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have been mounted, posters fixed on walls, and leaflets
distributed in an effort to stem the increase in dental disease,
all to no avail. These efforts have been sporadic, and there has
been no measurable change in attitude by the public to the care
of their mouths. Indeed the increase in the quantity and variety
of refined foods combined with the general lack of mouth care
has resulted in virtually the total population being affected by
dental disease. As this disease is largely preventable, a new
approach is necessary for public health authorities to bring
about the change in attitude necessary to at least limit dental
disease, as a prelude to full scale prevention.
The most effective feasible public health measure on record,
fluoridation of the water supplies, is still not available even
though it would reduce dental decay by at least 50%. Thus instead
of an automatic, low cost method of control, we must resort to a
health education programme, staffed by expensive personnel who
are in short supply, extending over at least two generations in
order to ensure sufficient change in attitude to enable us to begin
to control dental disease.
During 1972 a scheme was introduced which will be expanded
so that it eventually gives continuous coverage to all primary
school children, with constant reinforcement. It is based on the
full, annual school dental inspection programme which is a constant
reminder to parents and children that disease needs
constant care. It works in two phases.
A puppet show designed for infant school children illustrates
the evils of "Jimmy Germ" and extol Is the virtues of a healthy
mouth resulting from the combined attention of the toothbrush, the
dentist and elementary diet control (see photographs, centre pages).
The show was performed 51 times to an average audience of about
120 children. This paves the way for the second phase aimed at
junior school children. Groups of 10 to 12 children are asked to
use a disclosing medium to stain the debris (plaque) on teeth
which causes both tooth decay and gum disease. They are then
asked to remove the stain with toothbrush and toothpaste. The
use of a mirror during this process vividly illustrates the problem
and the method of control.
At the same time faults in toothbrushing technique and diet
in relation to mouth disease are discussed. 151 sessions of this
practical health education were given in 1972 by Miss E.Mutter,
the Dental Auxiliary, who suggested this method. Third year
students from the Royal Dental Hospital participated in some of