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14
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE
Report of the Principal School Dental Officer,P. G. Oliver,Esq.,L. D. S.
ttiis Service provides routine inspection and treatment for
those attending Borough Primary,Secondary,Technical and Special
Schools. A limited number of children from "grant aided" schools
approved hy the local Education Committee are also eligible for
treatment. In conjunction with the above Service facilities are
also provided for those referred under Health,Maternity Welfare
and Mental Deficiency Schemes. Particulars of work carried out
in connection with the former will be found in the appropriate
Report.
Introduction
The sale of biscuits,chocolates and sometimes toffee and
sweets to pupils at maintained schools during mid morning break
is causing concern among school dental officers. A recent survey
shows that purchases of this kind are now commonplace in many
Senior and Junior Departments and also at Grammar Schools in the
Borough. This practice appears also on the increase over the
whole country.
Whilst it should be obvious that the distribution of "sweetmeats"
of any kind is highly detrimental at such a time,the
inclusion of biscuits,because of their "starchy" content,is
also to be deplored.
"Fillers" of this type,though of small dietetic value,are
readily fermentable and by increasing the acidity in the mouth
hasten the destruction of the tooth enamel. Compared with the
eating of fruit they do not stimulate the corresponding volume
of beneficial saliva.
Because of the general worsening of the condition of children'
s teeth since general derationing took place,this further
incentive to sugar consumption on a national scale,can but add
to the burden of an understaffed dental service.
Though it is plain that children should not be expected to
endure long periods without reasonable nourishment,the need for
mid morning "snacks" should scarcely arise provided they have
taken a satisfactory breakfast. In this respect one cannot but
feel that the greater the apparent provision at school,the less
will be the quota of sustaining food consumed at home.