View report page

ill-health and many specific diseases are traceable to bad teeth,
such as rheumatism in its various forms (joints, fibrous and
muscular), neuritis, and even some forms of heart disease.
Some of the more immediate effects of bad teeth are to be found
in indigestion and the various complaints of the stomach and
bowels.
Unfortunately the teeth of the present generation are very
bad, but so much attention and care is being paid to them, that
one hopes that the next generation will show the results of the
present work.
Whilst writing, the question of opening a second Centre,
at 98, Rotherhithe New Road has not yet been finally decided,
but in the meantime the Centre in Grange Road is doing most
useful and necessary work:—
"I have the honour to submit the fifth annual report of
the work carried out at the Dental Treatment Centre during
1925.
During the year 463 children were examined and 402 treated.
Treatment for 31 was not completed, owing to the parents' objection
to fillings, four refused a second visit for extractions, and
four were uncontrollable. 135 children were referred by the
Maternity and Child Welfare and other centres and four by
local medical practitioners.
405 maternity patients were examined and 263 were treated,
157 being referred by the centres. 56 patients were assessed by
the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee and 7 referred to the
Guardians.
The number of Public Health patients has increased by 254.
61 were treated under the National Health Insurance Scheme, 12
with Hospital Saving Association aid, and 9 with Ministry of
Pensions grant. 20 patients were referred by local medical practitioners.
The attendance at the two evening sessions numbered
1,212 —an increase of 273 over 1924.
15 tuberculosis patients were assessed by Committee; nine
referred to the Guardians, and four treated by Ministry of
Pensions grant.
It is interesting to note that patients brought 324 children,