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84
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE DENTAL CLINIC.
During the year 1927 the number of patients referred
for dental treatment is well up to the average. Much trouble
is experienced still in getting patients to agree to conservative
treatment, which would eliminate all necessity for extractions.
The general idea on the part of the patient is to remove the
teeth regardless of their value to the digestion and general
health. There are also many cases where attention to simple
hygiene of the mouth (viz., care and cleanliness), would have
rendered treatment unnecessary. Continued efforts are being
made to instruct the patients in the thorough use of the toothbrush
and in the adoption of a suitable diet. In many cases
the expectant mother indulges in too many sweet and starchy
foodstuffs, whereas the harder and more fibrous foods would be
advantageous, both to dental hygiene and general health.
To summarise, the patient should:— (i.) Consistently
follow out a daily routine of simple dental hygiene; (ii.)
Realise the value of her natural teeth, and the necessity for
keeping them, and take advantage of the opportunity afforded
by conservative treatment, i.e., gum treatment, scaling and
polishing, and fillings; (iii.) Adopt a suitable diet which will
conform to the requirements of the Maternity Officer while
affording the exercise which Nature demands for the upkeep of
a healthy mouth.
Finally, it is essential that the expectant mother should
visit the dentist as early and as often as possible in order that
her mouth may be put in a healthy condition and kept so. It
is desirable that all treatment—especially that of a surgical nature
—should be completed before the final month of pregnancy.
The following shows attendances, operations, etc. : —
No. of Sessions 26
No. of Patients 136
No. of Attendances 361
Dentures and Repairs 45
Extractions 303
Patients for Extractions 45
Extractions by locil anaesthetic 313
Impressions 28
Bite 31
Try in 27
Scaling. Polishing and Fillings 26
Health and Infant Welfare Week.—In previous years
"Baby Week" had consisted generally either of baby shows for
the babies connected with the Council's several Welfare Centres,
or some form of entertainment with tea for the mothers associated