CAUSE OF DENTAL DISEASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18032, 4 September 1920, Page 2

CAUSE OF DENTAL DISEASE

FURTHER EVIDENCE AGAINST SUGAR. (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 reocnt 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 axe here cited. Stanley Colyer, M.D., L.D.S., of East Griqualand, South Africa, has observed the effect of sugai 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 6aying that the fermentable sugars are the cause par excellence of caries." Alfred C. Fonos, D.D.S., Director of the Dental Department, Bridgeport Board of Health, United States, America, is responsible for the examination and treatment of over 20,000 children per annum. As a result of his experience he believes that in childhood a well-balanced diet, with .special emphasis on tho 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 tho diet consists mainly of coarse food, vegetables, and fruits, but where free sugar is a luxury, and cannot be indulged in, decayed teeth are the exception and not tho rule. This applies also to the Esquimaux, African negroes, American v Indians, and many South _ Sea Islanders. Dr Fonos states: "It lias been proved that 80 per cent., or 90 per cent, of dental decay can b» 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 stated:— " 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 times. 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 publications of the Food Education Society of Great Britain strongly emphasise the evils of the excessive consumption of sugar. The British Medical Journal, in a leading article, says:—"Cheap tea and sugar have done disservice to our people." Amongst many others, the following prominent members of the medical and dental professions, 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), H. C. Foiris, D.D.S. (New York), Dr Rognar Eckerman, Dr Von Bunge, of Basle, Val May. L.D.S. (Glasgow), George Thomson, L.D.S. (England). P. J. Proud, L.D.S. - Tho 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 matter, remembering that just in so far as they do so they are securing a greater measure of health and happiness for their children and the future generation.