CARE OF THE TEETH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20183, 27 June 1928, Page 7

CARE OF THE TEETH

CIVILISATION AND DISEASE IMPORTANT FACTOR OF DIET [ Special "Chronicle” Srrvirn. 1 WELLINGTON, June 25. Reference to problems that confront members of the dentistry profession in their service to the community were made by Mr G. Lawrence Taylor in the course of his presidential address to the dentists’ conference. “During the past 30 years,” said Mr Taylor, “dental disease has become much more prevalent among all highly civilised races. The consensus of opinion seems to be that as soon as we insist on eliminating harmful foods from our diet and alter our modes of life, so that they are in accord with the laws of health, the race will again enjoy immunity from dental disease. What is required is a well-balanced diet. “In the most civilised countries, where there is a high standard of living and people can procure so many rich, palatable delicacies, we find dental disease at its worst, unless it has been checked by organised propaganda, after a careful study of dietetics. “It would be difficult to find a moro suitable country than New Zealand for dental research. We have the Maori, who, prior to the arrival of the white man, had perfect teeth, and yet to-day where he has adopted European food and customs, the Maori suffers quite as much from dental caries and pyorrhea as the average inhabitant. “In no country in the world is dental disease more prevalent than in New Zealand. The standard of living is high and the public, as a body, has not learned to discriminate in the matter of diet. I make bold to state that over 30 per cent, of our population between the ages of 35, and 50 years is suffering or has suffered, from pyorrhoc alveolaris and I make statement after careful observation ..extending over many years.

“We know what far-reaching effect this dreaded disease has on the general health of the individual, and yet the carelessness exercised in the average household in choice of diet does nothing to mitigate the prevalence of the disease.”