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86
Dental Caries—Fluoridation
Although perhaps not considered by the public as a serious
complaint, dental caries is, one might say, a disease of civilisation in
that modern diets have, to a large extent, contributed to the disgraceful
condition of our children's teeth.
Accumulated evidence suggests that of all teeth likely to suffer
from dental caries, 75 % are attacked before the age of 15 years and
there is no need to labour the point that the addition of only 1 p.p.m.
fluoride in the water supply would eliminate most of the trouble.
On an individual basis, oral hygiene, regular dental supervision,
restriction of fermentable carbohydrates and provision of extra
vitamins and minerals have met with varying degrees of success,
but their application as public health measures to the population at
large has been disappointing.
In the U.S.A., laboratory evidence has shown that fluoride
leads to the perfection of crystals of dental enamel and the fluoridation
of water supplies is a rational and practical method of combating
dental decay. This could be achieved at relatively little cost compared
with the present excessive expenditure on dental services, generally,
which will continue to increase if effective preventive measures are
not introduced. Fluoride tablets, as suggested by the opponents of
water fluoridation, fail as an effective alternative because, in general,
they tend not to be taken regularly.
As far as this Borough is concerned, the Metropolitan Water
Board is persisting in its policy of not introducing fluoridation until
there is unanimity among the local health authorities. In the meantime,
a great deal of preventable dental caries will continue to afflict
the young, the conservative treatment of which will prove to be
extremely expensive in money, manpower and personal inconvenience.
Food Poisoning
Under the provisions of Section 26 of the Food and Drugs Act,
1955, every registered medical practitioner attending on any person
shall, if he suspects or becomes aware that any person is suffering
from food poisoning, forthwith notify such case to the Medical
Officer of Health.
Fifty-four cases were notified and one case was otherwise
ascertained during the year.