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In the adult, caries and gum inflammation exist in varying degrees.
With the latter condition, one has observed that, in the younger
patients, food debris has been allowed to remain around the gum
edge, causing a slight congestion. In older patients the food debris
is replaced by a deposition of tartar, with the gum edge in an inflammatory
condition, and with slight, if any, pocket formation. These
cases usually clear up with thorough scaling and excision of any
pockets. Apparently there is an increase of caries during pregnancy,
and this may be due to endocrine factors, but evidence tends
to show that little, if any, dental care is exercised during this period.
With regard to the results of dental treatment, Dr. D. M. Connan,
Assistant M.O.H. and Assistant Tuberculosis Officer writes concerning
tuberculosis cases: "One or two have undoubtedly shown
immediate improvement, and in the majority of cases some general
improvement has been noted. There can be no doubt whatever
that a clean mouth is a very important asset in assisting the cure of
pulmonary tuberculosis, especially as indigestion, which is fostered
by disease of the gums and teeth, is an early and very common
symptom of tuberculosis. No case is sent to the sanatorium without
a clean bill of health as far as the teeth and gums are concerned.
The Dental Centre has been particularly valuable to the Dispensary
because of the expedition with which dental treatment, necessary
as a preliminary to Sanatorium, is carried out." Dr. C. E. Pratt, of
the Bermondsey Medical Mission, writes: "With regard to the
results...I can only say they are excellent. So many have been
patients suffering from chronic indigestion due entirely to their
dental condition, and, after this has been treated, report that they
have not been so well for years. The cases of rheumatoid
arthritis with pyorrhœa also show a vast improvement after a few
weeks. In children, too, I have noticed that chronically enlarged
tonsils tend to decrease in size after removal of septic teeth, and in
some cases tonsillectomy has not been required after this has been
done."
In conclusion, sir, I desire to thank you for your help and advice
in the many difficulties that have arisen. I am indebted to Drs.