SCHOOL CHILDREN'S TEETH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2761, 13 February 1907, Page 57

SCHOOL CHILDREN'S TEETH.

EXAMINATION IN WELLINGTON.

. About a year ago the Wellington J3du« cation Board authorised the local Dental Association to examine the teeth of children in the higher standards of the State schools. Accordingly, the mouths of IMB children (660 boys and 488 girls) in Standards IV. V,* VI. and VII were inspected. It was noticed that these 1148 pupils had 5887 teeth (3706 upper and 2181 lower) in need of treatment, in average of five teeth per mouth in children between eight and sixteen years of age. " This average may appear low," the report states, " but, really, it is very high indeed, for we must remember thaiJ it applied to many children who have not erupted all their teeth. '\ The following are details about th» schools whose pupils were examined: —

'' Almost universal uncleanliness "' characterised the teeth. The examiners noticed that only about 15 per cent, of the children inspected used a brush, and in this number boys predominated in tha proportion of 9to 6. Children did not apparently attempt to use a brush untfl they were at least oii?ht years of age. It is submitted that the large number of cases showing signs of simple stomatitis and infected tonsils is undoubtedly due to bad toeth. Quick fermentation of food stuffs n> also mentioned as one of the evils caused by diseased teeth. In conclusion, the report makes some important proposals. "As we have sufficient data to back up our statements, and as it is quite possible that ninetenths of human ailments are traceable to bad teeth and unhytrienic oral conditions," the -association «tates, '' it is submitted that the following proposals be carried, and tliat they be oonveyed to the proper authorities : —

(1) That, subject to authorisation, a series of plain, straightforward lectures be given periodically and on approved lines to the scholars of Standards TV, V. and VI of the various State schools, at such times and places as the head master may see fit.

(2) That, associated with any medical inspection, the Health Department bo approached to have a representative from the Dental Association present when such examinations take place. (3) That attached to and forming part of the staff of the Health Department there be added to it a duly registered dental surgeon. (4) That the Minister of Public HpaJth be notified respectfully of the above minutes." Questioned about this report. Dr Mason said that the members of the Dental Association were to be congratulated for the important work which they had undertaken at their own initiative «nd expense. There was no doubt that they had secured valuable data. _ Replying to queries about the financial* aspect, Dr Mason said that when any one of disease was noticed in a child the parents would be informed, and wonU be expected to make their own tmng^ mente for remedies, if they ooold afford it If the parents were too poor to under* take the expense, th» children would receive treatment at the aoapitaL In the case of bad teeth, it was reasonable to expect that a chitd would be in a position to receive the fame consideration as one afflicted with any other ailment.— Post.

X umber of School Pupils. NVwtown (2) .. 152 Willis Street .. 231 Ihorndon .. .. 232 Terrace . . . . 2] 5 Island Bay .. .» 35 Mount Cook .. 40 Petone . . 204 F a t t c- r Line's (Lower Hutt> 39 Ages. 9-15 9-15 10-16 8-16 9-14 9-15 9-15 9-15 Carioil* Teeth 818 912 1345 1112 180 260 1047 223