Our Teeth

Physiology has become one of the fundamental studies in the elementary schools. In conpection with it is given instruction in the simple laws of hygiene. Special attention is devoted to the evil effects of alcoholic beverages and narçotics. Ali this is commendable and encouraging to the friends of educational progress, The wellbeing of the body cannot be too highly regarded in the making up of school programs.

One logical result of the more intelligent interest of the people in matters concerning the health of children is the introduction of expert medical inspection of the schools. Thus far this inspection has confined itself largely to the sanitary conditions of school buildings and the general health of pupils. If there has been any specialization it has been examination into the condition of children’s eyes and ears, and perhaps also of the nose and throat. One important factor seems to have been largely disregarded, and that is the need of a periodical dental inspection. The principal reason for the oversight is probably to be found in the lack of interest on the part of the average physician in the health of teeth. This field has long been left entirely to the dentist, and the latter has not, at least in the United States, been made a member of the boards of medical examiners for schools.

In Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden and Japan, the importance of the examination of school children’s teeth by a competent dentist has long received practical recognition. In Great Britain the question has been agitated for some years, and all signs point to a speedy adoption of dental inspection and the teaching of the proper care of the teeth at least in city schools. The usual plan is to employ dental surgeons to make periodical examinations of every pupil. Records are kept and parents are advised concerning proper care, or free treatment is given to the poor. A similar system is very much needed in this country. State, county and municipal examiners of children’s teeth must become a part of the public school machinery.