CHILDREN’S TEETH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2690, 21 December 1909, Page 3

CHILDREN’S TEETH.

“A GENUINE CAUSE FOR

ALARM.”

The deplorable state of the teeth of the rising generation was the subject of a deputation to the Education Board on Dec. 15, from the Dental Association.

Mr. Carter said that it was a genuine cause for alarm —the fearful condition of tlie teeth of a very large number of children attending the schools. Another member of the deputation explained that it was proposed t-o deliver two or three. lecturettes a year to the pupils of each school by different members of the institution so that the children should be encouraged to take proper care of their teeth, and it was also proposed to pay visits of inspection for the purpose of examining the teeth of the children. The members of the association offered thenservices gratuitously, recognising that it was a matter: that imminently affected the health, of the nation. The chairman said that the board had already Urged upon the Education Department that there_ should be a general medical inspection of schools at the charge of the State. It was manifestly impossible for poor parents to expend much on the teeth of thenchildren, and it, therefore, devolved upon the State as a duty to see to the physical wellbeing, as well as the mental training, 'of the coming citizens. The association’s offer , was a magnificent one, prompted by a generous public spirit, and should the Department do nothing,; the board would be 1 glad to avail itself of that offer to examine the children’s teeth, and to; inculcate the first principles -of, dental care in the mind of the young. . .- The board decided to go further into this important question of. the care of teeth at its-next meeting,