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173
This Table shows the volume of work carried out for the
expectant and nursing mothers and young children. The number
treated, attendances made, and the number of extractions are
slightly lower than last year. It is to be regretted that the amount
of conservative treatment also was less than in 1933, but it must
be pointed out that many mothers’ teeth are in such a poor state
that conservative treatment is often impossible.
During the vear 126 dentures were fitted, compared with 95
in the previous year; this is further proof of the defective state of
the mothers’ teeth.

The above Table shows that the percentage of mothers treated
during the early months of pregnancy is slightly lower than in
1933. In the period 4-6 months there is a marked reduction, and,
finally, in the last months of pregnancy, more mothers were
treated than in the previous year. For a dental scheme to be
effective in safeguarding the health of the unborn child the largest
percentage of mothers treated should be in the two earlier groups.
It is of great importance that immediately pregnancy is confirmed
patients should be dentally examined, and it is equally
important that dental sepsis, if present, should be removed without
delay. Imperfect nutrition arising from digestive derangement,
lowered resistance due to septic absorption, and loss of
sleep from toothache are some of the conditions which may arise
from dental neglect.
Unfortunately, a number of expectant mothers referred from
the Ante-Natal Centres for dental treatment in the early stages of
pregnancy have had to wait an undue time for an appointment,
and at the end of the year there were still 140 ante-natal cases
awaiting treatment.
When patients are referred for treatment after their first visit
to the medical officer they are quite prepared to have the necessary
treatment, but if a considerable period elapses before an