in their personal appearance to pay attention to their molars. What happens then if we lose our back teeth early in life!’ The chewing has to bo done, and naturally the front teeth are then called upon to perform the mastication of the food. This, of course, affects the front teeth and puts them out of shape, which nearly always makes them protrude. This does not of course add to the beauty of the teeth. No one likes : projecting teeth, for they are morbid ■and a sign of flagrant neglect some'where. Yet, if the possessor had not been so foolish as to think so little at the grinders, these projection troubles would probably have been averted. I venture to state that all oar teeth are worth having for the sake of personal appearance, for, when once lost the lips are permanently affected, as is visible in the case of elderly peopis. Therefore, I desire to call the attention of. the present Government to the urgent necessity of thorough dental inspection in the schools and that children should be taught to masticate properly and grow up to realise what a valuable asset their teeth are to them. Chocolates, in my opinion, should be strictly avoided, and apples and such like given in preference. It is true that fond mothers often disapprove of the old habit of giving a child the “night chocolate,” and I think that if children were brought up with the idea that fruit, etc., were beneficial to them, they would ask for it. There is no doubt if this were adhered to the future generation would be blessed with far superior teeth to those of the present day. Few will question the necessity of well-kept teeth for the general health sake, so, sir, although I feel that a great deal of your space could be taken, I shall rest contented if the few lines I have penned will sow the seed that in tho near future will bear successful fruit. Whilst thanking you for the opportunity to bring this most desirable reform before tho public, I am sure a word of praise will certainly be meted out to the present Government by ail who have the welfare of this country’s future citizens at heart. —I am, etc., A LOVER OF GOOD TEETH.